The Marlborough Sounds contain a fifth of New Zealand's coastline and are a must-see for every visitor. A wonderful way of achieving this would be to go on a Greenshell Mussel Cruise. Alternatively, we suggest you drive to Picton, where water taxis are readily available to whisk you across the water for a day-trip or a Sounds restaurant of your choosing.
The region is world-famous for its myriad award-winning Sauvignon Blancs, with renowned labels like Cloudy Bay, Villa Maria, and St Clair, which are all a short drive from the cottage. While these are all worth a visit, you should not ignore the many smaller, beautifully-presented boutique wineries that produce some outstanding wines - there are some real superstars out there! Each tastes equally delicious from Brookby Ridge Cottage’s deck at sunset. Drive yourselves around, hire bikes or go on one of the many guided wine tours. You can choose between a half or full-day tour - Richard and I will help you make a decision. There are also a number of distilleries and breweries in the area.
There is a lot of outdoors in Marlborough, and walking (or tramping, as it's called in NZ) is a hugely popular activity with visitors from all over the world, and there are many spectacular walks to be had. The Queen Charlotte track is a lovely day's walking, and you can be dropped off by water-taxis from Picton & Havelock at the start point, or picked up by the same method at the end of your day when you're happy and weary.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/walking-and-tramping/
Spend time in the remarkable Sir Peter Jackson-supported Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (especially on those wet days) dedicated to the valiant men and their flying machines of WWI & WWII, and heralded as one of the southern hemisphere’s greatest small museums.
For golf enthusiasts, there are several nearby golf courses, both big and small. Clubs can be hired.
The local Farmers Market is on Sundays and is full of delicious local produce. The region is particularly known for plums, raspberries, strawberries, apricots, honey, pine nuts, saffron, wild game, and seafood.
http://www.marlboroughfarmersmarket.org.nz/
If you are a keen cyclist, there are a number of bike trails including Wither Hills Mountain Bike Park, Conders Bend, and Whites Bay. We also recommend a walk in Wither Hills Farm Park.
Alternatively, take the opportunity to chill out and let the world pass you by from the privacy of Brookby Ridge Cottage!