THE JOLLY POACHER RETREAT Fishing Cottage

The Jolly Poacher Retreat Cottages completed in (January 2020). These themed 60 sq metre units are located in a quiet, rural setting along a one way street which is surrounded by Marlborough’s world famous vineyards. This farming 5 Acre properties original house was built in 1947. We are both avid gardeners, using organic practices where possible, we will place the freshest of food on your plate from our garden and orchard, should you require a meal, please advise us in advance. Our plan is to one day be able to host garden tours in our lovely setting. During the summer months the private Salt Water swimming pool and loungers are available for your enjoyment anytime. The fully covered Entertainment Area consists of BBQ, Pizza Oven, Teppanyaki Cooker, and Large Open Fire with comfortable seating. This joins onto the “Dave’s Man Cave” with old style bar, pool table, dart board, 50” LCD TV, hunting & sporting memorabilia, Classic Car, a place to relax and embellish on old stories. There are several park benches, hammocks, tables and chairs around the property where you can relax with music a drink or a book in your own space. The car parking area is directly opposite your cottage in a very secure area. We can also accommodate trucks/boats/horse floats, in our lighted back car park. (We will be a security gated property in the near future). Helen & Dave can be found on the property each day, maintaining and improving the Gardens, and Amenities. We can attend to your needs be it food or drink, (See Menu.) Marlborough is the wine capital of New Zealand, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc wines, which have put the region on the world map. Wairau Valley is a large plain flanked on the North by the beautiful, blue Richmond Ranges and to the South by the spectacular Wither Hills. There are a raft of attractions to enjoy in our region, and as your hosts we are happy to help you in the planning of your day, so your Marlborough experience will exceed all expectations. Marlborough Equestrian Park – Is located just a few hundred metres further on up the road from us, Show Jumping, Dressage, Cross Country Events are held here regularly throughout the year. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre – houses an outstanding exhibition of WW1 aircraft and artefacts along with lifelike scene recreations done by Weta Workshops. Every second year the Classic Fighters Air show is held at Easter. Makana Chocolate Shop- Just 5km from the Retreat, if you indulge in chocolate this is your naughty place. A boutique factory where you can see products manufactured behind glass, free samples and purchases to indulge yourself while on holiday. Omaka Classic Car Museum – houses a range of cars from the 1950’s through to the 1980’s and is a great spot for enthusiasts to visit. Garden Visiting – Marlborough has world class, private gardens that can be enjoyed and visited by appointment. Local Wineries – with 168 wineries (statistics 2017), and many with wonderful restaurants all within minutes of each other, you can self-drive, or cycle the wine trail. Wine tours by bike - self guided bike hire where you set your own pace to explore, discover, taste and indulge among the beautiful boutique cellar doors of Renwick. Free pickup and drop-off service, choice of tandems and single bikes. We will be on hand at the start to pass on our local knowledge and offer suggestions to help you, but you get to choose how far you want to bike, who you want to visit and where you want to stop for lunch. Classic Car Wine Tours - private and personalised wine & sightseeing tours. Choose your own locations to visit or let us take you to some of the best locations Marlborough has to offer. Enjoy a great day out cruising in Marlborough in your choice of Classic Car. Explore Marlborough. A guided Marlborough wine tour will give you unique insights into Marlborough wine. Explore the roads (and rows) less travelled, visit cellar doors with remarkable stories, and try sublime wines amid the vines. The Vines Village is a collection of boutique stores, a must visit destination for lovers of wine, food, art & design. Golf Courses – There are 7 Golf Courses and a driving range in Marlborough, (all within a 20Km radius) the “Green Fees” are extremely reasonable compared to overseas. Our closest is Rarangi Golf Club just 9km or 8 minutes’ away. Walking paths – Wither Hills Farm Park has tracks for all fitness levels, and superb views over the whole Wairau plains and out to sea. Visit the town of Picton. Just 24km, Catch the water taxi in Picton (20 minutes away) and visit Lochmara Lodge or Bay of Many Coves Resort for lunch, while enjoying cruising in the Queen Charlotte Sound, or catch the Marlborough Flyer Steam Train this restored heritage steam train from a bye gone era chugs along steep terrain through Para wetlands to Blenheim and returns to Picton, soon to travel to Kaikoura and return. (You must prebook online). Queen Charlotte Track. Offers many walks of varying lengths and challenge. The hikes offer a great way to experience the natural beauty of the track and the spectacular views of the Sounds. Visit the town of Havelock. Just 30 minutes away and famed for its Greenshell Mussels. At the Marina you can take a 3 hour cruise into the Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds and visit a Mussel farm or you could enjoy lunch at the Slip Inn Cafe, right in the marina watching boats coming and going. Marlborough Tour Company – luxury tours and cruises of the Marlborough region, featuring the best wine, seafood and scenery Marlborough has to offer. Led by experienced local guides, focused on your enjoyment. We have 2 E Bikes, for your enjoyment (or pain) cycle to the winery and back, these are free.