Explore Marlborough - A Gourmet Paradise
Stunning Marlborough - not only legendary for its seafood, food & wine, the region offers a wide range of leisure activities for the perfect Kiwi holiday. From scenic flights by plane or helicopter, kayaking the Pelorus River, trekking through the Marlborough Sounds, bike the cycle trails, gourmet wine & food tours, scenic boat cruising, fishing and water sports. With a range of unique accommodation and the relaxed lifestyle, Marlborough is enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.
The Marlborough Sounds - The Marlborough Sounds is a maze-like landscape of steeply-sided inlets, peninsulas and islands at the top of the South Island. It is a favourite location for sailing, kayaking and fishing and has some great multi-day walking and cycling trails; the Queen Charlotte Track being the most famous of these. Many accommodation places are only accessible by boat, providing exclusive retreats where you can get away from it all. Water taxis are available throughout the region.
Wine Region – Marlborough is internationally recognised for it’s Sauvignon Blanc, and Marlborough is the largest winemaking region in New Zealand. Choose from 60+ wineries where tastings are available at their cellar door. Guided wine and food tours are the best way to experience this considerable region.
Blenheim – Blenheim is renowned for its vineyards, craft beer and gourmet culture. Food, wine and brewery tours are a popular activity for visitors. Blenheim is a favoured location for conferences and weddings. The town has large, modern conference venues, and several wedding planners provide local services. The town of Blenheim has a new art gallery, a theatre, art, craft and antique shops, fine restaurants, and cafes. On the outskirts of the town is a classic car museum and aviation heritage museum.
Picton – Picton is the main port for the Interisland ferries which connect the North & South Islands. It is extremely popular for hiking, cycling, sailing, sea kayaking and eco-tours. Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, and offers a range of accommodation for stop overs and Marlborough holidays. Picton has a range of cafes, bars and restaurants that are entertaining to visit. Wine and food tours of surrounding vineyards and restaurants can be booked easily. There are many craftspeople around the Picton area, including carvers, potters, glass artists and jewellers. Craft galleries and gift shops within the town have some excellent work for sale.
Havelock - Havelock, at the head of Pelorus Sound, is known as the green-lipped mussel capital of New Zealand, in recognition of its place within the aquaculture industry. Boat tours of mussel farms are a must for visitors. Fishing charters and sea kayaking are also common, which offer the chance to see seals, dolphins, whales and penguins. Land-based tours include nature reserves and areas of archaeological interest. There is a range of visitor accommodation to choose from.
Food & Dining - No matter what time of year you visit, produce from the Marlborough region is always in season. Springtime brings asparagus and strawberries; Summer abounds with cherries, berries and stone fruit; Autumn brings apples, olives and the wine harvest, while Winter is the time for hearty vegetables. And all year round, the region's seafood crayfish, blue cod, snapper, salmon, greenshell mussels and scallops can be enjoyed with Marlborough's superb wines.
The Pelorus River - The crystal clear waters of the Pelorus River, and the iconic bridge above was the film location of the barrel scene in The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug. The pure river cuts through a rocky gorge, surrounded by lush green native beech forest. A superb way to explore the river is on a guided kayak tour.
The Wairau River – One of the longest rivers in the South island, the Wairau River is abundant with salmon and brown trout, making it an anglers paradise. There are many fishing lodges along the banks of the river where guests can try their luck at catching a delicacy. It is illegal to buy or sell trout in New Zealand, so catching your own is only way to taste it.
Accommodation in Marlborough – This region offers a diverse range of accommodation options; from luxury vineyard cottages to affordable hostels, hotels, motels and holiday parks. The Marlborough Sounds is truly magical, and each accommodation property provides a unique experience.
Start planning your trip to beautiful Marlborough
