A world of wine and sunshine
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For centuries, Marlborough has offered safe harbour to travellers. First to Maori traders and war parties; then to European explorers, such as Captain James Cook and Dumont D’Urville; and now to visitors seeking new landscapes and rejuvenating experiences.
If you arrive in the region by sea or air, the intricate detail of the Marlborough Sounds engages your interest immediately. Maori legend describes the entire South Island as Maui’s waka (canoe), wrecked on a reef during a fishing expedition. The shattered bow of the canoe became the Sounds.
Marlborough basks in year-round sunshine, providing perfect conditions for walking, mountain biking, sea kayaking and vineyard explorations. It’s a region where you can pick a theme and follow it through. Focus your itinerary on outdoor adventures, vineyards and wineries, arts and crafts, history and gardens or marine pursuits. Better still, mix them up and experience a little of everything this beautiful region has to offer.
Key Features
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Vines and wines
Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest grape-growing and wine-making region. The broad, sweeping plains are home to about 70 wineries. Discover and enjoy on a self-drive, bicycle or guided tour. | |
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The Marlborough Sounds
Bordered by forest that rises almost vertically from the water’s edge, three drowned river valleys offer 1500 kilometres of sheltered beaches and waterways for sailing, cruising, kayaking, fishing and diving. | |
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Queen Charlotte Track
This spectacular walking track winds through 71 kilometres of native forest, along ridges and beside idyllic coves. Travel with a local guide to learn about the habitat and hear the local Maori legends. |
Key Tips
- Marlborough is blessed with a year-round sunny climate and regularly records the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand.
- Marlborough occupies the north eastern corner of the South Island, a scenic ferry ride from Wellington.
- The airports at Blenheim and Picton link Marlborough to all other major New Zealand destinations.
- Marlborough is the southern entry point for the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. It’s also the start of the Treasured Pathway touring route.
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Journals:
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Imbibe Marlborough
Sarah Hunter goes exploring in New Zealand’s fabulous Marlborough region, in search of fine wines, extra virgin olive oils and the characters who make them.
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The Queen Charlotte Walkway
Experience the Queen Charlotte Walkway in New Zealand’s picturesque Marlborough Sounds. Options from three hour bush walk to four day hike.
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newzealand.com pages:
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New Zealand Food and Wine
Take a gourmet journey through the North and South Islands and discover your appetite for New Zealand.
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Winter in Marlborough
Occasional winter frosts herald beautiful, calm, sunny days that are perfect for exploring world-renowned wineries or sheltered bays and waters of the magical Marlborough Sounds. Then make yourself cosy by an open fire, and savour a glass of local Pinot Noir and good company in the surroundings of a luxury resort.
MARLBOROUGH
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Population: 41,700
Area: 12,494km2
Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
Autumn is a season of glorious colours. The vine leaves and exotic trees are every shade of yellow, orange and gold.
Temperatures are typically mild; the daily average is 13°C.
It’s a great time to explore the flora and fauna of the region on a land or water eco-tour.
Coastal tracks, such as the Nydia or Queen Charlotte, are also a spectacular way to immerse yourself in nature.
Around the vineyards, mountain bikes make it easy to meander from one winery to the next.
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