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.
Start the day with a locally roasted coffee before taking a kayaking trip and watching dolphins frolicking in the sparkling Marlborough Sounds. Visit world-class attraction Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Walk the Wither Hills or visit the vineyards and taste new vintage wines on offer.
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.
Browse our collection of images to see what the region has to offer:
A world of wine and sunshine
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
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.
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.
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.
Related Links
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.
www.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.
Follow the wine trail for tastings and beautiful rural scenery.
Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
Winter in Marlborough is typically crisp, calm and sunny. Daytime temperatures range from 10 to 15°C. Cool nights under clear skies are usually followed by frosty mornings and glorious days.
Take care on the roads – they can be icy in the early mornings.
It’s perfect weather for fishing. Catch blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds or cast for trout on the snow-fed rivers in the hinterland.
Forest, hill and coastal walkways are less crowded at this time – fill your lungs with Marlborough’s fresh air.
