Top Marlborough scenic highlights
Marlborough is a region of picturesque contrasts: broad river valleys dotted
with wineries, soaring mountains, historic buildings, native forest, isolated
beaches, rivers and idyllic waterways.
Selected highlights at a glance
The magic of the Marlborough Sounds
Reaching out into the Pacific Ocean like the fingers of a welcoming hand, the
Marlborough Sounds is made up of the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds.
This collection of drowned river valleys is a natural wonder, created when the
mountains sank in earth movements and the sea flooded into the valleys.
Bordered by forested hills rising almost vertically from the water's edge, the
sounds are a true scenic highlight. They can be explored from either Picton or
Havelock. You can sail, kayak or motor around the beaches, coves and inlets. Charming
restaurants and accommodation lodges make your stay unforgettable.
About eight kilometres east of Picton is Karaka Point. As well as stunning views
of Queen Charlotte Sound, you'll see the ramparts and pits of an early Maori pa.
The pa has a sad history. It was stormed by Ngai Tahu in the early 1700s and the
chief (Te Karaka) was killed, leaving survivors to merge with Ngai Tahu. In the
1820s, the Te Ati Awa tribe attacked the pa with muskets and the fortifications
were burned to the ground.
The story of Tuhirangi, otherwise known as Pelorus Jack
Tuhirangi was the taniwha who guided Kupe's ship from Hawaiki, the ancestral
home of the Maori people. On arrival in Aotearoa, Tuhirangi took up residence
in the dangerous waters at Te Au-miti (French Pass). He lives in a cave known
as Kaikaiawaro.
In the late 19th century, a white dolphin frequented a stretch of water just
north of French Pass. The dolphin regularly met and accompanied passing ships.
Maori people naturally recognised the dolphin as Tuhirangi, while the European
settlers called it Pelorus Jack.
The vineyard landscape of the Wairau Plain.
Once a farming landscape, this expansive plain is now home to the largest grape
growing and wine-making area in New Zealand. The region's soil types, abundant
sunshine, long autumns and crisp winters have proved to be the ingredients needed
to produce world class wines. The orderly vineyards are beautifully framed by
mountain ranges.
The Wither Hills, between the Dashwood and Taylor passes, are directly to the
south of Blenheim. They have a wind-blown, golden beauty that contrasts with the
bright blue of Marlborough's skies. A network of walking tracks invites you to
wander for a day.
The Pacific Coast Highway
This stunning driving route to Kaikoura wedges itself between the coastal mountain
ranges and the ocean. Wide-open seascapes, rolling sand dunes and untamed beaches
are flanked by rugged mountains.
Lake Grassmere is a man-made scenic highlight. The ponds of evaporating sea water
(sometimes pink and purple) are New Zealand's main source of salt.
Check out the seal colony in the untamed isolation of Ward Beach or follow a
side road for a back-country safari into the hinterland.
Queen Charlotte Drive and the road to French Pass
West from Picton is the famed Queen Charlotte Drive, an incredibly scenic way
to drive to Havelock and Nelson. This road wends its way through native forest,
offering frequent views of the inner Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds.
For a totally escapist experience, take the road to French Pass with its tiny
shoreside settlement and the nearby island of D'Urville. Separated by a unique
tidal pass, these two communities offer picture-book scenery, superb fishing,
peace and quiet. The road to French Pass begins at Rai Valley.
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Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
Spring is the season for exploring Marlborough's gardens, parks and highly scenic golf-courses. In November, gardeners will be drawn to the region's showcase event – Hunters Garden Marlborough, a celebration of gardens and gourmet lifestyles. Guided tours will take you to spectacular gardens in the high-country, on the fertile river plains and along the coastal margins. The landscape, which is bleached golden for much of the year, is at its greenest.
| You can walk or bike for days through native forests with views across the Marlborough Sounds |
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| Your love of wine and food will draw you to Marlborough, where vineyards stretch into the distance. |
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