Places to Explore – Experience the stunning beauty of Marlborough

Places to Explore – in Marlborough and the top of the South Island

Marlborough is a region of spectacular scenery ranging in diversity from the rugged, majestic mountains and native bush tracks, braided stony-bottomed rivers flowing through wide valleys lined with vineyards and wineries, through to the stunning clear turquoise waters of the Marlborough Sounds. Such variety offers many opportunities to discover and enjoy a wide range of experiences.

Lake Rotoiti Marlborough enjoys an outstanding climate. The sunniest region of New Zealand , occasional winter frosts herald clear, sunny days, and summer weather is warm, dry and settled.

The moderate climate offers ideal conditions for grape-growing, and with more than 60 wineries and over 4000 hectares of vineyards Marlborough is New Zealand ’s foremost winemaking region. The Marlborough wine industry continues to expand and win international accolades.

Aquaculture is also an important industry for the region, with mountain-fed rivers, and the sheltered waters of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, producing a Bountiful variety of fresh seafood including Greenshell mussels, oysters, paua, salmon, fresh water crayfish, and trout.

To match the scenery and the vineyards, there are many opportunities to relax and enjoy good food and wine in world-class restaurants and cafes at locations within the vineyards or overlooking the sparkling waters of the Marlborough Sounds.

For those with an interest in art and craft there are many galleries exhibiting work by local artists and fascinating craft studios scattered throughout the Marlborough region.

Here are just a few of our recommendations. Talk to us for more detailed information about the many attractions and activities available in the Marlborough region.

Picton – Gateway to the South Island and the Marlborough Sounds.

Picton Township

This attractive small seaport at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound is the entry point for inter-island ferries.

A relaxed holiday atmosphere pervades the town.

Picton has some excellent restaurants, cafés and bars. There are easy bush walks giving views over the town and Queen Charlotte Sound.

At the waterfront, water taxis and tour operators provide access to activities in the Marlborough Sounds. You can take a scenic flight, or cruise the Sounds, go dolphin watching, swimming, fishing, diving, or sailing.

The Edwin Fox

The 9th oldest ship in the world, the Edwin Fox is located at the Dunbar wharf drydock, Picton. The adjacent Edwin Fox Maritime Museum contains an interesting selection of Maori and early European artifacts.

Sounds Air

Sounds Air is a locally owned and operated airline based at Picton Airport, in the heart of Marlborough, New Zealand.

Sounds Air links the North and South Islands between Wellington, Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura and Nelson.

Visit the website for booking…

Marlborough Sounds

With 1500 km’s of coastline, the Marlborough Sounds are an unspoilt hideaway steeped in history – Maori traders and war parties, and explorers like Captain James Cook and Dumont d’Urville.

Here you can walk one of the classic New Zealand walkways, the Queen Charlotte Track.

Queen Charlotte Track

Good accommodation, food and wine are available at locations along the way, and the track can be walked in sections, joining or leaving the walkway by water taxi or regular boat services at several points.

Dolphin Watch EcoTours

Owned and operated by highly-qualified marine biologists, Dolphin Watch Ecotours invites you to experience the very best of the Marlborough Sounds. Those looking for the thrill of a lifetime can Swim With Dolphins! We specialize in Scenic Wildlife Cruises and guided or independent walks at Historic Ship Cove (on the Queen Charlotte Track) or Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary where you’ll be amazed at the abundant and vocal native bird life.

Havelock – Greenshell Mussel Capital of NZ and gateway to Pelorus Sounds.

A spectacular 45min scenic drive from Picton westward along the Queen Charlotte Drive which winds around the shoreline of Queen Charlotte Sound takes you to Havelock , a picturesque historic colonial town with boutique art and craft galleries, and good eateries.

Famous scientists Lord Rutherford (split the atom) and Sir Pickering (US pioneering space & satellite scientist) both went to school in Havelock, there is an informative memorial in the town centre.
Find out more information about Havelock.

The Greenshell Mussel Cruise departs from Havelock marina daily (1 Nov – 31 March) at 1.30pm for an afternoon cruise through the Pelorus and Keneperu Sounds. As part of the cruise we visit a mussel farm where you will be served the freshest steamed mussels with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. A fabulous wine and food match in a beautiful part of Marlborough.

Blenheim – The main regional town.

An early colonial settlement from around 1840, Blenheim is now at the centre of the wine industry. There are art galleries, attractive gardens, river walks and cruises.

Marlborough museum and Beavertown (a replica of early colonial Blenheim), both located in the Brayshaw Museum Park allow you to step back in time. There are also comprehensive Vintage Car and Farm Machinery exhibits.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is one of Marlborough ’s major visitor attractions.

This multi-sensory experience contains one of the world’s largest private collections of WW1 aircraft and memorabilia, with spectacularly realistic stage sets and flyable planes.

Makana Chocolate Factory

Hand-made chocolates and other natural temptations are perfect for special occasions, or a wonderfully special self-indulgent treat. Gift giving is so easy with Makana Confections!

Corner of O’Dwyers Road & Rapaura Road, Picton

Website: www.makana.co.nz

Awatere Valley

Southwest of Blenheim, in the heartland of Marlborough, the Awatere valley rises to the region’s highest peak, Mount Tapue-o-Uenuku, central to Maori legend. Sir Edmund Hillary first climbed this mountain before going on to climb Everest years later.

This valley has its own distinct climate and is frost-free in the lower reaches, producing wines with differing qualities to the Wairau Plains.

Wairau Plains

Spreading outwards from Blenheim, this is the heart of the renowned Marlborough Wine Region Wine.

Tastings of the latest vintage and gourmet dining alfresco amongst the vines are combined attractions at many locations throughout the area.

Talk to us for more information and recommendations.

East Coast

The drive south along the rugged east coast road from Blenheim offers spectacular scenery and views of the Kaikoura ranges with some mountains snow-capped throughout the year.

Visit the solar salt works at Lake Grassmere Salt Ponds. Stop for refreshments at the Tearooms at Ward, or The Store at Kekerengu where the foothills of the Kaikoura Range meet the sea, before travelling on towards Kaikoura.

Kaikoura – Whale watching capital of New Zealand.

Kaikoura is about 90 minutes drive along the east coast from Blenheim, Kaikoura is nestled between majestic snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

A historic settlement noted for its abundant fishing grounds, major attractions include whale watching, swimming with dolphins and a walking track to the Fur Seal colonies.

Whalewatch Kaikoura

A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales.

Kaikoura often hosts the world’s largest dolphin – the Orca – and is home to the world’s smallest and rarest – the Hector’s. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand.

Discover Marlborough
A great range of information about Marlborough activities, events, dining, wineries, art, and business directory.

100% Pure NZ
The official site of Tourism New Zealand

Flat Earth New Zealand Experiences – guided tours
For a boutique range of full day or half day guided tours of Wellington City’s best loved sights and attractions, and guided Lord of the Rings tour.