Marlborough is globally recognised as a highly sought after destination for those seeking natural beauty, award-winning vineyards and gourmet experiences.
In the local Maori language, Marlborough is known as “Kei put ate Wairau” (meaning “Place with a hole in the cloud”). Situated at the top of the South Island, this is the jewel in the heart of New Zealand.
Marlborough is a region of spectacular beauty where water, wine and wilderness combine to create a relaxing escape. It is the home of the Marlborough Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Track and 40 winery cellar doors. From the vineyards of Blenheim to Picton, the gateway of the Marlborough Sounds, this region has one of the sunniest and warmest climates in New Zealand – ideal for the stunning vineyards that produce 70% of New Zealand’s wine and is home of the world renown Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy local fare matched to their famous wines – you are going to love Marlborough.
The Marlborough Sounds is Nature’s paradise. Local EcoTour cruises search for Dolphins and Orcas. The thick forests can be explored on foot or by mountain bike and kayaks will take you to the numerous stunning coves around the Sounds. Learn about our Heritage and traditions with a visit to the local Marae or seek out the whales and seals near Kaikoura.
The region has many Conference venues to suit any grade of meeting. Accommodation and tours can be built around these.
Video courtesy of Destination Marlborough
Marlborough Events
Marlborough is the host of several renowned annual events:
- Marlborough Food and Wine Festival (February)
- Havelock Mussel Festival (March)
- Classic Fighters Air Show (alternate Easters, next 2025)
- Vineyard Half Marathon (May)
- Garden Marlborough (November)
Marlborough can really create those magical memories!
How to get to Marlborough
FERRY: A harbour in Picton welcomes travellers from the scenic ferry cruise through the Sounds from Wellington, on the North Island.
DRIVE: Marlborough is a scenic and relaxing 300km drive from Christchurch.
FLY: Blenheim’s refurbished airport will be first base for those who wish to fly in. Average flight-times to Blenheim:
- Wellington to Blenheim is 25 minutes;
- Christchurch to Blenheim is 50 minutes;
- Auckland to Blenheim is 1 hour, 25 minutes.
Blenheim and Marlborough Activities
Adventurous
Hiking trails abound in the Marlborough region. The Queen Charlotte Track in the Sounds is perhaps the most famous and includes forests and coves of stunning beauty. You can walk or bike the entire 71kms or break away at any time and take a water taxi back to base. Many other trails snake their way through the forests of the Pelorus and Wairau valleys and many of these are also used by Mountain Bike enthusiasts in the right season.
The terrain varies and bikes can be hired and even transported together with your gear between overnight stops if you choose to walk a section. Accommodation along the track varies between simple camps near a beach or even staying in boutique lodges. Kayaking is a popular way to explore the numerous bays and coves of the Sounds or along the coastline. Diving is popular to search for your quota of seafood both in the sea and from the craggy depths of the Sounds. The daredevils can get their thrills by Skydiving or Paragliding. In winter, the Rainbow Ski field is a 90 minute drive up the Wairau Valley.
The More Sedate
Three Golf courses are available for those who cannot go on holiday without their clubs and Sea Fishing, River Fishing and Fly fishing are all popular sports in the region.
Pest-free Bird sanctuaries in the Sounds and at the Wairau Bar will thrill the Bird Watchers and Sailing is a sedate way to explore the four Marlborough Sounds. Yachts and motor launches of up to 16m are available for charter. Enjoy the thrill of off-roading on a 4 wheel drive safari through the mountains and farms. You can even Cycle around the vineyards and linger over your tasting. And if you are a Lord of the Rings fan, don’t forget to visit the place along the Pelorus River where the Dwarfs from the epic Hobbit movie escaped in wine barrels from their evil tormentors.
Flights
Scenic Flights around the entire Marlborough area can be arranged in chartered Fixed Wing Planes, Helicopters or Float Planes around the Sounds. Or spoil yourself in a tranquil Tandem Glider, soaring through the thermals before landing at your chosen destination.
If you like the open air and the wind in your face, a scenic flight in a vintage Boeing Stearman open cockpit Bi-plane will give you the thrill of a lifetime.
Museums & Culture
If history is your forte, then the Omaka Air Museum, home of the world famous Omaka Classic Fighters biennial airshow, must be visited. The Blenheim Museum contains exhibits relating to the early Wine activities in the province and the local Marae will expand your knowledge of Maori Culture.
Arts & Crafts and Gourmet Local Produce
Various Marlborough-based artists have joined together to form an Arts Trail in the region and welcome visitors to their studios. We have painters, potters, traditional Maori artists and the sewing arts etc. Many local gourmet food producers (honey, liqueurs, craft beers, olive oils, nuts, preserves etc.) are happy to discuss their skills with visitors.
And if you just want to wander, then we can take you on a scenic and informative drive around the region, showing you the best of Marlborough’s sights and explaining the history and anecdotes of the area. A glass of wine is always tempting!
CONTACT US now to enquire about YOUR activity and the costs.