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Marlborough - Regional Information

Marlborough | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Fine wine and fine scenery—Marlborough will quickly put you in an excellent mood. Follow your passion for the good life through the tranquil countryside.

Featured Tourism Operators in Marlborough

Marlborough Overview

Marlborough, New Zealand

The Marlborough region is situated on the north-eastern corner of the South Island, due west of Wellington.

Marlborough is blessed with a year-round sunny climate and regularly records the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand.

Marlborough is New Zealand's largest grape growing and wine making region with 65 wineries, 290 grape growers and 4,054 hectares in grape production. Nearly all of the wineries welcome visitors for tasting sessions and many have a cafe or restaurant on site. Sauvignon Blanc is the region's specialty, but wines made with Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are also highly acclaimed.

Wine trail maps make it easy to find your way around the vineyards. Boutique Bed and Breakfast accommodation can be found throughout the wine growing area.

Marlborough Highlights

Before the wine industry came along, Marlborough's fame lay with its sounds—sunken valleys that are home to all kinds of wonderful bird and sea life, including terns, shags, blue penguins, dolphins and seals. Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds can be explored by boat—ferry, runabout, luxury charter launch or kayak. Admire the spectacular scenery where bush and mountains rise straight from the sea, and secret coves beckon you for a swim.

Queen Charlotte Track is another way to appreciate the intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. The 67 kilometre track passes through lush coastal forest, around coves and inlets, and along skyline ridges offering breathtaking views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.

Guided trout fishing and hunting tours are other ways to appreciate the beauty of the Marlborough landscape. The average brown trout in this region weighs between one to three kilograms, depending on the fishing ground.

Main Centres in Marlborough

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Wine tasting in Marlborough

Wine Tasting, Marlborough
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)

Blenheim - the main town of Marlborough and a central base for vineyard visits
Picton - Marlborough's main commercial port and access to Queen Charlotte Sound
Havelock - the gateway to the Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds
Renwick - just minutes from Blenheim, another good base to explore the wine region
Wairau Valley - a place to stop en route to the Nelson Lakes National Park
Seddon - traditionally a farming area, now known for its craftspeople and gardens
Kekerengu - nestled on the East Coast on the way to Kaikoura with its own blend of attractions

Useful Marlborough Links

To help plan your Marlborough holiday choose from the main categories below:

Marlborough Region Information

Regional Information
Key information and facts about the Marlborough region.

Activity Highlights
Major activities and attractions in the Marlborough region.

Scenic Highlights
Major natural attractions in the Marlborough region.

History
History of the Marlborough region.

Marlborough Tourism Operators

Choose from our accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below to find a tourism operator in Marlborough.

Transport
Visitor Information

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Qualmark

For your perfect New Zealand holiday, make sure you look for accommodation and experiences which carry the Qualmark. (more)