Marlborough

New Zeland

Te Tau Ihu

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.
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