An exciting mix of gourmet indulgence and outdoor adventure awaits in a sunny natural paradise of forest-fringed inlets and wide plains crossed with neat rows of grapevines.
Situated in the northeast corner of the South Island, the Marlborough region encompasses the lush forests and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds as well as the drier plains around Blenheim. Picton, northern gateway to the region, is a pretty town at the head of the magnificent Queen Charlotte Sound. This is where ferries arrive from Wellington in the North Island. Great restaurants and accommodation make it an ideal base for relaxation or adventure activities. West of Picton, the sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds are perfect for water sports. Hidden in bush-lined coves are secluded lodges and exclusive retreats. On the sunny Wairau Plains to the south is Blenheim, the major town of Marlborough and centre of a thriving wine industry. New Zealand’s largest wine-making region, at last count Marlborough boasted at least 100 wineries with new ones regularly emerging. Visitors can enjoy sampling the local specialty at the cellar door or stop to savour a vineyard lunch. Beyond the wineries, the Wairau Plains offer numerous art and craft galleries, heritage attractions and outdoor adventures.
Delight in the charming seaside towns, vineyard hospitality and rural retreats, cruise the drowned river valleys that lead to open sea, fish in mountain-fed rivers or trek the rugged high country. Explore the dramatic Pacific coastline to the south and the lush native forest in the northern reaches. This is a place to indulge all of the senses.
Regional Highlights
Unforgettable Sights
Grapevines on golden hills Savour the sight while sipping a glass of wine. Ship Cove Historic anchorage of Captain James Cook and start of Queen Charlotte Track. www.naturetours.co.nz Underwater marine life Seen on a diving expedition in the Marlborough Sounds.
Adrenaline Rush
Dive the Mikhail Lermontov (Picton) Qualified divers can venture inside the biggest cruise ship to sink since the Titantic. www.godive.co.nz Mountain biking The 71 km Queen Charlotte Track boasts spectacular views. www.marlboroughsounds.co.nz Glider flight (Blenheim) Soar over the Wairau Plains and vineyards. glide_marl.tripod.com Marlborough Aero Club (Blenheim) Instructors can take you through the motions! phone +64 3 578 5073.
Relax & Indulge
Relax over a vineyard lunch With a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Cruising in the Marlborough Sounds From mussel farms in Kenepuru Sound to a twilight cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound. Spa treatment Indulge in a pampering treatment at a day spa. www.bayofmanycoves.co.nz or www.becspa.co.nz Relax at a luxury resort Relax on the beach, kayak or walk before enjoying a gourmet dinner. Fishing Head into the Marlborough Sounds for a spot of fishing in the sunshine. Picnic at Whites Bay White-sand beach popular for swimming.
Luxury
Indulge in a private cruise (Marlborough) Host special guests or enjoy a private holiday in the Sounds. www.thehelmsman.co.nz Wine tasting by Helicopter (Blenheim) Spectacular aerial views of the vineyards. www.windhawkhelicopters.com Timara Lodge (Blenheim) Known for fine wines and gourmet food. www.timara.co.nz
Culture
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (Blenheim) Multi-sensory world class experience of WWI aviation. www.omaka.org.nz Myths & Legends Eco-tours (Tutanekai) A Maori family shares local knowledge. www.eco-tours.co.nz
Natural New Zealand
Swimming with Dolphins (Picton) Join qualified marine biologists at Dolphin Watch Ecotours. www.naturetours.co.nz Driftwood Eco-tours Guided tour to see birdlife, beaches and historic sights. www.driftwoodecotours.co.nz
On a Budget
Wine tasting Visit some of the cellar doors in Marlborough. www.wine-marlborough.co.nz Marlborough Farmers Market (Blenheim) Local produce, cooked breakfasts and coffee. www.mfm.co.nz Makana Confections (Blenheim) Boutique chocolate factory. www.makana.co.nz
The Iconic Experience
Explore the Queen Charlotte Track – hike, bike, or kayak through native forest with incredible views – then relax with a tour of local wineries, visiting some of the 105 vineyards in this special area.
Dining & Shopping
Exclusive Dining
Hotel d’Urville (Blenheim) Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience with fine food, wonderful wines and excellent service. www.durville.com
Casual Dining
Bacchus Restaurant (Blenheim) Intimate evening dining with great service and innovative cuisine, phone +64 3 578 8099.
Café
Le Café (Picton) Great views over Marlborough Sounds, great coffee and fabulous food. www.lecafepicton.co.nz
Stylish Bar
Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar (Blenheim) Stylish bar and restaurant with outdoor sheltered seating. www.thecornerstone.co.nz
Cosy Pub
Cork & Keg (Renwick) The closest you’ll get to an Old English pub in the heart of wine country, phone +64 3 572 9328.
Culinary Experience
A wine tour (Blenheim) Sample local wines with Marlborough Wine Tours. www.marlboroughwinetours.co.nz
Shop or Gallery
Marlborough Millennium Gallery (Blenheim) The Art Gallery presents a high quality, varied programme of regular changing art exhibitions and events. www.marlboroughart.org.nz
Suggested Itineraries
3 days in Marlborough
Start Marlborough I Finish Marlborough
Spend Day 1 in the Marlborough Sounds, enjoying a peaceful sightseeing cruise. On Day 2, head along Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock and stop for lunch in this Greenshell Mussel capital! Drive inland through the wine-growing centre of Renwick to Blenheim. Make Day 3 a day of indulgence in the wineries, galleries and gardens of Blenheim and the Wairau Plains.
5 days in Marlborough
Start Marlborough I Finish Marlborough
Begin by exploring the Queen Charlotte, Pelorus, and Kenepuru Sounds on a cruise, see marine mammals and birdlife, and soak in the views. Overnight in a lodge and wake to sea views. On Day 2, get active! Sea kayak around secluded bays cloaked in native bush, be guided into fabulous fishing spots, walk or mountain bike the breathtaking Queen Charlotte or Nydia Tracks, and at night look up through clear air to a sky ablaze with stars. On Day 3, take the stunning Queen Charlotte Drive, then head inland. Explore nature trails, sample tasty foods at gourmet food producers, and enjoy beautiful gardens. Overnight at a boutique B&B or quirky hotel. On Day 4, indulge in a guided tour of New Zealand’s foremost wine-growing area. On Day 5, visit craft workshops, artists in their studios, and discover Marlborough’s modern art scene at excellent galleries. Don’t miss the lifelike displays and international treasures at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
Road Trip
Queen Charlotte Drive Narrow, twisty and slow, it offers stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds.
Transport
Airports
Blenheim Airport is the main airport servicing Marlborough with domestic flights from a range of New Zealand destinations. Koromiko Airport near Picton offers Sounds Air services to Wellington and Kaikoura. The region has no direct international flights.
Roads
Blenheim is four hours’ drive from Christchurch and one hour, 30 minutes from Nelson. It is a 20-minute drive from Blenheim to Picton. There is a good choice of rental car companies, while numerous coaches and shuttles service the area.
Rail
Tranz Scenic operates a service from Christchurch to Picton (TranzCoastal).
Ferries
Interislander and Bluebridge link Picton with Wellington in the North Island.
Water Taxis
An essential transport option for isolated lodges and resorts.
Further Information
Destination Marlborough
Trade Contact Rachael Brown
Phone +64 3 577 5523
Fax +64 3 577 5530
Email info@destinationmarlborough.com
www.destinationmarlborough.com
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