Marlborough is surrounded by mountain ranges to its west, south and east. Not only does this provide the wine-growing region with spectacular views, but it is more protected from bad weather. Luckily for visitors and locals, the Marlborough region is blessed with more sunshine than any other New Zealand region.
Marlborough is home to the towns of Blenheim and Picton. These towns provide essential gateways to the region's most visited attractions - the famous Marlborough wineries and the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. If you are planning to sample the famous Marlborough wines then a visit to Blenheim simply cannot be skipped. Along with a plethora of wineries to choose from, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and golf courses conveniently located in the heart of Blenheim. Further north, the stunning port town of Picton is your gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. From Picton visitors can depart on their Marlborough Sounds adventure or stay and enjoy the local seaside restaurants serving up some of the best fresh seafood you’ll find. Local tour operators in Picton can also take you kayaking, mountain biking or fishing.
No matter what type of traveller you are, there is something for everyone in Marlborough. For those who enjoy the finer things in life, we suggest to stay at or enjoy a meal in the luxury accommodation on the Bay of Many Coves. If you’d like to add a little extra adventure to your wine tasting experience, jump on a pushbike for a bike the wineries tour.
If water activities are your go-to when on holiday then we recommend kayaking on the Pelorus River or even swimming with the dolphins! The Marlborough Sounds also has great deep sea fishing expeditions where visitors can catch Snapper, Blue Cod and Groper. For those who would rather someone else do the catching, seafood lovers can enjoy fresh seafood straight from the water on a seafood cruise through the sounds. On your cruise, you will be treated with a selection of seafood including King Salmon, clams and mussels matched with a local Sauvignon Blanc.
For the history fan or aviation buff, a visit to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is on the cards. Get up and close with the New Zealand aircraft used in WW1 and WW2 along with Peter Jackson’s own rare collection. Those seeking a New Zealand cultural experience should visit a local Maori marae to see a traditional welcome and get the opportunity to sample Maori food.
For the lovers of the outdoors, we suggest one of Marlborough’s famous hiking trails. The Nydia Track is a two-day trek with an overnight stay in Nydia Lodge or Nydia campground. If you loved to immerse yourself in untouched remote landscapes it’s time to tick the Nydia Track off your list.
Arguably the most famous New Zealand hike is the Queen Charlotte Track. What makes this hike so special is its ability to cater to different levels of adventure. On the 70 kilometres, Queen Charlotte Track visitors can choose how long they’d like to trek, however it is most common to complete the hike in 4 to 5 days. To add a touch of ‘comfort’ to the multi-day journey visitors can also choose to have their luggage transferred, only having to hike with a small day pack. If that still doesn’t sound appealing enough, you can enjoy the real royal treatment with several fine dining and accommodation options available on the Queen Charlotte Trek.
Looking to get away from it all and enjoy some rest and relaxation? D’Urville Island is the perfect sanctuary to indulge in a little ‘me time’. An added bonus to please the bird watchers out there D’Urville Island is also famous for its large inhabitants of native bird species that include tui, bellbirds, native robins, weka and kaka.
From winery tours to deep fishing expeditions and multi-day hikes, the Marlborough region has it all! Find your perfect Marlborough adventure on Gifting Owl or give a gift voucher to a loved one visiting soon.