Make Marlborough your favourite destination!
For visitors to the region, Marlborough is an exciting vacation destination that provides an exhilarating and varied range of attractions and activities. From enjoying a glass of our world-famous Sauvignon Blanc at one the region's numerous wineries to swimming with dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds, the region offers a multitude of recreational delights.
If you enjoy sea-kayaking or scenic boat tours, visits to formal gardens or hiking through native bush, Marlborough is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the finer things in life. For the eco-tourist and nature-lover, the region provides numerous opportunities to see some of our wildlife close up. Dolphins, seals, shags, blue penguins abound throughout the Sounds and along the coastline to Kaikoura. Native birds such as tui, bellbirds, fantails and the native kingfisher can be encountered throughout the region, especially in areas covered in native bush.
It's a fact - did you know this about Marlborough?
THE GRASSLANDS
In 1847 Frederick Weld landed 2,500 sheep at Port Underwood. Driving them south, he crossed the Awatere River arriving at Flaxbourne, where he established the first extensive Merino sheep run in the South Island. Within three years the grasslands as far as the Kaikoura Ranges had been occupied by squatters. A decade later, control of the grasslands by a mere 50 or so run-holders was confirmed with leaseholds at nominal rentals.
In 1847 Frederick Weld landed 2,500 sheep at Port Underwood. Driving them south, he crossed the Awatere River arriving at Flaxbourne, where he established the first extensive Merino sheep run in the South Island. Within three years the grasslands as far as the Kaikoura Ranges had been occupied by squatters. A decade later, control of the grasslands by a mere 50 or so run-holders was confirmed with leaseholds at nominal rentals.
Fit for a Queen
For a taste of real adventure, a walk or cycle along Marlborough's Queen Charlotte Track offers you the experience of a lifetime. Whether you join a tour or go it alone, this is an experience you'll never forget.
Stroll On
A stroll alongside the Taylor River near Blenheim's town centre is easily accessible and is ideal for a gentle and undemanding walk. Take your camera and some bread to feed the ducks.
Kaikoura Magic
With stunning views to snow-capped mountains, the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is one of the most popular half-day tracks in New Zealand, passing near a New Zealand fur seal breeding colony.
Pic of the Week