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 WAIRAU INCIDENT
In 1843 the impetuous and ill-advised efforts of the New Zealand Company's Nelson leaders to acquire the Wairau Plains as a site for rural holdings led to the disastrous incident known as the Wairau massacre. Te Rauparaha and his brother-in-law disputed the ownership of the land and Maori interfered with the survey of the land. A detachment from Nelson was sent to sort out the situation, resulting in the killing of several leading settlers and a subsequent period of unrest.
In 1843 the impetuous and ill-advised efforts of the New Zealand Company's Nelson leaders to acquire the Wairau Plains as a site for rural holdings led to the disastrous incident known as the Wairau massacre. Te Rauparaha and his brother-in-law disputed the ownership of the land and Maori interfered with the survey of the land. A detachment from Nelson was sent to sort out the situation, resulting in the killing of several leading settlers and a subsequent period of unrest.
Lifestyle Choice
Discover the attraction of Blenheim's idyllic location with a walk through the Wither Hills Farm Park, which offers some excellent views over Blenheim, the Wairau Plains and across Cloudy Bay toward Cook Strait.
Maori Culture
The region's Maori have a rich history and culture. Enjoy the warmth of Maori hospitality and retrace the footsteps of their ancestors and explain how traditional values fit into contemporary lifestyles.
Seen from Above
Experience the thrill of floatplane flying and enjoy the wonder and beauty the Marlborough Sounds region has to offer. Take a sightseeing flight over the Sounds or fly direct to your accommodation.
Pic of the Week