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?
FOUNDING FATHER
Acknowledged as Kaikoura's founding father, Captain Robert Fyffe established the first whaling station in the area in 1842. Fyffe had worked for a number of years as a whaler in the Marlborough Sounds. However, disappointed with results, he moved south to establish the Kaikoura station "Waiopuka", building huts and sheds, and employing forty men. Other whaling stations soon followed, but as whale numbers declined, whaling became uneconomic.
Acknowledged as Kaikoura's founding father, Captain Robert Fyffe established the first whaling station in the area in 1842. Fyffe had worked for a number of years as a whaler in the Marlborough Sounds. However, disappointed with results, he moved south to establish the Kaikoura station "Waiopuka", building huts and sheds, and employing forty men. Other whaling stations soon followed, but as whale numbers declined, whaling became uneconomic.
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