Welcome to New Zealand's wine capital!
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?
FRENCH PASS
D'Urville Island is separated from the mainland by the perilous French Pass, known to Maori as Te Aumiti, through which water passes at up to a fierce eight knots at each tide. Several treacherous whirlpools and surging eddies occur near this passage. French explorer Dumont d'Urville investigated the passage for several days in 1827, and subsequently damaged his ship, Astrolabe, passing through it.
D'Urville Island is separated from the mainland by the perilous French Pass, known to Maori as Te Aumiti, through which water passes at up to a fierce eight knots at each tide. Several treacherous whirlpools and surging eddies occur near this passage. French explorer Dumont d'Urville investigated the passage for several days in 1827, and subsequently damaged his ship, Astrolabe, passing through it.
Skydive Adventure
Experience the scenic Marlborough Sounds and surrounding Marlborough region. Tandem paragliding is a great way to experience paragliding for the first time. Nearly everyone can go tandem!
Wine Tasting Tours
With over 40 cellar doors in Marlborough to choose from, why not try a winery tour to sample the best Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir New Zealand's premier wine growing region has to offer?
In the Cut
Discover a hidden slice of Marlborough with a visit to Saw Cut Gorge. Set in the Isolated Hill Scenic Reserve, the narrow gorge, with walls up to 150 metres high, is well worth the three-hour return walk.
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