Welcome to Marlborough
Renowned for its wine tasting and delicious food, touring, scenic boat cruising, bush walking and relaxing outdoor activities, Marlborough is a fast-growing vacation destination.
Marlborough's appeal stretches from the scenic Marlborough Sounds to the rugged splendour of Kaikoura. Townships in the region include Blenheim, Picton and Seddon.
Marlborough's central location provides a base for many internationally renowned wine companies and a burgeoning gourmet food industry. Often blessed with the highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand, this flourishing province with its relaxed and convivial lifestyle is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
The region has a wide range of recreational activities from swimming with dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds to watching whales in Kaikoura; from walks through the bush and along the rugged coastline to relaxing at Marlborough's world-class wineries.
Marlborough is a great place to visit and an even better place to stay. We love our region and hope that you will too. Come join us in New Zealand's gourmet province and we will help you discover Marlborough and make it your favourite destination!
Stay Awhile
From water-side retreats tucked away in secluded settings to hotels, motels and backpacker hostels, Marlborough has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different needs and price ranges.
Marlborough's Maori
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.
Gardens Grow
Discover a stunning array of Marlborough's secluded gardens. From formal 'knot gardens' with their neatly trimmed hedges to wild and colourful English cottage gardens, Marlborough is a gardener's delight.
It's a Fact...
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.