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!
Over the Sounds
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.
Cut Through
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.
Air Magic
Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre where the stories of pioneer aviation heroes of World War One are brought to life by Weta Workshop, who were behind The Lord of The Rings.
It's a Fact...
THE FIRST VINES
Although Marlborough's current status as a wine producing region began in 1973 with Montana's plantings, the region's grape growing heritage actually began a century before. Pioneer winemakers David Herd and Charles Empson planted the first Marlborough vineyard in 1873. Empson died soon after the first harvest in 1875, but Herd went on to win prizes for his well regarded red muscatel wine. The winery survived until 1931.
Although Marlborough's current status as a wine producing region began in 1973 with Montana's plantings, the region's grape growing heritage actually began a century before. Pioneer winemakers David Herd and Charles Empson planted the first Marlborough vineyard in 1873. Empson died soon after the first harvest in 1875, but Herd went on to win prizes for his well regarded red muscatel wine. The winery survived until 1931.