Things to do
From the bush covered hills and deep blue waters of the Sounds to the towering, snow-capped peaks that soar above
Kaikoura, Marlborough offers visitors to the region an exciting and diverse range of attractions and activities.| Blenheim & Wairau | Picton & Waikawa |
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| Havelock & Sounds | Awatere & Pacific Coast |
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| Kaikoura | |
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Marlborough's central location makes it an ideal base from which to explore some of the region's neighbours. To the west, Nelson is less than a two-hour drive away and Westport, on the South Island's West Coast, is about 3½ hours.
To the south, Christchurch is a vibrant city, currently restructuring and rebuilding to be a city of New Zealand's future, with new retail, dining and accommodation opening daily.
Inland from Christchurch is Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort where a few days can spent enjoying Hanmer's stunning alpine scenery and soaking in the hot pools. Ski the club field of Hanmer Springs and Mt Lyford, the South Islands sunniest ski field.
It's a Fact...
D'URVILLE ISLAND
Separated from the South Island by the narrow French Pass channel, d'Urville Island is the largest island in the outer Marlborough Sounds. With an area of approximately 150 square kilometres, it is the eighth-largest island of New Zealand. The island is named after Rear Admiral Jules Sebastian Cesar Dumont d'Urville, a French explorer and naval officer who explored the south and western Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica.
Separated from the South Island by the narrow French Pass channel, d'Urville Island is the largest island in the outer Marlborough Sounds. With an area of approximately 150 square kilometres, it is the eighth-largest island of New Zealand. The island is named after Rear Admiral Jules Sebastian Cesar Dumont d'Urville, a French explorer and naval officer who explored the south and western Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica.