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...
RAINBOW'S FOOTPRINT
Tapuae-o-Uenuku is the highest peak in the northeast of the South Island. The name translates from Maori as "footprint of the rainbow". At 2,880 metres it dominates the Inland Kaikoura Range, rising high above the valleys of the Clarence and Awatere Rivers. The first European to sight the mountain was the explorer James Cook, who called it Mount Odin, but later nicknamed it "The Watcher" since his ship seemed to be visible from it at so many points along the coast.
Tapuae-o-Uenuku is the highest peak in the northeast of the South Island. The name translates from Maori as "footprint of the rainbow". At 2,880 metres it dominates the Inland Kaikoura Range, rising high above the valleys of the Clarence and Awatere Rivers. The first European to sight the mountain was the explorer James Cook, who called it Mount Odin, but later nicknamed it "The Watcher" since his ship seemed to be visible from it at so many points along the coast.