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...
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.