Things To Do In Marlborough

Sitting at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, the  Marlborough region is like no other. With the Marlborough Sounds, a giant maze of deep waterways that forge inland for almost 40km is made up of four distinctly different Sounds - Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, Pelorus, and Mahau, and is brilliant for boating, fishing, diving and wildlife viewing including dolphin watching. The picturesque seaside town of Picton is known as the gateway to the South Island with the ferry service that links the two main islands of New Zealand. Here a friendly seaside culture creates confident and uncluttered cuisine. The area is also New Zealand’s largest wine growing region and the home of world-renowned sauvignon blanc.

Best Attractions and free things to do in Marlborough

Top attractions in Marlborough

Private Tour: Discover the best of Marlborough on a personalized tour tailored to your interests. Explore the region's rich history, culture, and landmarks with a knowledgeable guide in a comfortable and flexible way.

Kayaking: Enjoy the beautiful Marlborough Sounds by kayak. Paddle through the calm waters, and take in the stunning scenery and wildlife of the area. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced kayaker, this is a great way to explore the region's natural beauty.

Entry to the Knights Exhibition: Visit the Knights Exhibition, and step back in time. See a collection of old planes, and learn about the history of Aviation. This exhibition is perfect for history lovers and families with kids.

Heli-Fish: Experience the thrill of fly-fishing in the Marlborough Sounds with a helicopter landing. You'll be able to fish in some of the most remote and beautiful locations in the region, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area while catching fish.

Private Vineyard Tour: Experience the best of Marlborough's wine country on a private vineyard tour. You'll visit some of the region's top wineries and learn about the winemaking process from expert winemakers. Taste different varieties of wines and discover the region's wine culture in a private and personal way.

Best things to do with kids and childrens activities in Marlborough

Awatere Valley Gardens - Take the kids to Awatere Valley Gardens for a fun and educational outing. The gardens are home to an array of colorful flowers and plants, and children will love exploring the different paths and spotting different types of wildlife. You can also take a picnic and enjoy a family-friendly lunch in the beautiful surroundings.

Artistry of the Queen Charlotte Drive - Take the kids on a scenic drive through the Queen Charlotte Drive and enjoy the stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds. Along the way, you can stop at different viewpoints and take in the beautiful scenery. The drive is also home to lots of activities that kids will enjoy like bike rides, boat rides and more.

Best day trips from Marlborough

Awatere Valley Gardens - Take a stroll through the picturesque gardens of Awatere Valley, where you'll find an array of colourful flowers and plants, as well as a peaceful atmosphere that will make you feel like you're in a different world.

Artistry of the Queen Charlotte Drive - Enjoy a scenic drive through the Queen Charlotte Drive and take in the stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds. The tour starts in Blenheim, and goes to the town of Havelock; an area with a lot of early history attached to it. Gold mining, Farming, Sawmills and very early Maori settlement are some of the many tales to be told in the area.

Private Tour - Experience the best of Marlborough with a private tour, tailored to your interests and preferences. Whether you want to explore the local wineries or go on a nature hike, a private tour will give you a unique and personalized experience.

Kayaking - Explore the Marlborough Sounds by kayak and discover the hidden coves and beaches that can only be accessed by water. It's a great way to experience the beauty of the area and get some exercise at the same time.

Heli-Fish - Take a helicopter ride to a remote fishing spot, where you can catch some of the freshest fish in the region while enjoying the breathtaking views from above. It's a unique and exciting way to experience the Marlborough wilderness.

Best things to do near Marlborough

Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight: Take a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful landscape of Canterbury and enjoy the stunning views of the region from above. You'll get to see the beautiful mountains, lakes, and valleys of the region and see the beautiful colors of the sunrise or sunset.

Aoraki/ Mt Cook scenic flights: This is a spectacular way to see the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. You'll fly over rugged mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows and get an unforgettable view of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Guided Wildlife Kayaking: This is a unique way to explore the stunning coastal region of Canterbury by kayak. You'll have the opportunity to see the local wildlife and explore the beautiful coastal scenery of the region.

Skydiving Kiwis Ōtautahi: Experience the thrill of skydiving over the beautiful landscapes of Canterbury. You'll get an incredible view of the region as you freefall and then enjoy a peaceful parachute ride back to the ground.

Evening Penguin Safari: This is a unique opportunity to see the little penguins coming ashore to their nesting colonies. You will go on a guided tour, watch them waddle up the beach and into their burrows and learn about the conservation efforts to protect them. It's a great way to learn about these adorable birds and see them in their natural habitat.