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 - Q... Show More
Tourist Information About 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
1. Heli-Fish Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds' rocky and inaccessible shoreline is impossible to reach unless you're in a helicopter and can land on a reef! You'll be hooked if you combine flying and fishing. These skilled pilots are also avid anglers, so you'll get the most out of your stay with us. We can pick you up from heli-friendly establishments in the vicinity or drop you off at our heli-base at Nelson Airport. All necessary equipment is provided. The maximum number of passengers per helicopter is 5-6, depending on the weight of the passengers.
2. Kayaking
There are only a few locations in New Zealand in which you might experience pure nature while still being close to major tourist routes. One of these areas is Anakiwa, which is near Queen Charlotte Drive. When paddling, you may see rich subtropical rainforest in its regenerating state near to the shoreline, within arm's reach. There's enough to do with over 1500 kilometers of beachfront to explore. This activity is something you can do with anyone, and create long lasting memories!
3. The Knights of the Sky & Dangerous Skies Exhibitions
Two different displays bring the history of aviation and the tales of the men and women who flew it to life. The first, Knights of the Sky, features Sir Peter Jackson's huge collection of World War One aircraft and unique memorabilia, as well as the talents of WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Dangerous Skies, the second exhibition, is also given the museum's signature theatrical treatment, and it takes you on a geographical as well as a historical journey.
4. Private tour and tasting at Clos Henri Vineyard
Clos Henri is a wine estate meticulously built and naturally operated by the legendary Sancerre wine growing family of Henri Bourgeois, nestled beneath the southern foothills of Marlborough's Wairau Valley. Clos Henri makes textured and graceful wines, capturing the powerful Marlborough character with the goal of revealing the individuality of the Clos Henri terroir and a true feeling of place in the wines, combining 10 generations of winegrowing know-how from the Bourgeois family. Coming on this family friendly tour will give you a new appreciation for fine wine.
5. Marlborough Sounds
When traveling the ferry to the South Island, you're likely to have passed through the Marlborough Sounds. That was merely a smidgeon of it. The mountainous coastline region offers plenty of opportunities to explore in a number of ways. Take in the sights and keep an eye out for dolphins on a gorgeous boat trip or walk or bike the renowned Queen Charlotte Track. Why not take a day excursion to one of the Sounds' hidden jewels, such as Lochmara, where you can swim with stingrays, Ship Cove, where you can immerse yourself in history, or watch the local birds on the pest-free island?
6. Drive Down French Pass
If twisty gravel roads don't scare you, the French Pass Road will not disappoint! The road begins in Okiwi Bay and passes through a section of native forest before opening out to open vistas of the French Pass Peninsula and D'Urville Island. Short treks along the road will lead you to vistas with views of whirlpools and calm secluded beaches.
7. Museums
Visit one of Marlborough's numerous educational museums to broaden your horizons. Sir Peter Jackson developed and put together some action-packed displays of planes throughout history at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (79 Aerodrome Road, Blenheim). The Marlborough Museum (26 Arthur Baker Place, Blenheim) is another museum worth visiting if you want to learn more about the Marlborough region, from Maori history to winemaking.
8. Mountain Biking
Marlborough is a fantastic place to ride a bike. Biking is not just one of the most popular ways to go between vineyards, but it also provides lots of mountain biking thrills. The Queen Charlotte Track is a three-day wilderness track that is open to bikers from March to November. Between Picton and Havelock, the Link Pathway is a day nature hike with some outstanding views. Finally, Blenheim's Wither Hills Farm Park has a dedicated mountain biking park where you can get your downhill thrills!
9. Okiwi Bay
When driving through the gorgeous Rai Valley, getting to Okiwi Bay is just part of the adventure. Once you've made it over the hill, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the tranquil bay. Visit the Goat Hill Track for spectacular coastline views, or rent a kayak and paddle around in the harbor. Take the picturesque drive to French Pass to extend your stay.
10. Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
That's correct, Marlborough isn't only about the coast! The Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is situated on the Pelorus River, a clear-water river with spectacular rock cliffs on both sides. The region is so beautiful that it was used in The Hobbit movies. To truly appreciate this magnificent region, take advantage of the treks, the camping, or go kayaking.
