​​Marlborough – is renowned as New Zealand’s largest grape and wine producing region. The region offers year-round sunshine with a natural landscape full of diversity; extensive coastlines and huge untouched native forests make the region an outdoor destination.

 

The region is renowned for its Sounds of which the Queen Charlotte Sound offers blue waters, white sand beaches, green forests and little coves making it a holiday destination for hiking, mountain biking, sea kayaking and boating adventures. 

 

Situated within, Blenheim has a population of 30,000 and is Marlborough’s largest town. Blenheim often boasts the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand and is a popular holiday destination providing a good base for exploring Marlborough's sights & attractions. 

Picton, a small port located at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound provides access for the inter-island ferries which links both of the countrys islands. From here you'll have access to walking and water-based holidays in the Marlborough Sounds.

 

According to Māori legend it was the great Polynesian navigator Kupe who formed the Marlborough Sounds.

Legend tells of his struggle with a giant octopus called Te Wheke. Kupe grabbed onto the South Island for support. As he hung on to the land, Kupe’s fingers gouged out the many intricate bays and coves of the sounds.

 

Marlborough is home to 100+ vineyards which produce more than half of New Zealand’s wine. The regions sauvignon blanc is internationally recognised while other varieties such as chardonnay, riesling, pinot noir, pinot gris and gewurztraminer are coming to the fore.

 

The Marlborough Sounds is recognised for its scenic beauty and abundance of life; both bird and marine. If you take advantage of the many cruises or guided sea kayaking trips in Queen Charlotte Sound your bound to see dolphins, whales, seals, king shags and blue penguins in their natural environment.

 

 

Marlborough consists of 9 main townships, all within one region.

 

Please click on the region below to go to the area applicable, within the box you'll find the towns relative to the region in question. Travel distances to sights within the region average between 30mins to 1hr.