Marlborough

Relax, Explore, Revitalise, Indulge

Marlborough is synonymous internationally for its distinctive, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. It is New Zealand’s largest winemaking region with around 65 wineries and 290 grape growers and over 4000 hectares planted in grapes, mainly Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.

Marlborough is also known for its idyllic Sounds – sunken valleys which create a network of tranquil clear waterways amidst regenerating and virgin native forests. The Sounds are home to treasured bird and sealife – terns, shags, herons, blue penguins, dolphins, seals, and native forest birds, all easily viewed by private boat or charter tour.

The renowned 71km Queen Charlotte Track, a 3-4 day walk, curls around these coves and inlets and along skyline ridges between the breathtaking Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds.

Marlborough’s year-round sunshine and diverse landscape are conducive to an easy-going lifestyle and excellent range of recreational activities – on land and on the water. The region offers an outdoor paradise, with native forests, trout-filled rivers, coastal tracks, sheltered bays for cruising and fishing, mountains and high backcountry – all easily accessible from its towns.

Whether you love wine or wildlife, sea-kayaking or cruising, native bush walks or formal garden rambles, under clear sunny skies Marlborough is a great place to unwind. In town and country there are galleries museums shopping, craft studios and food specialities to discover, with numerous tours taking in the best.

You’ll find history here too – from the Maori legends of Kupe, stories of settlement and battles past, to explorer Captain James Cook who favoured the Marlborough Sounds as a base while charting New Zealand in the 18th Century. The nature lover will revel in the dolphins, seals, spotted and king shags, tiny blue penguins, native bellbird, tui and other precious birdlife, throughout the region and within bird and sealife sanctuaries.

Location
Marlborough embraces the north east corner of the South Island, easily accessible by ferry, train, air, or road.

Climate
Blenheim regularly claims the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, and has low rainfall. Each season in Marlborough has its distinct appeal: summer brings long warm days and stunning evenings; autumn promises clear, still days, a blaze of vineyard colour, and is one of the best times to explore; winter is short and may bring a spectacular rim of snow on the distant high country mountains; spring arrives with a sudden burst of cherry blossom and leaf, and the opening of gardens to view.Average temperatures

Mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures

Blenheim
The main town, Blenheim, has a population of 28,200 and is the hub of the famous Marlborough wine district. Naturally the town features several fine restaurants focused on wine and food of the region. It also has a stylish public art gallery, a museum and colonial village, glorious public and private gardens to visit, theatres and cinemas and shops to explore. From Blenheim you can take wine and food tours, garden tours, riverboat cruises or start a day exploring from the i-SITE Visitor Centre at Blenheim Railway Station.