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    Marlborough

    New Zealand

    Marlborough

    Region

    Marlborough, located in the northeast of the South Island, is known for two things: the vineyards of the Wairau Valley and the intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
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    5. New Zealand
    7. Marlborough
    Marlborough, located in the northeast of the South Island, is known for two things: the vineyards of the Wairau Valley and the intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. This is where ferries from Wellington arrive, making it the first impression of the South Island for many travellers.The area around Blenheim is one of the sunniest in the country. In the Sounds, you can hike the Queen Charlotte Track, paddle through tranquil bays, or take a mail boat to secluded accommodations.
    Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine region; its Sauvignon Blanc put the country on the wine map. The wineries lie in the Wairau Valley around Blenheim and Renwick, further south in the drier Awatere Valley. North, the coast fragments into the Marlborough Sounds, a network of sunken river valleys with bays, islands, and few roads. Picton is the ferry port and a base for boat tours. Plan at least two days to combine vineyards and Sounds.
    Picton

    Place 1 of 4

    Picton

    Picton lies at the inner end of Queen Charlotte Sound and is the South Island's ferry port: Here, ships from Wellington dock.

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    Awatere Valley

    Place 2 of 4

    Awatere Valley

    The Awatere Valley lies south of Blenheim beyond the Weld Pass; its central hub is the small town of Seddon. The valley is higher, cooler, and drier than the Wairau Valley, and its wines are considered fresher and more herbaceous.

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    Blenheim

    Place 3 of 4

    Blenheim

    Blenheim is Marlborough's largest town, situated in the flat Wairau Valley, surrounded by vineyards. The town itself is quiet and compact, with cafés around Seymour Square and paths along the Taylor River.

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    Marlborough Sounds

    Place 4 of 4

    Marlborough Sounds

    The Marlborough Sounds are a network of sunken river valleys at the northern tip of the South Island. Forested hills descend into tranquil sea arms, the largest being Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, and Pelorus Sound.

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    More places in Marlborough

    Renwick

    Renwick

    Renwick is a small village about ten kilometers west of Blenheim, nestled in the vineyards of the Wairau Valley. Within a few kilometers lie dozens of wineries, many on Rapaura Road, offering cellar doors and restaurants.The terrain is flat, so many visitors explore the wineries by bike. Bike rentals in the village provide maps and route tips.

    Culture and History

    The region is home to several Iwi, including Rangitāne o Wairau and Te Ātiawa. From 1770, Captain Cook anchored repeatedly in Queen Charlotte Sound; a monument in Ship Cove marks this. In 1843, the Wairau Valley saw one of the first armed clashes between Māori and British settlers.From Sheep Country to Wine CountryMarlborough was long characterized by sheep farming. Commercial grapevines were first planted in 1973; viticulture has since become the most important economic sector.

    On the road in Marlborough

    The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries connect Wellington with Picton; the crossing takes around three and a half hours. Blenheim Airport is served by Air New Zealand. Between Picton and Blenheim, you drive for about 30 minutes; in the Sounds, the roads are winding and slow, and some bays you can only reach by boat.

    Round trips through this region

    New Zealand Classics North & South

    New Zealand Classics North & South

    The route leads from Auckland via Rotorua to Wellington, by ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton, and then across the South Island to Lake Tekapo. The ferry takes a good three hours, and the drive from Picton via Kaikōura and Christchurch to Tekapo takes around seven hours.

    12 Days
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    Blenheim

    Blenheim

    Blenheim is Marlborough's largest town, situated in the flat Wairau Valley, surrounded by vineyards. The town itself is quiet and compact, with cafés around Seymour Square and paths along the Taylor River.Most visitors come for the wineries, located just a few kilometres outside town. Other attractions include the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and walking trails in the Wither Hills on the outskirts.
    Renwick

    Renwick

    Renwick is a small village about ten kilometers west of Blenheim, nestled in the vineyards of the Wairau Valley. Within a few kilometers lie dozens of wineries, many on Rapaura Road, offering cellar doors and restaurants.The terrain is flat, so many visitors explore the wineries by bike. Bike rentals in the village provide maps and route tips.
    Awatere Valley

    Awatere Valley

    The Awatere Valley lies south of Blenheim beyond the Weld Pass; its central hub is the small town of Seddon. The valley is higher, cooler, and drier than the Wairau Valley, and its wines are considered fresher and more herbaceous.Besides vineyards, sheep farms and the salt lakes of Lake Grassmere define the landscape. Most travelers drive through on State Highway 1 towards Kaikōura and stop for a tasting.

    Picton

    Picton lies at the inner end of Queen Charlotte Sound and is the South Island's ferry port: Here, ships from Wellington dock. The small town, with its waterfront promenade, cafés, and marina, is a starting point for water taxis, kayak tours, and the Queen Charlotte Track.Many travelers continue directly to Blenheim or Nelson. Those who stay a night can walk to Bob's Bay in the evening and start a boat trip into the Sounds the next morning.
    Marlborough Sounds

    Marlborough Sounds

    The Marlborough Sounds are a network of sunken river valleys at the northern tip of the South Island. Forested hills descend into tranquil sea arms, the largest being Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, and Pelorus Sound. Many coves are only accessible by boat.Picton and Havelock are the starting points. From there, water taxis, mail boats, and kayak tours depart, while the Queen Charlotte Track runs along the ridge lines between the Sounds.

    Sources & method

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