The Marlborough region is home to scenic sounds, award-wining wines and brilliant cycling & walking tracks. Check out the top 8 experiences in Marlborough
Get a nature overload or enjoy a bounty of outdoor adventures on New Zealand’s eighth largest island(opens in new window). Enjoy the remote scenery, pristine views, do a spot of fishing, relax in a hot tub, go bird watching, or stroll through the forest. Or for something more active, amp it up with some mountain biking and hiking.
See nature up close in its natural habitat and immerse yourself in the wildlife. Kayak out to Kaipupu Point wildlife sanctuary(opens in new window) or cruise by water taxi through the Marlborough Sounds(opens in new window) on a tour to visit Motuara Island (opens in new window)with the amazing 360 views. The island reserves of the Marlborough Sounds are a safe haven for an array of native animals including kiwi, tuatara, native frogs, giant wëtä, saddleback (tïeke), takahë and geckos.
Dine on fresh seafood straight from the waters of the Marlborough Sounds (opens in new window)with a seafood cruise(opens in new window). You will be taken out on the sounds to enjoy seafood straight from the source; including King Salmon, mussels and clams matched with a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (opens in new window)- guaranteed to be a meal unlike any other!
With 1500kms of New Zealand’s coastline in the Marlborough Sounds (opens in new window)there is plenty of opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle. Discover the perfect place to relax and recharge with uninterrupted views from your balcony to the beautiful bays and native bush clad hills. There’s no shortage of activities for your stay, walking, tramping, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing. Find out more about Lochmara Lodge(opens in new window) here.
Explore the local markets and artisan producers(opens in new window) to try locally-grown produce such as saffron, pinenuts, hazelnuts, honey, olives, chocolates, garlic and sea salt or purchase some handcrafted woodwork, pottery, soaps, or natural beauty products for unique souvenirs to remind of your visit to this beautiful area.
The most idyllic areas of Marlborough Sounds(opens in new window) can only be accessed by boat(opens in new window), and are best explored by a mail boat tour where you take part in running deliveries to the more remote bays, or with a scenic cruise that provides ample opportunities to meet the wildife that live in and around the Sounds; fur seals, little blue penguins, dolphins the rare Rowi kiwi, tuatara and weka.
Discover the world-renowned WWI and WWII exhibits at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre(opens in new window) where aircrafts are bought to life in a theatrical manner featuring Peter Jackson’s own rare collection of historical aircraft and memorabilia. The captivating scenes educate and entertain visitors of all ages.
With more than 150 vineyards and 37 cellar doors(opens in new window), Marlborough offers every visitor the chance to find the perfect drop. Explore the cellar doors at your own pace, self-drive, cycle or join a guided wine tour. Or if you prefer a cold beer to a wine, then don't worry Marlborough has you covered with the local Renaissance and Moa craft breweries producing quality brews.
As far as unique must do New Zealand experiences go, swiming with dolphins(opens in new window) in the Marlborough Sounds(opens in new window) is definitely one of them. Set amid the spectacular scenery guides will take you on a search for the five different species of dophins found in this area, and it is up to you whether you enjoy dolphin spotting from the boat, or take a dip into the water for a personal encounter.
The Queen Charlotte track(opens in new window) stretches 70km from Ship Cove to Anakiwa and is an intermediate to advanced grade. The whole track can be completed in 5 days on foot, or 3 days on a mountain bike with luggage transfers by water-taxi available. Alternatively shorter sections of the trail can be enjoyed in less time. Regardless of how much time you spend on the track you will be rewarded with stunning views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds and encounters with native birds such as the fantail and weka.
