The Marlborough region is home to scenic sounds, award-wining wines and brilliant cycling & walking tracks. Check out the top 8 experiences in Marlborough
Dine on fresh seafood straight from the waters of the Marlborough Sounds with a seafood cruise. 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 - guaranteed to be a meal unlike any other!
With 1500kms of New Zealand’s coastline in the Marlborough Sounds 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 here(opens in new window).
Explore the local markets and artisan producers 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 can only be accessed by boat, and are best explored with a scenic cruise that provides ample opportunities to meet the wildlife 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 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 30 cellar doors, 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, then don't worry Marlborough has you covered with the local Renaissance and Moa craft breweries producing quality brews.
As far as unique New Zealand experiences go, swimming with dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds is definitely one of them. Set amid the spectacular scenery guides will take you on a search for the five different species of dolphins 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 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 available by water-taxi. You will be rewarded with stunning views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds and encounters with native birds such as the fantail and weka.
Getting around New Zealand is easy with familiar road signs and a great range of transport options available.
There are plenty of accommodation options for every budget and travel style.
Visit in Spring or Autumn to enjoy warm weather, spectacular colours, lower prices & short queues.
