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Things to Do in Marlborough

June 30, 2015 by Jen Seligmann 25 Comments

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The Marlborough region of New Zealand can be found in the very north of the South Island and makes up roughly 20% of the countries coastline and nearly 80% of the countries wine production. So I bet you can already guess what the main draw cards to the region are.

The flat fertile plains near Blenheim are home to world class vineyards, orchids and farmlands providing visitors with an abundance of delicious food and drink to try at cellar doors and in restaurants and cafes across the region.

Get back to nature and total seclusion in the Marlborough Sounds where you can walk, ride, paddle or cruise your way through deep waterways full of wildlife and surrounded by steep ridge-ways covered in thick native vegetation that is home to large array of native bird-life.

Whatever it is that draws you into this region, you’ll discover its beauty and wonder why more people haven’t been there yet.


Things to Do in Marlborough

Tour the Vineyards

Things to Do in Marlborough - The Trusted Traveller

The Marlborough region is famous the world over for its excellent varieties of Sauvignon Blanc wine. So for wine lovers, taking a day out to explore some of the region’s best is an absolute must. I recommend one of these two ways to get between the cellar doors:

Small Group Tour

Tours are a great way to visit a bunch of great vineyards but only if they are small group tours like Bubbly Grape Wine Tours. Bubbly Grape offers full and half day tours of the wineries with groups kept below eight people. The guides know everything there is to know about the region’s best wineries and together with your input, they will piece together a day visiting the wineries that suits you and your tastes.

More Information: Read more about my experience touring the Marlborough wineries.

Hire a Bike

Things to Do in Marlborough - The Trusted Traveller

Another great option to get around the cellar doors that gives you more freedom is to hire a bike. The land is flat and most of the cellar doors are concentrated in a small area making it super easy to get from place to place on two wheels. And hire is simple, with hire places available across the Blenheim area and information on the best routes to take available at the Blenheim i-SITE. However, if you’re looking for a bit more structure in your day, there are also tours by bike available too.

Address: You’ll find the i-SITE at 8 Sinclair St, Mayfield, Blenheim

Hours: Half or full day hire and tours available.

Price: Prices start from $NZ28.00 for bike hire.

More Information: Check out this tour offered on GetYourGuide.


Get out on the Water

Things to Do in Marlborough - The Trusted Traveller

The area collectively referred to as Marlborough Sounds comprises three main Sounds; Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorous Sounds. These Sounds are basically valleys filled with water from the Pacific Ocean that were created by a combination of land subsidence and rising sea levels.

Here are a few fun ways to explore the Sounds by water.

Kayak

Those with a decent level of physical fitness and an adventurous spirit will want to hire a kayak and explore some of the secluded and peaceful coves that make up the sound. Because the Sounds are sheltered the water is generally calm making for an easy paddle as you explore bay after bay. Tours from Picton and Havelock are available or you can hire a kayak and explore independently.

More Information: Check out the Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company for tours and hire information.

Mail Boat Cruise

Things to Do in Marlborough - The Trusted Traveller

A unique way to see the entire length of the Queen Charlotte Sound is on a Mail Boat Cruise. These cruises spend about four hours out on the water stopping off at remote homes to deliver the mail and supplies.  It’s a really great way to see a large part of the Sound while also getting a little insight into the lives of those living in these completely remote areas.

More Information: Read more about my experience on a Mail Boat Cruise.

Nature Cruise

Another great way to explore the Marlborough Sounds by water is on a dolphin and nature cruise. Not only do these cruises take you the entire length of the Queen Charlotte Sound, you also get a unique wildlife experience with each cruise offering a different wildlife focus. Wildlife you can encounter in the Sound includes dolphins, fur seals and seabirds with some cruises allowing you to get in the water with the dolphins.

Address: Tours depart from the marina in Picton.

Hours: Morning and afternoon tours available.

Price: Various prices depending on tour and experience.

More Information:  http://www.naturetours.co.nz/


Read More: Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary


Explore the Queen Charlotte Track

Things to Do in Marlborough - The Trusted Traveller

The 70km Queen Charlotte Track runs from Ship Cove to Anakiwa and can be tackled on foot or mountain bike in 3-5 days. The track takes you through the thriving native bush along ridgeways that offer incredible views of the both the Queen Charlotte Sound and Kenepuru Sound.

On the way you’ll encounter plenty of native birdlife, plants and lots of other adventurous souls looking to get back to nature. There are plenty of places to spend the night along the way including campgrounds, huts, small isolated homestays, backpackers and resorts.

Address:  From Picton you can take a boat to Ship Cove and make the walk/ride back to Anakiwa. Alternatively you can start the walk/ride in Anakiwa and take a boat back to Picton from Ship cove.

Price: You can purchase a Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (QCTLC) Pass from Picton and Blenheim i-SITEs which allows you to walk on the parts of the track that cover private land. One year pass $NZ25.00, 5 day pass $NZ18.00 or 1 day pass $NZ10.00.

More Information: http://www.qctlc.com/


Over to you!

What’s top of your list of things to do in Marlborough? Or have you been already, what did you love about it?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

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Filed Under: Things to do in... Tagged With: Marlborough, New Zealand, Oceania

Comments

  1. Bethaney - Flashpacker Family says

    July 5, 2015 at 10:09 am

    This certainly is a beautiful part of NZ!

    Reply
    • Jen says

      July 6, 2015 at 4:54 pm

      One many in an amazing country.

      Reply
      • Bethaney - Flashpacker Family says

        July 11, 2015 at 10:04 pm

        Re-reading this and you’ve made me want to explore the region next time we’re back in New Zealand for a visit. It’s so pretty!

        Reply
        • Jen says

          July 13, 2015 at 11:54 am

          Thanks Bethaney.

          Reply
  2. Elaine Schoch says

    July 8, 2015 at 2:09 am

    Touring the vineyards would be something I would love to do in Marlborough!

    Reply
    • Jen says

      July 8, 2015 at 9:15 am

      The wine is really delicious!

      Reply
  3. Jen Silver - SilverLiningLife.com says

    July 12, 2015 at 1:19 am

    Never would have thought to do a mail boat cruise. What a great idea. We were traveling through North Carolina, USA, which is tobacco central and known as “Marlboro Country”. I definitely think Marlborough looks more up our alley. Appreciate the tips!

    Reply
    • Jen says

      July 13, 2015 at 11:55 am

      “Marlboro Country” love it!

      Reply
  4. Jen says

    July 12, 2015 at 3:50 am

    My favorite wines come from Marlborough – and now you have given me all the more reason to visit. Can’t wait!

    Reply
  5. Mags says

    July 12, 2015 at 5:03 am

    I’ve only been to New Zealand once and it was on a high school trip. I need to go back now that I can have wine!

    Reply
    • Jen says

      July 13, 2015 at 12:54 pm

      Hahaha yes the wine!

      Reply
  6. EvaSturm of TravelResponsibly says

    July 12, 2015 at 5:51 am

    What amzing pictures. I had planned to do the Queen Margerete Track when I was in New Zealand, but unfortunately did not have time for it in the end. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences here 🙂

    Reply
    • Jen says

      July 13, 2015 at 12:54 pm

      Thanks EvaSturm!

      Reply
  7. Aileen Adalid says

    July 12, 2015 at 7:46 am

    Ah, New Zealand!! My dream country! I am absolutely jealous of you now, especially with the lovely photos you put up 😉 You bet that I will take note of this area when I get there!

    Reply
    • Jen says

      July 13, 2015 at 12:55 pm

      Thanks Aileen! I hope you get to live out that dream sometime soon.

      Reply
  8. Will says

    July 12, 2015 at 9:52 am

    So beautiful…the wine is the best – so crisp!

    Reply
    • Jen says

      July 13, 2015 at 12:55 pm

      Yes very delicious.

      Reply
  9. RaW | Ramble and Wander says

    July 12, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    I want to do them all if possible! 🙂 But if I have to pick one, hiking in Queen Charlotte Track sounds nice. I wouldn’t mind hiking for 5 days if the views are like that. The fact that it’s also probably the cheapest option is just icing on the cake 🙂

    Reply
    • Jen says

      July 13, 2015 at 12:56 pm

      The scenery is stunning. You wouldn’t even notice the walk 😉

      Reply
  10. Laura Lynch says

    July 13, 2015 at 4:22 am

    Great tip about taking a bike around to the cellar doors. We will definitely go that route when we get there. I absolutely love wine touring and doing it on a bike is even better!

    Reply
    • Jen says

      July 13, 2015 at 12:59 pm

      Yeah its a great idea, you just have to try not to drink too much or the ride will be very interesting!

      Reply
  11. Vicky and Buddy says

    July 14, 2015 at 9:33 am

    I’d love to visit the wineries (I think the name Bubbly Grape Wine Tours is so cute!). I’d also love to visit the Queen Charlotte track, the views look amazing.

    Reply
    • Jen says

      July 14, 2015 at 12:29 pm

      It is a really great name for a wine tour company!

      Reply
  12. Uncover Your Caribbean says

    July 14, 2015 at 9:28 pm

    Water, boat, wine. Yes yes yes! Awesome stuff.

    Reply
    • Jen says

      July 15, 2015 at 3:59 pm

      🙂

      Reply

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