Marlborough
The region of Marlborough lies in the North Eastern corner of the South Island and is famous for its high sunshine hours and award winning wines. The main towns include Picton, Blenheim and Seddon, although Kaikoura is often included in the area by many. Marlborough has a variety of attractions and activities both on the land and throughout its beautiful waterways. The majestic Marlborough Sounds provides the gateway from the North Island and is a natural playground. Walks include the Queen Charlotte Track with entry and exit points along its length making it a walk anywhere between 1 to 4 days. Take a sea kayaking safari or swim with dolphins. Charter a sailing boat or jump aboard a snapper fishing charter in Pelorous or Kenepuru Sounds and explore the mussel farms, cool clear water and forest clad hillsides. River cruises will take you along the old settlers trading route, stopping off at local attractions along the way. During summer you can visit Molesworth Station a high country sheep farm. The peaceful town of Havelock was previously an old mining town, but today it is famous for its mussels and regarded as the beginning of an exploration of the Sounds. Marlborough has a very dry climate and represents 62% of vineyards in New Zealand. Although widely known for Sauvingon Blanc, Marlborough also produces some fine Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Wineries and orchards are scattered throughout the Awatere Valley and Wairau Plains offering fresh fruit in season and welcoming cellar doors, wine tours and restaurants.
Fruit in season includes stone fruit, strawberries, asparagus, apples and olives. Seafood is plentiful and the specials of many of the cafes and restaurants include such delicacies as Blue Cod, snapper, green lipped mussels, crayfish and scallops. The steep hillsides surrounding Marlborough produce lamb beef and wild game making the menus a delectable smorgasbord. Apart from the large selection of wineries there are also some noteworthy breweries and distilleries to visit. Blenheim or Nelson is the best base from which to explore the region although accommodation throughout Marlborough spoils you for choice with most of the waterside holiday homes, retreats, motels and hotels close to the main town centres. The town of Picton has a range of art and craft galleries to visit and still retains the charm of its 1840’s conception. Historical buildings line the waterfront and the Picton Musuem holds interesting information of the whaling days, Maori influence and colonial heritage. Visit the Edwin Fox a maritime museum on the waterfront and the sea horse aquarium next door. Other land based activities in Marlborough include horse trekking, fly fishing, hiking, cycling and visiting formal gardens.