Things to do in Marlborough

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Picton featuring a bay or harbor, mountains and sailing
Picton showing a bay or harbor, mountains and a ferry
Marlborough featuring a bay or harbor, mountains and boating
Picton featuring mountains, a bay or harbor and boating
Picton showing a bay or harbor, mountains and forest scenes

Marlborough Attractions

The Marlborough Region, located in the northeast of New Zealand's South Island, is a getaway as picturesque as they come. The area is known for the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and its sprawling, vine-laced wine country that produces some of the world's best sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, and chardonnay. Discover an abundance of things to do in Marlborough, from kayaking on the vivid blue waters of Queen Charlotte Sound to touring cellar doors and tasting the fruits of the country. With so many places to explore, flavors to try, and sights to see, Marlborough is a relaxing escape for families, foodies, and globetrotters alike.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Marlborough

The diversity of scenery in Marlborough ranges from dry valleys of vineyards to forested mountain trails and the azure waters of the sounds. Take your time in exploring the unique landscapes that make the Marlborough Region so beloved.

Marlborough Sounds - The Marlborough Sounds are a sprawling network of sea-drowned valleys. The Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, and Pelorous sounds are the area's 3 main bodies of water. The sounds are home to more than 50 nature reserves, making it perfect for hikes on the Queen Charlotte Track, kayaking trips to see dolphins in their natural habitat, and excursions out to historic Meretoto (Ship Cove).

d'Urville Island - Also known by the Maori name Rangitoto Ki Te Tonga, d'Urville Island is covered with ancient forests that thrive with endemic animals like tui, bellbirds, weka, and kaka, making it ideal for hikes and bird-watching excursions. To reach the island, take a boat from Kapowai or Catherine Cove across the swift and treacherous French Pass that separates d'Urville from the mainland.

Blenheim - Blenheim is nestled in the heart of Marlborough's wine country and offers easy access to the region's famous cellar doors and wineries. The best way to explore the city is by foot or bike, which allows you to discover the buzzing restaurants, cafes, and galleries along the Taylor River Reserve. A journey into the Wairau Valley rewards you with spectacular views of picture-perfect vineyards, and the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center is just a short ride away.

What to See in Marlborough

The Marlborough Region is rich with natural beauty, from the deep and vivid hues of the Marlborough Sounds to the emerald trees of the Mount Richmond Forest Park. Go for a hike on the Snout or Queen Charlotte Tracks, which takes you past fantastic vistas of the vast Marlborough Sounds. The Wither Hills Farm Park is lined with trails overlooking the Wairau Lagoons further inland. For a look at the heritage of New Zealand and the region, visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center, where you can learn about the South Island's role during World War I and World War II.

Sightseeing in Marlborough

Food and wine are 2 major draws for the Marlborough Region. The dry climate, combined with hot days and cool nights, creates ideal conditions for the vineyards that dot the scenic countryside. The region is best known for its sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, and chardonnay, and many vineyards can be accessed from the towns of Renwick, Blenheim, and Cloudy Bay in the Wairau Valley. Indulge all your senses by biking through the picturesque fields between various vineyards’ tastings. Outdoor activities like walking and hiking are popular pastimes in Marlborough, and cruises or kayaking trips on the Marlborough Sounds offer opportunities to go dolphin-watching right on the water. Take a drive along the Awatere Valley and Pacific coastline to see snow-capped peaks and the blue of the ocean in one amazing vista. Then, see Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku, the highest peak in the area, rising from the Inland Kaikoura Range. The mountain is sacred to the local Maori iwi, whose culture you can learn about at the Omaka Marae in Blenheim.



Most popular activities in Marlborough

Tours & day trips

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History & culture

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Private & custom tours

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What to do in Marlborough

Free Things to Do in Marlborough

Touring on a lean budget in Marlborough? Spend time, not money, on fantastic experiences.

Pollard Park - Whether you can distinguish your lilies from lilacs, you're sure to find beauty in this magnificent display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Marlborough

The diversity of scenery in Marlborough ranges from dry valleys of vineyards to forested mountain trails and the azure waters of the sounds. Take your time in exploring the unique landscapes that make the Marlborough Region so beloved.

Marlborough Sounds - The Marlborough Sounds are a sprawling network of sea-drowned valleys. The Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, and Pelorous sounds are the area's 3 main bodies of water. The sounds are home to more than 50 nature reserves, making it perfect for hikes on the Queen Charlotte Track, kayaking trips to see dolphins in their natural habitat, and excursions out to historic Meretoto (Ship Cove).

d'Urville Island - Also known by the Maori name Rangitoto Ki Te Tonga, d'Urville Island is covered with ancient forests that thrive with endemic animals like tui, bellbirds, weka, and kaka, making it ideal for hikes and bird-watching excursions. To reach the island, take a boat from Kapowai or Catherine Cove across the swift and treacherous French Pass that separates d'Urville from the mainland.

Blenheim - Blenheim is nestled in the heart of Marlborough's wine country and offers easy access to the region's famous cellar doors and wineries. The best way to explore the city is by foot or bike, which allows you to discover the buzzing restaurants, cafes, and galleries along the Taylor River Reserve. A journey into the Wairau Valley rewards you with spectacular views of picture-perfect vineyards, and the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center is just a short ride away.

What to See in Marlborough

The Marlborough Region is rich with natural beauty, from the deep and vivid hues of the Marlborough Sounds to the emerald trees of the Mount Richmond Forest Park. Go for a hike on the Snout or Queen Charlotte Tracks, which takes you past fantastic vistas of the vast Marlborough Sounds. The Wither Hills Farm Park is lined with trails overlooking the Wairau Lagoons further inland. For a look at the heritage of New Zealand and the region, visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center, where you can learn about the South Island's role during World War I and World War II.

Sightseeing in Marlborough

Food and wine are 2 major draws for the Marlborough Region. The dry climate, combined with hot days and cool nights, creates ideal conditions for the vineyards that dot the scenic countryside. The region is best known for its sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, and chardonnay, and many vineyards can be accessed from the towns of Renwick, Blenheim, and Cloudy Bay in the Wairau Valley. Indulge all your senses by biking through the picturesque fields between various vineyards’ tastings. Outdoor activities like walking and hiking are popular pastimes in Marlborough, and cruises or kayaking trips on the Marlborough Sounds offer opportunities to go dolphin-watching right on the water. Take a drive along the Awatere Valley and Pacific coastline to see snow-capped peaks and the blue of the ocean in one amazing vista. Then, see Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku, the highest peak in the area, rising from the Inland Kaikoura Range. The mountain is sacred to the local Maori iwi, whose culture you can learn about at the Omaka Marae in Blenheim.

Things to Do in Marlborough with Kids

There's fun for all the family no matter where you wander in Marlborough. Here are a few family friendly experiences to try together that'll make your getaway unforgettable:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Marlborough? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Marlborough

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Marlborough

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Waikawa

Travelers like the mountain views in Waikawa, and Waikawa Marina is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Waikawa
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Waikawa Bay

5/5(5 area reviews)

Travelers like the mountain views in Waikawa Bay, and Waikawa Marina is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Waikawa Bay
Quaint B&B with lovely garden. Great location to head to the wineries

Renwick

Wineries, restaurants, and gardens highlight some of the noteworthy features of Renwick. Make a stop by Wairau River or Renwick Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Renwick
A beautiful spot to try some wine, get something to eat, take a bike ride, or check out the Falconry

Springlands

While Springlands might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Seymour Square and ASB Theatre Marlborough.

Springlands
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Redwoodtown

While Redwoodtown might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lawson's Dry Hills and Seymour Square.

Redwoodtown
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Witherlea

Witherlea might not have many top sights, but Omaka Classic Cars and Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Witherlea

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Marlborough

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Marlborough on a sunny day?
What to do in Marlborough on a rainy day?
There's no need to splish and splash your way through a soggy day when there are terrific indoor activities on offer:


Are there cheap things to do in Marlborough?
What can you do in Marlborough for free?
Your escape to Marlborough needn't blow the budget with free things like these to discover:

  • Picton Ferry Terminal
  • Picton Harbour
  • Kenepuru Sounds
  • Ward Beach