MARLBOROUGH
Between sampling its fine wines and enjoying its fantastic food and culture, every moment in Marlborough is an experience to be savoured.
Rich with food, wine and culture, you’ll savour every moment.
Located in the north-eastern reaches of the South Island, Marlborough – with its long and varied history – is a fascinating place to visit. The first Europeans to arrive were whalers, and permanent settlements were established by 1859. One nickname for the region, Beaverton, came about from its early settlement times when the region was prone to flooding.
The most convenient way to reach Marlborough is by air. You can take flights from other regional centres, while the ferry from Wellington to Picton means you can bring your own car if preferred, or just hire one once you arrive. Driving in from anywhere else in the South Island requires some planning – it can take a while, but the roads are good.
Marlborough is set among a collection of valleys nestled between the Richmond Hills and Wither Hills. The Southern Alps funnel cool southerly winds northward, though the valleys can trap some hot summer sun, too. With low light pollution in the evenings, the sunsets and stargazing make it worth finding accommodation just outside the main township of Blenheim. If you prefer to base yourself closer to town, there’s plenty of options to choose from.
“THE CORNERSTONE VARIETY, SAUVIGNON BLANC, IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY SUCCESS STORIES OF MARLBOROUGH.”
Sauvignon blanc is the cornerstone variety for the region, but it is just one of many cépage (grape variety) success stories. Méthode traditionnelle, riesling, pinots noir and gris, chardonnay and syrah all demonstrate the region’s proclivity for fine wine. If you are visiting to learn more about wine, then be sure to visit vineyard-sited tasting rooms; there are plenty across the region.
Other activities include half-day or full-day cruises through the Marlborough Sounds. I remember watching a fresh mussel harvest, then sipping on a crisp sauvignon blanc while the shellfish steamed open on the barbecue at the back of the boat – a delicious experience – plus many Kodak moments as dolphins swam by, all perfectly timed of course.
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is a fascinating look into restored aeroplanes from WWI and WWII, along with some personal items of the ‘Red Baron’ to discover.
Built in 1915, The Marlborough Flyer steam train, formerly known as AB608 ‘Passchendaele’, is available for short trips, boarding in Blenheim.
There are quite a few dining options in and around town. I recommend Arbour, Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen, Wairau River Cellar Door & Restaurant, Harvest and the Grovetown Hotel dining room. If you need a decent coffee fix first thing, then the café in The Thomas’s store or CPR Coffee Co – both in Blenheim – are good spots to seek out.
Walking or hiking is very popular with the Queen Charlotte Track link to Nelson close by, and not too far away is Kaikoura for whales, sea lions, penguins and bird watching.