Discover Sunshine and Sauvs in Marlborough's beautiful backyard

Hike the incredible Marlborough Sounds and taste the world’s best Sauvs.

Marlborough is one of New Zealand's sunniest, driest regions. Here, at the tip of the South Island, sun perpetually shines on vast vineyards, breathtaking walking and biking tracks, near infinite coastline and fascinating historic townships.

As New Zealand's most productive wine region, Marlborough is also home to a few cellar doors that are well worth passing through.

EXPERIENCE THE MANY HIGHLIGHTS OF MARLBOROUGH

See the incomparable Marlborough Sounds

Māori legend has it that the South Island was created when Aoraki (son of the skyfather Rangi) sunk his waka. The bow of his vessel broke to pieces in the ocean, forming the fractured landmass of the Marlborough Sounds, while Aoraki petrified, forming Mt Cook.

The vast collection of ancient river valleys that comprise the Sounds were flooded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean thousands of years ago. Today the area boasts over 10 per cent of NZ's coastline - more than 1500km in total.

Hike the Queen Charlotte Track

The 72km Queen Charlotte Track gives you a chance to hike that epic coastline and traverse the bow of Aoraki's sunken waka. The track takes 3 to 5 days, stretching from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, and features thriving native bush, panoramic ocean views and encounters with the likes of wekas, wood pigeons and seals.

You can choose to hike or bike and water taxis are available to ferry you throughout the sounds (or transport your bags to your next accommodation to save you the strain). Get closer to nature by camping and staying in huts, or lap up the luxury in waterfront resorts.

Visit Motuara Island, Queen Charlotte Sound

Take a kayak, water taxi or your own boat to the very eastern tip of the Marlborough Sounds and

The Marlborough region is home to breathtaking walking and biking tracks, near infinite coastlines and world class vineyards.

you'll discover Motuara Island. This tiny, uninhabited land mass is predator-free and hosts thriving populations of tui, bellbird, fantails, penguins and over 200 rare South Island saddlebacks. If you're here in the evening, you may even spot an Okarito Brown Kiwi pottering around: one of only 400 in the world.

To explore the island, start at the jetty and take the Motuara Lookout Track to the summit. Make sure you stop at the bird viewing station and other viewpoints along the way.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Even if you're not a history or aviation buff, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is worth a look. They exhibit one of the world's largest collections of WW1 and WW2 aircraft and rare memorabilia owned by Peter Jackson, director of Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films.

The exhibition is brought to life in stunning realism by a collection of dioramas, and mannequins created by the talented folk at Weta Workshop and Wingnut Films.

The deep waters of the Marlborough Sounds are home to five different species of dolphins, including the rare Hector's dolphin. E-Ko tours allow you to get closer to them than you ever thought possible.

Their eco-friendly tours include a scenic cruise of the Sounds, qualified guides and a dip with the dolphins. Definitely one for the bucket list!

Visit d’Urville Island and French Pass

Near Rai Valley on the north eastern tip of the Sounds, there's a short 10 minute walk that ends with a panoramic view across French Pass. This treacherous stretch of water runs at up to 8 knots when the tide changes and hides several powerful whirlpools.

500 metres across the pass is d'Urville Island, New Zealand's eight largest landmass and home to 52 residents. The island offers remote wilderness unlike any other, several great hiking trails and countless deserted beaches. Stay at the campsite, or enjoy some rustic family fun at the waterfront d'Urville Island Wilderness Resort - perfect for adventurers.

Visit Cape Campbell and take the White Road Tour at Yealands in the Awatere

Journey across the top of the South Island to reach its easternmost point at Cape Campbell. Here a rugged stretch of coastline juts into the Cooks Strait, with a lighthouse clinging to the rocky ridges of its tip. Walk the black sands of nearby Marfells Beach and you'll see fur seal pups and large colonies of sea birds nesting amongst the sheer cliffs.

If you're keen for more adventure, download the Yealands Winery App for a self-guided tour of their nearby winery. You'll meet ducks and kunekune pigs employed to keep vegetation down around the vines and experience a viewpoint with stunning 180 degree views across Cook Strait.

Are you ready to discover Marlborough's brilliant backyard? Plan your trip and get inspired at Malborough.nz.com.