Discover Marlborough: Wine, Trails and Culture

Marlborough offers a diverse range of reasons to visit: a history of winemaking, forest and river landscapes, coastal forest, and exhibitions on aviation history. As you explore the region, you can choose your own priorities, from longer routes and short scenic walks to wine and culture. When choosing accommodation, it helps to first consider which of these experiences you want to shape your stay.

Hiking trails for different time commitments

The Queen Charlotte Track stretches 73.5 km from historic Meretoto/Ship Cove to Anakiwa in Queen Charlotte Sound and forms part of the Te Araroa Trail. Its length makes it a distinctive option for a trip centered on an extended hiking route. Check conditions and access requirements before your trip.

The 27 km Nydia Track takes hikers and cyclists through lush coastal forest and regenerating forest, over two saddles with views, and across farmland. A two-day duration is given for hiking; mountain biking takes five to eight hours. The two options therefore differ both in mode of transport and timeframe. Check conditions before setting out, as they can change at streams and rivers.

Forest, river and views at Pelorus and Cullen Point

The Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve in Marlborough features forest and river landscapes and includes one of the region’s last stands of river terrace alluvial forest. The easy, wheelchair-accessible Tawa Walk passes through forest and across river terraces; surface conditions may vary. The Circle Walk, which is also wheelchair-accessible, is 380 m long and follows the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River. While the Tawa Walk links forest and river terraces, the Circle Walk follows a route along the river.

The two routes at Cullen Point also involve different time commitments. The Cullen Point Coastal Track is a one-hour loop with views of Pelorus Sound and the town of Havelock. The Cullen Point Lookout Track is a ten-minute return walk to a lookout with views of Mahau Sound and the Kaituna and Pelorus river estuaries. Check local road and weather conditions before setting out.

Wine and Marlborough’s winemaking history

The permanent Wine Exhibition at the museum explores the history of wine and winemaking in Marlborough, New Zealand. It adds a historical perspective on the subject to a visit to the wine region. Check the latest visitor information before your trip.

Explore Marlborough offers cycling tours and driving tours to wineries in the wine region. Cycling tours may be guided or self-guided and follow flat, easy routes suitable for all ages and fitness levels. As tour operations and formats are subject to change, it is advisable to check the current offerings. At the premium winery Clos Henri, owned by the Bourgeois family, organic wines can be tasted at the Cellar Door. Check current tasting availability before visiting.

Aviation history at Omaka Aerodrome

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre at the historically significant Omaka Aerodrome combines a rare collection of aircraft from the First and Second World Wars with creative exhibition techniques. “Knights of the Sky” features aircraft and artefacts from the First World War; “Dangerous Skies” tells stories from the Second World War. As exhibitions may change, check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Consider which experiences interest you most before choosing a base for your stay.

Discover more destinations

Blenheim, Marlborough District, Maraetai Bay, Waikawa, Seddon, Wairau Valley, North Bank, Rapaura, Waihopai Valley, Hawkesbury, Fairhall, Lower Dashwood, Ward

For the main travel overview: New Zealand.