As the writer-director of your own movie, you’re venturing into the heart of Aotearoa’s geographical magnificence, flicking through picturesque sunken valleys, soaring alpine peaks, and mesmerising vineyards sparkling with the region’s signature sauvignon blanc. It’s like nature’s greatest hits thrown at you over every twist and turn.
But Marlborough is also an open book, telling the story of Aotearoa’s unmatched beauty in various ways, from the sheltered waterways and sea-drowned valleys of the Marlborough Sounds (Te Tauihu-o-te-Waka) to the majestic foothills of Wairau Valley.
Choose your own adventure
Choose your own adventure while tracing the tip of South Island, which has many richly rewarding paths offering an endless sense of adventure and a deep connection to the land. Perhaps your story best unfolds while kayaking 1500 kilometres of secluded bays and historic sites, with dolphins, seals, and seabirds listening intently as you bare your soul. Or maybe your spirit sits best when it’s sipping wines from more than 30 cellar doors, indulging in leisurely long lunches in and around the charming town of Blenheim (Te Waiharakeke).
Spin yourself a tale of luxury at Bay of Many Coves Resort, a stately five-star getaway straddling the native bush and secluded bay of Queen Charlotte Sound (Tōtaranui) with world-class cuisine, breath-taking scenery and restorative adventure all wrapped into one.
What to do in Destination Marlborough
Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre where stories, not just stuff, are king! Hollywood-style sets showcasing iconic aircraft and rare artifacts bring to life the evolution of aviation in the two World Wars.
Or if you are visiting the luscious lands of Marlborough, it’s worth visiting the Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow. This bi-annual show is where you’ll see a range of exciting aircraft – everything from pre-WWI ‘flivvers’ to fighter and bomber aircraft from both world wars.
Gasp at the aerobatics and hold your breath as iconic WW2 warbirds command the skies. For a weekend of fantastic flying, classic cars, fireworks, fun, food and entertainment, get your tickets online now for the Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Airshow.
Perhaps your history is best expressed in the sky. Jump on a scenic flight with Helicopters Nelson and share the beauty with the birds, hopping around Marlborough’s stunning landscapes with luxury tours that’ll take you from the lush vineyards of the Awatere Valley to the rugged terrain of Middlehurst Station and the scenic shores of Arapawa Island (Arapaoa) where you’ll uncover the secrets of blue pearls.
Explore the wine regions
Cycle through the gentle trails of the country’s premier wine region on a guided wine tour with Explore Marlborough. Sip on stories from smaller family-owned vineyards, boutique wineries, and iconic household names as you meet the locals all while taking in the breathtaking scenery on a guided tour.
The region’s wineries have been developing over the last 50 years, but the beauty of these cellar doors is that visitors can meet award-winning vignerons and learn about their harvesting and bottling processes. It’s the perfect place for cruise passengers to sample a taste of New Zealand’s award-winning vintages.
All great writers need fuel for their imagination, so continue your wine trail in the dramatic foothills of Wairau Valley. Visit Clos Henri, an organically run wine estate resting on 10 generations of winegrowing expertise from the Bourgeois family. The highly textural, elegant wines are born from an expert blend of ‘new world’ and ‘old world’ techniques and are best discovered in the estate’s unique tasting room, the Saint Solange Chapel.
With so many paths to trace and an abundance of stories to absorb, Marlborough is that transformative experience that so many travellers yearn for. This special part of the world is waiting when you’re ready to write your next chapter.
