New Zealand

The gateway to South Island, this is a region of sunshine, wine, arts and crafts and stunning nature encompassing an area of superlative natural beauty. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or just those wanting a relaxing escape, this is a region not to be missed.

Picton is the first port of call for visitors from the North Island across the scenic Cook Strait. It is surrounded by the Marlborough Sounds, which comprise a group of beautiful and isolated islands, inlets and rugged headland, most easily explored by boat or along the celebrated Queen Charlotte Walkway.

Inland, the town of Blenheim serves the famous Marlborough vineyards, New Zealand’s premier wine region famed for it sauvignon blanc. There are numerous vineyards and many are open to visitors offering tastings and tours of the property.

The market town of Nelson has a reputation for plenty of sunshine, fine food and arts and crafts. One of the oldest settlements in the country, it is both bustling and friendly. The town’s, gaunt and imposing cathedral is offset by the pleasant leafy Queen’s Gardens and Japanese style Miyazu Gardens and a cluster of interesting galleries. Within easy reach of Nelson are three National Parks – the mountainous forests of Kahurangi and the Nelson Lakes, and Abel Tasman, renowned for its stunning coastline of turquoise bays fringed by golden beaches.

Picton & Marlborough

As the inter-island ferry terminus for the South Island, Picton is a busy, if rather small, port. It is beautifully situated at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound and for most visitors is their first impression of the South Island.

Forming part of the Marlborough region, Picton is in every other respect a sleepy, little town, most visitors passing through on route to the larger town of Blenheim nearby, but there is good range of accommodation available along with cafés and several fine craft galleries.

The main attraction for those choosing to stay is the close proximity to both Queen Charlotte Sound and the track. This is an area worth exploring, offering a delightful coastline comprising bays, coves and waterways. Several companies operate out of Picton offering a choice of activities including kayaking, boat trips, dolphin watching and even diving.

Queen Charlotte Track is becoming increasingly popular for hikers. It is less busy than the nearby Abel Tasman, with similar lush, coastal scenery however, it lacks the beaches that are the major draw of the latter. A water taxi from Picton transports hikers to Ship Cove and the beginning of the track.

Blenheim

The largest town in the Marlborough region, Blenheim’s location in the heart of this premier wine making district makes it a very popular visitor destination. Its north easterly, position on South Island, also makes it a natural overnight stopover for those heading down the coast to Christchurch.

The town is well serviced, with several fine restaurants focusing on local food and wine, a stylish public art gallery, a museum and colonial village, glorious public gardens, as well as theatres and cinemas.

However, the real lure of the town is undoubtedly the wineries and the convenient access that Blenheim provides. The Marlborough region is New Zealand’s largest producer of wine and is particularly famous for it sauvignon blanc. Of the numerous vineyards in the area, about 30 are open to visitors, offering tastings and tours of the property. The largest is Montana. The region boasts one of the most stable climates in the country and experiences and above average sunshine record. During the second week of February, Blenheim plays host to the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival. For those requiring something a little more active, there are also walking and cycling trails in the Wither Hills Farm Park just to the south.

Nelson & Abel Tasman

With its above average sunshine record, beautiful sandy beaches and reputation for fine foods and arts and crafts, Nelson is a popular choice for New Zealanders and overseas visitors alike. One of the oldest settlements in the country, it is both bustling and friendly. The town’s, gaunt and imposing cathedral is offset by the pleasant leafy Queen’s Gardens and Japanese style Miyazu Gardens and a cluster of interesting galleries.

Thrill seekers can find the familiar range of activities, including white-water rafting, paragliding and tandem skydiving, but of more universal appeal are the town’s two major festivals. Hooked on Seafood, is a celebration for gourmets and is held in March, while the slightly off-beat Wearable Arts Festival, combines fashion with sculpture, theatre and dance. Indeed, Nelson possesses a thriving arts and crafts community, which perfectly complements a café and food culture.

The larger region of Nelson boasts three national parks, ranging from coastal to alpine. By far the most popular is the Abel Tasman National Park. Lush forest coastal paths lead to delightful bays with gold sand beaches and clear blue water. The park can be explored on a cruise, by kayak or on foot.