Nelson & Marlborough

Photo credit:Gareth Eyres

Here stimulation and relaxation coexist to provide a perfectly balanced holiday. Around Nelson and Marlborough, the pleasures of country life and the freedom of protected wilderness sit comfortably alongside a culture that produces great wine, wonderful food and amazing art.

Blenheim is an excellent base for wine lovers intent on discovering the perfect sauvignon blanc. There are about 70 wineries to visit - on a mountain bike or with a local driver. Don’t assume it’s all sauvignon - pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling also do well here. A distillery and brewery can also be added to your wine trail, so that you can taste locally produced fruit brandies, liqueurs and beers. The Nelson area is also known for wine production; its wineries are mostly concentrated around the Waimea Plains.

The South Island’s top half is overflowing with amazing scenery. As well as three national parks, each distinctly different, there’s the Marlborough Sounds - a collection of tranquil flooded river valleys that reach into the ocean. If you like to hike, kayak and mountain bike, we think you’ll be a very happy person here. For beauty of the man-made kind, discover Nelson’s arty galleries, studios and workshops, where talented people make all kinds of clever contrivances. On Saturday, we reckon the Nelson market is the place to be.

Creativity unleashed
Nelson's creative community provides many opportunities for travellers to experiment with art. Workshops include glassblowing, pottery, bone carving, sculpture, authentic Maori flax weaving and cooking.

Outdoor adventure
Pack your sense of adventure and explore three distinctly different national parks. Try the skywire, sea kayaking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, sailing, horse trekking or seal swimming.

Vines and wines
Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest grape-growing and wine-making region. The broad, sweeping plains are home to about 70 wineries. Discover and enjoy on a self-drive, bicycle or guided tour.

The Marlborough Sounds
Bordered by forest that rises almost vertically from the water’s edge, three drowned river valleys offer 1500 kilometres of sheltered beaches and waterways for sailing, cruising, kayaking, fishing and diving.

Queen Charlotte Track
This spectacular walking track winds through 71 kilometres of native forest, along ridges and beside idyllic coves. Travel with a local guide to learn about the habitat and hear the local Maori legends.

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