Marlborough

You’re excused if you forget for a moment that you’re here for the wine. The Marlborough Sounds with their endless tranquil bays, glassy waters and lush hillsides are simply breathtaking. Disembark the Interislander ferry and take a boat to your secluded hotel. Plunge at night into the cool salty bays and watch the waters explode around you with the light of phosphorescent plankton. Kayak in the quiet mornings with seals splashing around your paddles. Hike or bike the multi-day Queen Charlotte Track spending each night at a luxury resort.

Then there’s the wine. Marlborough is New Zealand’s top wine region– famous for its crisp sauvignon blancs. But ‘sav blancs’ (as the kiwis call them) are only many varietals grown here. Pair your wine with local green lipped mussels at one of many terrific restaurants. Cap your day of vineyard tours with a visit to a modern Maori art gallery.  Or visit the famous Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, chaired by Peter Jackson

Top Activities in Marlborough, New Zealand:

World famous sauvignon blanc wines
Boating the still waters in the early morning
Walking the beautiful Queen Charlotte Track
Walking in Wither Hills Farm Park – for great views over Marlborough and the Wairau Plains
Going snapper fishing or learning the eco-history of the Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds