Tucked away at the top of the South Island is the beautiful region of Marlborough. It’s an area of picturesque contrasts – river valleys dotted with wineries, beautiful beaches, idyllic waterways, native forest… - it shouldn’t be overlooked!

If you travel the Cook Strait by ferry from the North to the South Island, you will cruise through the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound to the delightful port of Picton. But don’t just jump on a connecting bus to tour the South Island. Oh no. Stay right where you are! The nearby maze of waterways and bushwalks are SO worth staying for. Believe!

The Marlborough Sounds consist of three ocean inlets: the Queen Charlotte Sound, the Keneperu Sound and the Pelorus Sound. Navigate the secret coves and inlets and admire the spectacular scenery where towering 800s yr old Rimu trees, complete with delicate orchids, plunge down to the shoreline. A natural paradise!

If you like a drop of fermented grape then you will know that this region produces remarkable wines too. Marlborough is New Zealand's largest grape-growing and wine-making region, so if you’re partial to a drop of sauvignon blanc you’ll love it here! Blenheim, the main town, is the place to be for vineyard visits. And Marlborough is also known as the “sunshine capital of New Zealand”. Go on you good thing!

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
	Experience the magic of the Marlborough Sounds by boat and take in the scenery. Don’t forget your camera!
	Book yourself on a sea kayaking safari. It’s the perfect way to explore the myriad bays, coves and inlets!
	Walk the Queen Charlotte Track - a popular 3ish day track renowned for its stunning scenery. Walking not hard enough on your body? Hop on a mountain bike instead!
	Explore the stunning little ferry port of Picton. Check out some older NZ architecture, the Picton museum and the Edwin Fox – one of the oldest ships in the world!
	Grab a wine trail map; it’s time to tour the vineyards for a little tasting session. Better still, grab yourself a guide so you don’t have to worry about driving. Taste lots of the finest wines of the country!
	Head to the Department of Conservation and get yourself some hiking trail maps. There are heaps of opportunities to get lost in the wilds.
	Visit a distillery and see how it's done. The obligatory tasting of locally produced fruit brandies and liqueurs is delicious!
	Pack a picnic and head to the Wairau River. Chill out on the bank with a rod catching tonight’s dinner.
	Head to Havelock and try out the local mussels. People travel from afar to knock back huge steaming plates of these little darlings! Go well with a drop of local wine, I’m reliably informed.
	If you happen to be in this region in February, then the Marlborough Food and Wine festival is unmissable! A place for gastronomes to indulge but also another fine opportunity to get sozzled on the local grapes! Hurrah!