The beautiful Marlborough region

Known for fine wines and beautiful weather, Marlborough is the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand.

The greens, blues and golds of Marlborough's landscape reflect the profound pleasures to be found here…

Whether you love wine or wildlife, sea-kayaking or cruising, native bush walks or formal garden rambles, under clear, sunny skies Marlborough is a great place to unwind.

Marlborough Sounds
The region is perhaps most famous for the Marlborough Sounds, a network of fiord-like waterways, sheltered by steep, forest-clad cliffs. The Marlborough Sounds incorporate numerous stunning inlets, bays and beaches, the Vernon Lagoon Wildlife Reserve, and the famed Queen Charlotte and Nydia tracks for keen trampers. Click here for information on Marlborough Sounds Cruises.

Marlborough Wine Country
Not only is Marlborough New Zealand’s largest grape-growing area, it is internationally-renowned for its superb wine industry. The Wairau Valley has around twenty wineries producing top-quality vintages. The Marlborough region is most famous for its Sauvignon Blancs. Click here to read about guided wine tours.

Blenheim
The main centre of the Marlborough Sounds, Blenheim is the heart of the region. A town of just over 25,000 citizens, Blenheim is well-designed with sunny meeting places, buzzing street markets, quality art galleries, distinctive little lanes and a myriad of shopping ranging from the quirky to the sophisticated –and all this is within easy walking distance from the Chateau Marlborough – your luxury accommodation in Blenheim.

Click here for more to see and do in Blenheim

Great Day Trips
At the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound, nestled between the mountains and the sea is Picton. A visit to picturesque Picton makes a wonderful day-trip when staying at our Blenheim Hotel.

Once a Maori settlement, Picton is now a charming seaside township that accommodates the region’s port, extensive marina facilities and visiting cruise ships. It is in Picton that you can experience the famous New Zealand ferry-crossing to or from the North Island.

Southern Marlborough offers opportunities for back-to-nature activities such as walking, tramping, fishing, picnicking and horse trekking. Travelling south-west from Blenheim you will find the Rainbow Skifield, another wonderful daytrip from Chateau Marlborough – using our Blenheim accommodation as your base.

The drive along State Highway 1 between Blenheim and Kaikoura is home to some of the most inspiring scenery in Marlborough. As the road ribbons its way along dramatic coastal flanks, you’ll find many a secluded hideaway to take in awe-inspiring view, as well as perfect spots for fishing and opportunities to explore the local arts and crafts trail.