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Known for its fine wines and beautiful
weather, Marlborough is the gateway to the South Island.
The greens, blues and golds of Marlborough's landscape
reflect the profound pleasures to be found - it is
at the very heart of New Zealand in every way.
The region is famous for the Marlborough
Sounds, which incorporate numerous stunning inlets
and bays, the Vernon Lagoon Wildlife Reserve, and
the Queen Charlotte and Nydia tracks for trampers.
Not only is Marlborough New Zealand’s largest
grape-growing area, it is internationally-renown for
its superb wine industry. The Wairau Valley has around
twenty wineries producing top-quality vintages. The
region is most famous for its sauvignon blancs.
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 distances from the Chateau
Marlborough Hotel.
The town's focal point is the attractive
Seymour Square, with its well-tended flowerbeds, memorial
clock tower and fountain. Near the square is a relic
of the town's early and violent history – Blenkinsopp's
cannon, originally from the whaling ship Caroline.
Blenheim has a reputation for lovely
gardens, including Pollard Park and Waterlea Gardens.
Of historic interest are the Riverlands Cob Cottage,
furnished in pioneer style, and the Brayshaw Museum
Park with its reconstructed colonial village.
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Blenheim is Marlborough's
main town and an ideal base for exploring
the Wairau Plains, the Richmond and St Arnaud
Ranges and the beautiful coastline of Cloudy
Bay. Activities in the surrounding countryside
include whitewater rafting, tramping, boating,
kayaking, horse trekking, mountainbiking,
trout fishing and skiing. More sedate pursuits
include strolling through Blenheim's lovely
parks and gardens, or a visit to an art studio,
olive grove, cheese factory or boutique distillery.
See our Activities page for further information.
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. To the north of Blenheim are the
bays and beaches of the Marlborough Sounds.
Often referred to as “drowned valleys”,
the Marlborough Sounds are a network of fjiord-like
waterways, sheltered by steep hills, most
clad in native and timber forests. At the
head of the Queen Charlotte Sound, nestled
between the mountains and the sea is Picton.
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
catch a 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. The drive along
State Highway 1 between Blenheim and Kaikoura
is home to some of the region’s most
inspiring scenery. As the road ribbons its
way along dramatic coastal flanks you’ll
find many a secluded hideaways – perfect
spots base for fishing, exploring the local
arts and crafts trail, or simply taking in
the awe inspiring view.
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