Outdoors & Adventure

From scenic flights in vintage aircraft, swimming with dolphins, hitting the ski slopes or heading out on an epic mountain bike trek, getting outdoors is the best way to discover Marlborough’s heritage and natural beauty.

Tackle the Queen Charlotte Track by foot, bike or kayak, staying in a brilliant range of lodges, B&Bs, homestays and campsites along the way. Jump aboard the historic mail boat and visit isolated homesteads and secluded bays, to deliver mail and groceries to families living in the Marlborough Sounds.

Head up Rainbow Skifield for an epic day on the slopes, check out the walking and mountain bike trails at the Wither Hills Farm Park or visit the Royal Spoonbills while paddling the tranquil Wairau Lagoons.

Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary

Nowhere demonstrates Picton’s community spirit and commitment to improving the natural environment like Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary. A short 10-minute boat trip from Picton, this 40 hectare mainland island offers amazing wildlife viewing, including tui, korimako (bellbird), korora (little blue penguin) and weta along a 2.7km circular walking track through regenerating native bush and old forest.

Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary

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Explore Marlborough

With its warm, sunny climate, flat terrain and large number of cellar doors, Marlborough is the ideal place to experience a wine tour by bike. With a wide range of bikes and e-bikes and located close to a dozen cellar doors, Explore Marlborough offers a range of guided and unguided cycle wine tours.

Explore Marlborough

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Punga Cove

Set among stunning scenery in the magnificent Queen Charlotte Sound, Punga Cove is the perfect retreat with options to explore by foot, bike or kayak. Whether you’re stopping by for a pizza and pint at their waterside Boatshed Café & Bar, or staying the night, Punga Cove is the ideal way to immerse yourself in nature.

Punga Cove

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Yealands Wines

Enjoy a wine tasting and learn about Yealands Wines commitment to sustainability at their cellar door near Seddon. Set among their stunning vineyards, take the 40-minute self-guided tour along The White Road, with wetlands, chickens, classical music in the vines, miniature babydoll sheep, kunekune pigs and plenty of beautiful picnic spots along the way.

Yealands

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Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Let your imagination take flight, with a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Aviation nuts will delight in the rare collection of WW1 and WW2 aircraft and everyone else will appreciate the innovative and creative display that really captures the history and spirit of the time when these warbirds soared the skies.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

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Picton Water Taxis

If you’re looking for transportation from Picton to anywhere in the Queen Charlotte Sound, and back again, Picton Water Taxis should be your first port of call. This family owned and operated business provides a friendly and personal service, whether it’s a quick trip or multi-day adventure.

Picton Water Taxis

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Marlborough Tour Company

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds with the afternoon Seafood Odyssea Cruise, departing Picton. As you cruise through Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound, take in the natural beauty of the area and sample local seafood such as Regal salmon, Greenshell mussels, paired beautifully with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Marlborough Tour Company

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Awapara Pearl Farm

For an authentic slice of Sounds life and insight into the inner workings of a paua farm, book a tour with Awapara Pearl Farm. Enjoy good old fashioned Kiwi hospitality, incredible vistas of the outer Queen Charlotte Sound and learn about this locally-grown industry, with an opportunity to purchase some of their stunning pearls.

Arapawa Blue Pearls

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Mills Bay Mussel

Think you know mussels? Roll up your sleeves and prepare to be amazed - Mills Bay Mussels Tasting Room and Eatery do premium New Zealand Greenshell Mussels like no other. Located on the Havelock Marina, their delicious menu features mussels grown in the Kenepuru Sound - the freshest mussels you can get!

Mills Bay Mussels

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Beachcomber Cruises

The mail has been delivered by boat for more than 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds and Beachcomber Cruises is proud to continue the service today. Jump aboard their daily trip, and explore the extensive waterways and hidden coves, dropping off groceries and mail to the local residents as you go.

Beachcomber Cruises

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Pelorus Bridge

Don’t forget to pack your togs and stop for a dip in the emerald waters of Te Hoiere/Pelorus River at Pelorus Bridge. The river is crystal clear and blessed with deep pools for swimming. It’s bracingly cold, but the large boulders that line the river are ideal for warming yourself on after your swim.

Pelorus Bridge

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Learn more about Marlborough

at the official tourism website

Visit Marlborough

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Explore more of the Top of the South

Hurunui

From the rolling hills and wineries of Waiparato the rugged limestone cliffs along the east coast, the incredible vistas, relaxed vibe and warm Kiwi hospitality in Hurunui offers an opportunity to slowdown and make the most of your visit.

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Kaikoura

From the thrill of whale spotting by plane, trekking with llamas and visiting with seals, there are so many exciting opportunities to explore this unique area by land, sea or air. The waters in this part of the world are home to a vast array of marine mammals and birdlife which can be viewed from above and below the waves.

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Nelson Tasman

Nelson Tasman has an incredible arts and events scene, an exciting and diverse range of food and beverage producers and an indelible connection with the outdoors. Along with a vibrant array of fresh produce and artisan products, boutique wineries, craft breweries and award winning cider makers can all be found in this part of the world.

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West Coast

From its stunning coastline to the epic peaks of the Southern Alps, the West Coast is a place of stunning natural beauty and the ideal spot for a getaway. Whether the hills are calling your name, or you prefer a more laid-back approach to taking some time out, there is no better place to re-set, recharge and reconnect.

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