Top 10 Things to do in Marlborough Region, South Island

November 13, 2021 Frederic Celentano

The fertile soil and temperate climate of the Wairau River Valley provide the perfect conditions for a wine lover's paradise. Marlborough's thousands of acres of vineyards and dozens of wineries create delectable wines of diverse varietals, from full-bodied Pinot Noir to herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. The countryside boasts unsurpassed beauty, with its majestic mountains, verdant vineyards and the labyrinth of waterways that make up the Marlborough Sounds.
Restaurants in Marlborough Region

1. Marlborough Sounds

Picton New Zealand +64 3-577 5587 http://www.marlborough.co.nz/sounds.asp
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 688 reviews

Marlborough Sounds

Reviewed By paulohartson1 - Amersham, United Kingdom

Take the scenic route from Nelson and you'll find laybys at the side of the road that give you stunning views down the sounds

2. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

79 Aerodrome Road, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand +64 3-579 1305 [email protected] http://www.omaka.org.nz
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,533 reviews

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was established to provide a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft. Some of New Zealand's most respected cinematic and special effects craftsmen have created a dramatic aviation theatre in which original and full-scale replica WW1 and WW2 aircraft, both static and flyable, are presented in all their glory. The museum is home to two exhibitions, "Knights of the Sky" and "Dangerous Skies". The former is on long-term loan from film director Sir Peter Jackson and comprises one of the world's largest collections of World War One aircraft and rare memorabilia. Thanks to Sir Peter's generosity the aircraft have been brought to life in a series of dioramas created by Wingnut Films and enhanced with lifelike mannequins by Weta Workshop. "Dangerous Skies" utilised local talent and features stories from World War Two and takes visitors on a geographical as well as an historical journey.

Reviewed By Wander46757584245 - Dunedin, New Zealand

Amazing display of aircraft - highest level of detail we've encountered worldwide at an aviation museum. 100% recommend !

3. Winterhome Garden

5781 State Highway 1, 7260 New Zealand +64 3-575 8674 [email protected] http://www.winterhome.co.nz
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Winterhome Garden

Winterhome Garden is a proud family run operation that compliments the family sheep and cattle farm. The gardens unique large scale design which incorporates nearly 10 acres of formal garden provides a wealth of atmospheric vistas and settings set above the rugged Marlborough coastline. The garden is recognised as a garden of national significance.

4. Queen Charlotte Sound

Queen Charlotte Walk, Picton New Zealand +64 3-573 6175 http://www.beachcombercruises.co.nz
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 335 reviews

Queen Charlotte Sound

Reviewed By Resort829690 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Great tramp Beautiful scenery Comfortable lodges Carry only a day pack Organised by Adventure Tours Picton Track can easily done independently-no guide required Lodges along route comfortable with restaurants providing great food

5. Picton Sound

Picton New Zealand +64 3-573 8994
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 282 reviews

Picton Sound

Reviewed By Sandy817 - Phoenix, United States

It was beautiful coming into Picton on the Celebrity Solstice and we were glad we got up to see the ship dock here. It is a lovely small town & there was an outdoor market the day we were there.

6. Queen Charlotte Track

Marlborough Sounds, Picton 7220 New Zealand +64 3-573 5432 [email protected] http://www.qctrack.co.nz/
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 878 reviews

Queen Charlotte Track

Reviewed By TravelDudes555

From the dolphins on the boat ride to Ship cove, to the glow worms at Punga cove, the curious Wekas, the amazing kauri trees and many beautiful views of the Marlborough Sounds - the Queen Charlotte track offers a bit of everything. Staying at the Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove added some unexpected luxury to the hike - highly recommended.! The track itself is very good (mainly forest covered) but not exceptional - however the combined experience of the hike, the accommodation, and enjoying the beautiful Marlborough sounds made for an excellent long weekend!

7. Lochmara Lodge Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Recovery Centre

Lochmara Bay Marlborough Sounds, Picton 7201 New Zealand +64 3-573 4554 [email protected] http://lochmara.co.nz/
Excellent
62%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 214 reviews

Lochmara Lodge Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Recovery Centre

This unique centre provides an opportunity for nature-lovers to interact with, learn about and appreciate the unique flora and fauna of the Marlborough Sounds. The centre includes wild bird recovery, endangered bird and gecko breeding enclosures, and a self guided ecotour among native bush. Day/half-day trips include a boat cruise from Picton (Lochmara can easily arrange boat transport for you) on the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, and an optional walk on the Queen Charlotte Track.

Reviewed By GabbyJ123 - Auckland, New Zealand

What a beautiful place to stay. Paula the lady in reception makes you feel so welcomed. She walks you to your room and tells you the amazing things that a available for you to enjoy. My room was lovely and Sunny with beautiful views across the bay. The beds are so comfortable. It’s almost like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Your whole body is supported. The food we had for dinner was so fresh and very flavoursome. They can also cater to your special dietary needs. All the staff a friendly and helpful. Lochmara is a hidden gem

8. Edwin Fox Maritime Museum

1 Auckland St, Picton 7220 New Zealand +64 3-573 6868 [email protected] http://www.edwinfoxsociety.com
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 393 reviews

Edwin Fox Maritime Museum

We are open! Every day from 9am! The Edwin Fox is a great example of NZ Maritime History, 161 years old this year and currently listed as the 9th oldest ship in the world, the oldest surviving merchant ship, last surviving convict ship that took convicts to Australia and last wooden NZ immigrant ship and was also used to transport troops to the Crimean war.Come step aboard, go into the hull of the ship and visit the dry dock to get a real feel of the size of the ship and indeed what voyages would of been like!Open everyday group bookings and guided tours by arrangement.

Reviewed By samifido

This was a last minute decision to do as we just got off our cruise ship to walk around Picton and found this marvellous museum. Extremely interesting and informative and loved walking around the actual ship to see and touch the original wood and imagine what life would have been like. For $15 it’s definitely worth a short visit.

9. Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen

13 Selmes Road Rd3, Blenheim 7273 New Zealand +64 3-570 5280 [email protected] http://www.saintclair.co.nz/vineyard-kitchen/
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 288 reviews

Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen

Come and visit Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen to relax, sit back and enjoy the Saint Clair experience. The newly renovated establishment is situated within a unique vineyard setting with views extending past the vines towards the ever changing and dramatic Richmond Range. The sunny courtyard offers outdoor dining with some dining options amongst the vines. On a cooler day an extended veranda section can ensure customers continue to have the vineyard feel while being sheltered from the elements through extensive floor to ceiling glass sliding doors. A cosy fire provides ambience and warmth during the New Zealand winter, an ideal settling to relax and enjoy Saint Clair's award winning wines. A perfect place for a visit for morning or afternoon tea with a selection of muffins and hot drinks available all day. The extensive menu constantly changes reflecting some of the best seasonal produce and finest delicacies Marlborough as to offer. There are a range of options available to meet any dietary requirements. The wine tasting counter is an area to discover the diversity of Saint Clair with a large selection of award winning wines available for tasting daily via an impressive wine preservation system. In addition to these wines there is an extensive range of craft beers from kiwi breweries including Pan Head, Parrot Dog and Marlborough's own Renaissance. A couple of different flavours of locally produced Adam and Eve Cider are also on offer and New Zealand owned brands make up the eclectic array of non-alcoholic beverages. The Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen is available for private functions and offers catering options to suit all budgets with flexibility to ensure a successful event. Please contact us to discuss further. When visiting the Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen make sure you cross the car park to Pātaka - a gourmet food store proudly specialising in New Zealand artisan food and offering uniquely New Zealand inspired gifts.

Reviewed By 007_Richard_E - Thame, United Kingdom

This was the first stop on our wine tour, we enjoyed a relaxed wine tasting session which included a wonderful lunch, in fact during the six weeks that we were in New Zealand this was definitely in the top five meals we had.

10. Interislander

Picton 7281 New Zealand +64 800 802 802 http://interislander.co.nz
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 152 reviews

Interislander

Reviewed By Casa62 - Brisbane, Australia

A seamless experience with plenty of amenities and activities on board to keep everyone happy. But the trolleys of freshly baked scones was an added bonus. Dont miss out on these. Nice views going into the marlborough sounds.

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