Marlborough

Marlborough

Travel Guide

Home of Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough is internationally renowned for its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and stunning vineyard landscapes. Located at the top of the South Island, it also boasts the spectacular Marlborough Sounds, a network of secluded waterways and forested bays. Visitors enjoy wine tasting, cycling trails, scenic cruises, and fresh local seafood in a beautiful setting.

  • Women doing wine tasting

    Marlborough Wine Region

    Home to New Zealand's world-famous Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough's wineries offer exceptional wine tastings, vineyard lunches, and cellar door experiences. Scenic cycling routes make it easy to explore the region's renowned wine country.

  • Marlborough Sounds

    Marlborough Sounds

    This spectacular network of sheltered waterways, forested hills, and secluded bays is perfect for cruising, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife encounters. The Marlborough Sounds offer some of New Zealand's most peaceful and breathtaking coastal scenery.

  • Woman walking Queen Charlotte Track

    Queen Charlotte Track

    Stretching through the Marlborough Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks. Hike or mountain bike through native forest while enjoying panoramic views, hidden coves, and abundant native birdlife.

Weather

Marlborough Weather

Marlborough enjoys one of New Zealand's sunniest climates, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Famous for its vineyards, sheltered sounds, and outdoor lifestyle, it's an excellent destination throughout the year.

  • Summer

    22°C - 30°C

    December - February

    Long sunny days are perfect for winery visits, cruising the Marlborough Sounds, cycling vineyard trails, and dining outdoors.

  • Autumn

    11°C - 24°C

    March - May

    Harvest season brings colourful vineyards, wine festivals, pleasant hiking conditions, and fewer crowds.

  • Winter

    3°C - 15°C

    June - August

    Cool, crisp days are ideal for cellar door visits, gourmet dining, scenic drives, and peaceful walks through the Sounds.

  • Spring

    9°C - 21°C

    September - November

    Blooming vineyards, fresh greenery, and warming temperatures make spring perfect for cycling, hiking, and exploring the region.

Wild Kiwi Tours

How we explore Marlborough

Whale breaching the surface in Kaikoura
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Southern Loop

7 Days
Departs Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $1,980 NZD
Southern Loop
Marlborough vineyard
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South Island Pioneer

7 Days
Departs Christchurch
For all ages
From $5,025 NZD
South Island Pioneer
Group of people hiking up Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand
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Big South

14 Days
Departs Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $3,950 NZD
Big South
View over Lake Tekapo with Mount Cook in the background
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NZ Discovery

21 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $6,048 NZD
NZ Discovery
The Earnslaw boat cruising across Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown
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New Zealand Odyssey

21 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For all ages
From $15,430 NZD
New Zealand Odyssey
Group of people kayaking in New Zealand
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Cape to Tasman Voyager

11 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $4,309 NZD
Cape to Tasman Voyager
Group of people walking the beach at Abel Tasman National Park
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Coastal Escape

11 Days
Departs Auckland
For all ages
From $7,015 NZD
Coastal Escape
Two people kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
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NZ Adventurer

14 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $4,040 NZD
NZ Adventurer
Group of friends pose for a photo in front of a mountain on the Tongariro Crossing
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Classic Kiwi

18 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $6,500 NZD
Classic Kiwi
Group of friends pose for a photo in front of Lake Tekapo
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Grand Adventure

25 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $8,670 NZD
Grand Adventure
Group of friends pose for a photo on Wharariki Beach
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New Zealand Uncovered

18 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $6,559 NZD
New Zealand Uncovered

Where to Eat

Best Local Eats in Marlborough

Dish from Scotch Wine Bar

1. Local Favourite - Scotch Wine Bar

Ritual Café

2. Best Café - Ritual Café

Beautiful plate of meat and vegetables

3. Singature Dining - Arbour

Dodson Street Beer Garden Pizza

4. Must-Try Treat - Dodson Street Beer Garden Pizza

Reviews

What Travellers Say

Customer Reviews by
based on 616 reviews

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Marlborough

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