Existing weak links of Marlborough

Awatere Valley

Weak links within the destination products and visitor offering have been highlighted by this study include, but not limited to the following

• Aviation – needs further expansion, clarification and fleshing out as a proposition hubbing off the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

• South Marlborough – strong need for product development offerings that tell the local story – agriculture, gardens, high country, coastal

• Lack of tangible connections between seafood & wine –

This is one of the key unique attractors to the region – yet remain somewhat disconnected

• Some limitations to access out to Tōtaranui – Queen Charlotte

Sound and Pelorus – Te Hoiere, due to high cost of marine transport and low volumes pose challenges

• Poor Blenheim town visitor experience – Located in the heart of New Zealand’s largest wine growing region, but provides no gateway experience • Wine industry volume and export focus – challenges around existing cellar door family operations and larger globally owned export focused corporations

• Intra–regional transport connectivity – Due to low population, regular local public based transports are challenged and difficult to offer as visitor option

• External destination access by visitors – while central within

New Zealand, perceived hurdles of distance and cost still challenge growth

• Commissionable tourism experiences – Limited paid product inclusions, high ticket options, commissionable product to attract further global wholesale distribution and itinerary inclusions by the international visitor market

Hans Herzog Estate