Access to the Awatere Valley and South Marlborough

As a lesser well known part of the district South Marlborough includes the Awatere Valley, Seddon, Ward and the east coast as far as the Waima river, and inland to include Molesworth Station.

The region is a mix of viticulture and traditional farming that runs from the rocky coast of Ward beach up to New Zealand’s highest mountain outside of the southern alps – Mt Tapuae–o–Uenuku at 2,885m in the inland Kaikoura’s, the sacred mountain and famous for being Sir Edmund Hillary’s first major climb.

Not traditionally known as a visitor destination, the district has a growing number of experience opportunities and unique spaces and places.

Middlehurst Station Middlehurst Station

Key Strengths Key Concerns

Growing separate wine region identity south of the more well–known Wairau Valley No district identity

Gateway to Molesworth “Drive through towns with no call to action to stop”

A small selection of adventure products Poor sibling to Wairau Sauvignon – wine identity?

A small and proud traditional grazing agricultural community, now less common in Marlborough Isolated community

Returning next generation/ intergenerational traditional and enthusiastic community. Shortage of housing, shortage of potential accommodation, campgrounds

Local garden experiences Whale Trail to nowhere if Kaikoura link not completed

Key Opportunities Key Strategies

Development of sector clusters – wine, cycle, adventure, primary producers, rail, cruise ship suppliers, gardens, farm stay/visit Work with local community to develop clear identity

Connectivity to Kaikoura – part of route and itinerary south Work with adventure operators to develop sector clusters

Rail – turntable at Seddon – build destination offer around transport access Work with farming tourism operations to increase accommodation

RSE workers, cuisine, culture, part of community Focus on Whale Trail infrastructure

Loops and itineraries – cycle loops, wine tours, Molesworth to Hanmer, Sth Coast Route, via Rainbow & return Define local iwi narrative – especially around Tapuae–o–Uenuku

Mt Tapuae–o–Uenuku – build the heritage stories and folk law Amplify coastal activities

Lake Grassmere visitor experience/interpretation Continue to explore Lake Grassmere visitor experiences

Leverage Clarence River Explore special events – high country multi–sports

Work with tramping and climbing community, DOC, Iwi etc Grow boutique artisan narrative

Improve tramping hut accommodation – links to Kaikoura Connect with Kaikoura region to create a scenic route