WARD BEACH | CAPE
CAMPBELL LIGHTHOUSE


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WARD BEACH | CAPE
CAMPBELL LIGHTHOUSE



Marlborough is the connection to the South Island. It is a place blessed with many different story lines, bound by the Nukuo Ariki - the four valleys. This booklet is your personal planning tool, a guide to creating the story you wish to tell – a story inspired by the rich history and unique paths that converge here.
Whether you’re hiking to the peak of Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku marveling at the beautiful views, or you’re feasting on local seafood delicacies on a cruise, you will find a story worth sharing here. Your path might start as you navigate through the sunken valleys like many before you. Its twists and turns created the Marlborough Sounds and its full spectrum of colour. You might decide to go fishing, or wade your way on a kayak into a different story.
It might draw you on your electric bike into an adventure story around its long glittering coastline, or following it’s path to the vineyards and world class wineries.
Be in Marlborough as an open book, with a vision to find a story worth telling. Learn the paths to stories from those before you, hear ours, tell yours and inspire the next.
To stay inspired, visit marlboroughnz.com
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Marlborough, a place based at the geographic centre of Aotearoa New Zealand.
A place blessed with many different story lines, bound by the Nukuo Ariki - the four valleys.
1. Te Hoiere Pelorus Valley - Kenepuru Sound & Havelock
2. Tōtaranui Queen Charlotte - Picton & surrounding Sounds
3. Wairau - Blenheim, Renwick, & Waihopai
4. Awatere - Seddon, Ward & Southern Marlborough
Te Waiharakeke Blenheim | The largest town in Marlborough, sits within the Wairau Valley. The town has parks, restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene. A small rural settlement located nearby is Renwick. Surrounded by vineyards, Renwick is the hub for wine tastings and tours.
Waitohi Picton | A charming coastal town & gateway to the Tōtaranui Queen Charlotte Sounds and the South Island ferry terminal. Picton offers waterfront views, outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking, and access to the Queen Charlotte Track.
Havelock | known as the Greenshell Mussel capital of the world, this is a small town at the head of Te Hoiere Pelorus Sound. It serves as a gateway to nearby waterways, hiking tracks, and offers seafood dining experiences.
Seddon | A small rural town located near the Awatere River and serves as a hub for the surrounding farming and wine-producing region. The Awatere Valley provides opportunities for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, cycling, and fishing.

Each area in Marlborough has its own unique charm and attractions. Scan the code to learn more or click the images to the right.

BLENHEIM, WAIRAU VALLEY Te Waiharakeke

PICTON, QUEEN CHARLOTTE Tōtaranui

LINK PATHWAY, HAVELOCK Pelorus Te Hoiere & Kenepuru

WARD BEACH, WARD Awatere, South Marlborough
Start your journey off with an incredible cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, on the ferry from Wellington to Picton. Bring the car, bike, boat or caravan onboard and start your holiday off by relaxing and soaking in the views.
Or admire Marlborough wine country and the Sounds from above by flying directly to Blenheim or Picton from Wellington, Auckland, Palmerston North, Christchurch or Paraparaumu.
Less than an hour’s drive from Nelson, just before Rai Valley, the roads to French Pass and Tennyson Inlet lead into the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and days worth of exploring.
Or continue along the main highway, stopping at Pelorus Bridge for river swimming, and at Havelock for their famous Greenshell™ Mussels. Take the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive to Picton or Kenepuru and Te Hoiere Pelorus Sounds; or continue straight into the heart of wine country and Blenheim.
Travel by car, bus or the Coastal Pacific train from Christchurch to Picton and enjoy spectacular scenery. Stop for fresh crayfish at seaside cafés and spot the plentiful seals.
Or take the adventurous road to Marlborough, by vehicle, mountain bike or guided tour, via the historic high country Molesworth Station in the beautiful Awatere Valley. Open in spring and summer.
Arrive via the beautiful Wairau Valley, watching Marlborough’s vast wine country unfold as you drive alongside the Wairau River and the rugged Richmond Range. Stop for fly fishing or at cellar doors for tastings, platters or lunch.
Travel times are approximate only, and do not account for road closures, detours or delays. For up to date information visit nzta.govt.nz/traffic
See page 32 for more travel information and maps 34-40
Only runs on scheduled days. Please visit www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/coastal-pacific for the most up to date schedule.




Pssst.. all ads on the following pages are clickable!

Step aboard the Coastal Pacific scenic train and relax as you travel from Christchurch to Marlborough – or the other way around. Glide past sunlit vineyards, wild coastlines, and remote beaches. It’s a journey of natural beauty and pure relaxation with seamless connection with the Interislander ferry.
For the latest timetable and to book please visit our website greatjourneysnz.com


Enjoy the views while our experienced onboard crew takes care of you.

Our ferries operate year-round with convenient sailing times for both walk-on passengers and vehicles. With a range of dining options, onboard WiFi, and child-friendly spaces, you’ll have a great time.
Enhance your journey by upgrading to the Premium Lounge: a relaxing, child-free space with complimentary food and drinks.

To book your trip, visit www.interislander.co.nz








Spring / 1 September - 30 November

Spring marks the release of Marlborough’s newest Sauvignon Blanc, best enjoyed with a platter or lunch at a cellar door. Enjoy sunshine with a vineyard tour under blue skies and snow on the mountains. Make the most of warm spring days on the waters of the Marlborough Sounds and explore with a scenic cruise or by kayak. Each blossom and burst of greenery tells a story of nature’s resilience and the promise of new beginnings. From the lively buzz of the farmers markets to the tranquility of the coastal walks, Marlborough’s Spring is a celebration of renewal and the beginning of warmer days.

Autumn / 1 March - 31 May

Summer / 1 December - 28 February
Summer in Marlborough is about jumping off jetties into sparkling seas or lazing over a long lunch with your choice of beverage - not only a wine region, Marlborough also has award winning gin and beer. For the active nature enthusiasts, explore the Queen Charlotte Track on foot or by mountain bike, or relax and rejuvenate at a lodge in the Marlborough Sounds. Take a roadtrip around the region to explore each valley and create your own Summer story. Embrace the local cuisine and board a seafood cruise or taste fresh Summer flavours by picking your own cherries and strawberries.

Winter / 1 June - 31 August
Autumn in Marlborough is an exciting time on the wine calendar, with vintage in full swing. Do a cellar door tour as the grapes are brought into the wineries, while tasting the results of harvests gone by. Pick your path this season, whether it be walking scenic trails that have become a tapestry of crunchy leaves, or cruising serene waterways of the Marlborough Sounds which provide a picturesque backdrop. Watch as the region fills with autumnal hues of red and orange, it’s a beautiful time to get outside and explore nature.
Winter brings crisp blue skies and abundant sunshine. Winter is Marlborough’s best hidden secret. Enjoy an outdoor vineyard lunch in the afternoon warmth, or cosy up by an open fire with a rich Pinot Noir at a cellar door – did you know we have a cellar door fireplace trail! The glassy still waters of the Marlborough Sounds, with abundant marine wildlife, makes Winter the perfect time to explore. Do a scenic cruise or nestle into a warm waterside lodge with incredible views. For the snow bunnies, check out Rainbow Ski Area and hit the slopes.
JANUARY
Picton New Years Eve Event
Picton Maritime Festival
FEBRUARY
Marlborough Wine & Food Festival
MARCH
Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival

MARLBOROUGH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
APRIL
Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Airshow Omaka (biennial)
MAY
Saint Clair Vineyard Half
JUNE / JULY
Various Matariki Events
JULY
Marlborough Book Festival
OCTOBER
Marina 2 Marina
NOVEMBER
The Marlborough Multicultural Festival Bayleys Garden Marlborough

MARLBOROUGH LINES CLASSIC FIGHTERS AIRSHOW


BAYLEYS GARDEN MARLBOROUGH
Find events with Follow-ME
There’s always plenty going on in and around Marlborough. Check out the Follow-ME Marlborough Events Guide for all the latest in food and wine, theatre, music and many more wonderful regional events. Find out more and visit www.Follow-ME.co.nz

Tip: Read more foodie goodness by clicking HERE
If you’re a foodie with a passion for matching cuisine with great quality wine or beer, or just love to eat and drink, then Marlborough will surprise and delight you and your tastebuds.
World-class wine, multi-award winning craft beer and boutique gin distillers, paired with local produce and gourmet cuisine means eating and drinking in Marlborough requires a thirst, an appetite and a belt with plenty of notches...












Discover one of New Zealand’s most beautiful organic family wine estates. Savour handcrafted luxury in a bottle from over 20 grape varieties! Taste, learn and be impressed. Stay in our serene and stylish vineyard cottage!

A : 81 Jeffries Road, Blenheim I: @hans_herzogwine P: 03 572 8770 W: herzog.co.nz

Join us for an unforgettable experience at our Cellar Door. Enjoy an extensive wine tasting led by our experienced staff who will guide you through our range of wines sharing the stories behind each bottle. Wander through our award-winning native garden or settle in with a light lunch and a glass of wine experiencing the warm hospitality that makes our Cellar Door a must-visit destination.


A 603 Rapaura Road E cellardoor@hunters.co.nz P +64 3 572 8803 Freephone 0800 727 578 W hunters.co.nz
















Our boutique winery offers a unique experience, tastings of globally awarded wines, a magical tour through New Zealand’s first underground rock cellar, evoking all your senses.
Experience 35 years of excellence in wine making.

A 945 State Highway 1, Koromiko (9km south of Picton) E wines@johanneshof.co.nz P 03-5737035 W johanneshof.co.nz
Scan or click! (we promise we won‘t spam you)

Whether you‘re seeking an outdoor adventure, eager to spot some wildlife, a foodie or simply craving a peaceful getaway with your other half - we have an itinerary for every traveller, just click on the images below!







Discover cycling and hiking tracks with serene views, relax with a platter and a glass of wine or venture out to the Marlborough Sounds, kayak in tow. Whether you want to embrace culture, wildlife, aviation or explore the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone here.
Tip: For more on planning Mustdo activities & experiences, click HERE

















FOUR PRIVATE BOUTIQUE COTTAGES, SURROUNDED BY VINES







Based in Havelock, contact us today for fast and friendly transport around the Kenepuru & Pelorus Sounds. We can pick and drop off to resorts, lodges, private properties, and walking/bikin tracks. Bookings are essential, contact us today.
Water transport - your way.
E kenepuruwatertaxi@gmail.com P +64 27 472 700 W www.kenepuru.co.nz

Embark on a Marlborough adventure with Blenheim Corporate Cars and discover the wonders of this amazing region. Start with your airport transfers, exclusive wine tastings and scenic tours to garden visits and art studio explorations, our bespoke services ensure an unforgettable experience. Contact Joe Kelly:

P 021 081 83272 E info@blenheimcorporatecars.co.nz W www.blenheimcorporatecars.co.nz

The Gallery Havelock invites you to visit their two storey art gallery showcasing 25 Marlborough artists. Artwork covers a wide array of mediums including oil and acrylic painting, photography, mixed media, sculptures, ceramics, jade carving, woodwork, jewellery and felt art. This is a must see destination when visiting the beautiful Pelorus Sounds, Marlborough.

E thegalleryhavelock@gmail.com A: 60 Main Road, Havelock P 03 574 2821 W www.thegalleryhavelock.com

Who better to show you around than the people who call Marlborough home? We asked a few locals to share their favourite spots and insider tips to help you experience the region like one of them.
Favourite spot to enjoy year round
The Marlborough Sounds!
Your go-to Marlborough activity
Mountain biking the taylor pass, there are also hiking and cycling trails here

Where do you like to take friends/ family when they visit?
Out to the Marlborough Sounds or to a winery restaurant for lunch

Marlborough i-Sites
Favourite spot/s to enjoy year-round
Rarangi Beach is always a goodie no matter the time of year! It’s stunning on a clear day, and there’s just something about the moody vibes when it’s overcast. I love the variety you get there
Your go-to Marlborough activity
A walk up the Wither Hills Farm Park with my bestie! It feels more like hanging out than exercising so it’s a win-win, plus you get beautiful views and there’s a variety of tracks. You can also go mountain biking here!
Favourite restaurant/bar & what do you order?
I love visiting Small Town Winery - the frosé paired with their bruschetta, cheeses & cured meats is soo good.
spot/s to enjoy year-round
Our family loves the walk out to Davies Bay from Anakiwa. The kids can walk it, thanks to the bush there is shelter from rain or sun and we can take the dog! Great spot for a picnic and heaps for the kids to explore.
Favourite restaurant/bar & what do you order?
Sisu!! Don’t even tease yourself with the menu, just “trust
the chef”! The food and hospitality are world class.
Your go-to Marlborough activity
Surely hiring a bike and hopping through a few cellar doors out Renwick way.

Favourite restaurant/bar & what do you order?
5 tapped is a must go for a drink & great atmosphere. Plus, the Taxidermy is a vibe.
Favourite Marlborough memory
Seeing dolphins for the first time, as they swam along with us on a Guided Kayak
experience with Jake from Wilderness Guides. Best day ever!
What makes you proud to call Marlborough home?
It’s a small town with a big heart, and I love being part of it.

Favourite restaurant/barwhat do you order?
Grovetown Hotel. A sharing platter of all the Japanese goodies.
Fave Marlborough wine?
A wine off their extensive international wine list –usually a white aromatic.
Favourite restaurant/bar & what do you order?
Frank’s Oyster Bar & Eatery - Oysters! However, we usually opt for the “Frank Eats” option. You don’t know what you are going to get, but I’ve never been disappointed yet!


What makes you proud to call Marlborough home?
That I got to raise my children in a beautiful small region where we had endless adventures on both land and sea.
When I hear constantly from visitors how amazing and unique our region is and that they wished they had booked more time here.
What makes you proud to call Marlborough home?
It’s a beautiful place to live with fantastic people doing amazing things.
Your go-to Marlborough activity
Nothing like cruising the Marlborough Sounds!
Your go-to Marlborough activity
The many walks around Marlborough – Wither Hills Tracks, Link Pathway, QC track, Grovetown lagoon walk, The Waverly shipwreck walk.

Favourite Marlborough memory
Watching orcas off the jetty at my inlaws bach –they were about 2m off the end of the jetty and my daughter had just been washing her hands off in the water about 1min earlier.

BAY OF MANY COVES RESORT
Whether you fancy the tranquility of the Marlborough Sounds or a 5-star hotel in the heart of Blenheim, there’s something for everyone. Stay in a luxury lodge, self-catering holiday home, or a vineyard cottage. Alternatively, choose from scenic camping spots or urban retreats. There’s something to suit everyone.
Plan & book your next dream-stay, more information HERE

Experience Marlborough’s premier hotel, nestled in the heart of Blenheim. Unwind in an elegant room or a spacious suite, relax by the pool, or indulge in delicious flavours at Quench Restaurant and Bar. The perfect base to explore the many delights Marlborough has to offer.










Welcome to Hopewell — your slice of paradise in the Kenepuru Sound. Chill on the beach, swing in a hammock, or paddle out with our complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing dinghies. Explore trails, find glow worms, slurp fresh shellfish… or just do absolutely nothing.
Your retreat, your way.

A 7204 Kenepuru Road E stay@hopewell.co.nz P +64 27 573 4341 W www.hopewell.co.nz












Quiet, modern, privately owned farm park central to Marlborough Sounds. Farm walks, pet animals, glow worms. Immaculate facilities: tent/powered sites to standard cabins, self-contained units, park motels and cottage. $50-$190 per couple. 22km from Picton, 3km from Queen Charlotte Track. Rankers Supreme Holiday Park winner 2016, Small Park of the Year 2025.

A 1419 Queen Charlotte Drive, Linkwater E cbfaulls@xtra.co.nz
P +64 3 574 2806 W smithsfarm.co.nz F Smiths Farm Holiday Park
Te Mahia Bay Resort sits on the beachfront in Marlborough Sounds, offering self-contained accommodation with full kitchens. Choose from Seaview Studios, waterfront motels, or 2–3 bedroom units in the elegant Heritage Building. Enjoy self-catering, BBQs, or seasonal dining at Tinkers Kitchen, plus a coffee and gift shop onsite.


A Te Mahia Bay Road, 7282 E info@temahia.co.nz
P +64 3 573 4089 W temahia.co.nz

Your affordable and unique waterfront escape in the heart of Kenepuru Sound, with onsite café. Self contained, shared facilities and single room accommodation options. Perfect for families, couples, and track walkers. Check web site for café opening hours.
A 2947 Kenepuru Road, Portage E admin@portagebayhub.co.nz
P 027 570 2947 W portagebayhub.co.nz
Stay at Two Tree Lodge, a boutique, locally owned motel with Qualmark 4-Star Plus Silver certification. All ground-level units, each with its own carpark, designed for comfort and convenience. Just a short stroll to Blenheim’s town centre, Pollard Park, and the Taylor River Reserve. Consistently highly reviewed for outstanding service, modern facilities, and warm hospitality.


A 24 Nelson Street, Blenheim E: info@twotreelodge.co.nz
P +64 3 578 0274 W www.twotreelodge.co.nz F: Two Tree Lodge
Marlin motel is situated amongst a wonderful vista of the native forest/bush and surrounding hills It offers a range of quality units in a sunny, garden setting only 2 minutes from central Picton. Offering a range of units, we are a great accommodation option for tourists, families, and business guests wanting to enjoy everything Picton has to offer.

A 33 Devon Street, Picton E rest@marlinmotel.com
P 03 573 6784 W www.aaamarlinmotel.co.nz

Air New Zealand has several daily direct flights to Marlborough Airport, near Blenheim, from Auckland and Wellington.
Sounds Air flies direct from Wellington to Koromiko Airport near Picton and Marlborough Airport, and Origin Air flies to Marlborough from Christchurch and Palmerston North.
The Bluebridge and Interislander passenger and vehicle ferries cross Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton several times daily.
Marlborough is well-connected by state highways and bus services from Christchurch, Nelson and the West Coast. The public bus travels between Blenheim and Picton on selected days.
The Coastal Pacific train travels from Christchurch to Picton via Blenheim along the scenic Kaikōura coast. During summer, the historic Marlborough Flyer train schedules special trips.

Explore the many bays, inlets and coves of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds by road, boat, bike or on foot. Do a road trip by car or campervan, board a tour or water taxi from Picton or Havelock, rent a kayak or walk or bike the incredible Queen Charlotte Track.
Park up and enjoy the town’s many restaurants, cafés and shops on foot, or join a guided tour or hop on/hop off bus to explore the cellar doors further afield. Hire a bike, take Blenheim’s public bus, and walk or bike the Wither Hills.
Explore Tōtaranui Queen Charlotte Sound on a scenic or seafood cruise, by water taxi or mail boat, hire a kayak, walk or mountain bike local tracks or simply stroll Picton’s town centre and marina.
Board a scenic cruise, water taxi or mail boat to explore Te Hoiere, Pelorus, Kenepuru and Mahau Sounds, or drive the scenic Kenepuru Road. Walk or bike the many local tracks.
Renwick and the Wairau Valley have many cellar doors all within close proximity - visit year-round by bike (available for hire), car or guided tour.
Take the train or drive the scenic road south, or join a guided tour, for spectacular mountain and ocean views and wine. Explore the Molesworth Road during summer months by car or bike.


CANVASTOWN
MT. RICHMOND FORREST PARK
WAIRAU VALLEY
To St. Arnaud/ Nelson Lakes and Rainbow Ski Area
TAYLOR PASS RD
WAIHOPAI VALLEY RD
BLENHEIM & WAIRAU VALLEY

Learn more about the area here (scan or click!)
PASS RD
Pelorus Sound
Meretoto/Ship Cove
Nydia Track Nikau Cove
Kenepuru Sound
QUEEN CHARLOTTE DRIVE
Queen Charlotte Track
Queen Charlotte Sound Tory Channel
Port Gore FerryRoute
Port Underwood

HAVELOCK
Te Hoiere PELORUS & Kenepuru SOUND

Learn more about the area here (scan or click!)
D’URVILLE ISLAND (Rangitoto ki te Tonga)
French Pass MT.
RANGE
To Hanmer Springs via Molesworth Station Access Road (summer only)
SEDDON, WARD & Awatere Valley

Learn more about the area here (scan or click!)
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
Plunge into the Pelorus River on a hot day or take one of the many walks in the scenic reserve. Hot take: the pelorus river is where the barrel scene was filmed in The Hobbit!
Havelock
Head to the Greenshell Mussel Capital of the world and tuck into the local delicacy
The White Road (Seddon)
Walk, cycle or drive the White Road at Yealands Estate. One of the most dramatic vineyards in Marlborough which leads to an amazing Lookout Point – on a clear day you can see across the Cook Strait to the North Island!
Whites Bay walks
Check out the walking tracks such as Black Jack Track Walk (1 hour 30 min walk) with views of the Cook Strait

Cape Campbell / Marfells Beach
Venture on a 4 hour walk following the beach from the eastern end of the camping area to Cape Campbell lighthouse, the southernmost extreme of Cook Strait
Wither Hills Farm Park
Grab and a bike and hit the tracks! Mountain bike one of the trails at the Wither Hills Farm Park (or take a hike)
Foodie must do
Treat yourself to delicious strawberries & real fruit ice cream from Hedgegrows Strawberries in Spring/ Summer
Foodie must do
Have Fish and Chips on the Picton Foreshore
Water taxi to Meretoto/Ships Cove and Motuara Island
Take a cruise to spot wildlife in the Marlborough Sounds
Take a glimpse at this map to orientate yourself and then dig deeper into the subregion maps (pages 34-37)
Know before you go – always check conditions and road/track closures on doc.govt.nz

Welcome to Marlborough, the connection to the South Island.
Be a guardian of Marlborough, connect with its locals, be curious to try something new, be connected with the environment. Be active.




Visit the Blenheim and Picton isite centres for the expert local knowledge you need to make your time in Marlborough memorable. Contact the isite Visitor Information Centre
P: 0800 777 181
E: Bookings@MarlboroughNZ.com
Picton isite
The Foreshore, Picton
P: +64 3 520 3113
E: Picton@MarlboroughNZ.com
Blenheim isite
8 Sinclair Street (beside the Railway Station)
P: +64 3 577 8080
E: Blenheim@MarlboroughNZ.com
In
Wairau Hospital (Blenheim)
Hospital Road, Witherlea, Blenheim
P: +64 3 520 9999
Marlborough Urgent Care Centre
Entry off Hospital Road, Blenheim
P: +64 3 520 6377
Hours: 8am to 8pm daily

