Marlborough Region

Although Marlborough is pretty close to the North Island, it manages to feel like it’s a long way away – it’s a place of low population, low development, a largely agricultural and wine-based economy. Because of this, the mild climate and the wonderful scenery, it’s a favourite place to retire – in fact the average age there is 7 years higher than the overall NZ average.

Given the centrality of Picton, the attractions here are set out in roughly the order of two driving-tours from there: one going west to Nelson Tasman, the other coming up from Canterbury in the south.

Queen Charlotte Sound

Beauty to take your breath away

Picton

The centre of it all (if you’re travelling by ferry)

Edwin Fox Museum

Governor’s Bay & Mohau Sound

From Picton to Nelson the hard way

Blenheim

A pleasant town with a personal family interest

Next…

The tour connects to Nelson Tasman in the west, and to Canterbury in the south.