ADVENTURES IN THE SOUNDS

The Marlborough Sounds is a real hidden gem of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Seek out one of the many lodges, B&Bs or holiday homes dotted throughout the Sounds, with some accessible only by water taxi or helicopter. Immerse yourself in the culture and heritage at Meretoto/Ship Cove, see native birds on Motuara Island, and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.

EXPLORE BY BIKE, FOOD OR KAYAK

For the ultimate adventure in Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound, tackle the 72-kilometre Queen Charlotte Track by foot, bike, kayak -or a combination of all three! This classic track runs from historic Meretoto/Ship Cove in the north to Anakiwa in the south and is usually walked in four or five days or cycled in two or three days.

Local tour operators Wilderness Guides and Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company have been running guided and unguided trips of the Queen Charlotte Track for decades. People experiencing the Queen Charlotte Track have the option of camping at DOC campsites, but many travellers take advantage of the hot showers, comfortable beds and delicious wine and food provided by lodges dotted along the track, including Furneaux Lodge, Punga Cove and Lochmara to name a few.

For the ultimate luxury stay in the Queen Charlotte Sound, book with the Bay of Many Coves, a five-star resort, nestled between stunning native bush and a secluded bay in the heart of Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound. Immerse yourself in nature and luxury and enjoy world-class cuisine, breath-taking scenery, adventure, or simply a sense of renewal and relaxation.

Take a water taxi to Motuara Island and Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary for amazing wildlife viewing, including rare bird species like saddleback and yellow-crowned parakeet, as well as common species like Kererū, Tūī, Riroriro/Grey Warbler, and Korimako/bellbird.

Both adventures are bookable with Cougar Lines or Beachcomber Cruises. If you’re interested in exploring the Kenepuru/Pelorus Sound then check out the Nydia Track. Walk Pelorus provides guided walks over the Nydia Track and other hidden gems in the Pelorus region of New Zealand's majestic Marlborough Sounds.

The walks are selected to showcase the ancient forests and natural environment. While you are in this part of the Sounds, stay at Hopewell Lodge where you can relax on their secluded beach, walk or bike the trails, collect your own fresh shellfish straight from the bay, or visit the resident glow worms.

To truly elevate your holiday to something extra special, book a thrilling heli-picnic or sightseeing tour with Helicopters Nelson. Their experienced pilots can take you to some of the top of the south’s most remote and breathtaking places in a cinch.

Alternatively, jump aboard the Seafood Odyssea Cruise, departing Waitohi/Picton. As you cruise through Tōtaranui/ Queen Charlotte Sound, take in the natural beauty of the area and sample local seafood such as Regal salmon, Cloudy Bay Clams and Greenshell mussels, paired beautifully with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

So, whether you are looking for relaxation or action, being at one with nature or a little bit of luxury, a holiday in the pristine and beautiful Marlborough Sounds is sure to deliver.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

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...

Franks Oyster Bar & Eatery

Satisfy your seafood cravings and treat yourself to an evening of fine dining when you head to Franks Oyster Bar & Eatery. Frank’s is here for you to park up & enjoy modern, vibrant & shareable dishes with friends. Relax & enjoy some of Marlborough’s best local fare. https://www.eatatfranks.co.nz

Arbour

Experience wine and food matches made in heaven when you enjoy a degustation at Arbour. Arbour is a modern and relaxed environment with innovative cuisine, an extensive wine list and warm, friendly service. Arbour's ever-changing dishes showcase local producers and Marlborough stories.

https://www.arbour.co.nz/

Wineries - Wine Tours

Whether you’re a wine aficionado, or just love sharing wine and food with friends, a wine tour of Marlborough wineries is the perfect getaway. If you are looking for the perfect way to explore and experience the very best of New Zealand wine, Marlborough Wine Tours’ half and full day tours are the ideal starting point. Tour a variety of wineries, from the big brands to the familyowned gems and taste a variety of the region’s best wines, including Marlborough’s flagship Sauvignon Blanc and world-class Pinot Noir.

Breweries & GIn

Wine may have put Marlborough on the map, but you’ll be surprised at how many other delicious beverages are produced in the region. Located in the Vines Village, The Gin Room is the tasting room of rare boutique NZ Gin producers and is home of the award-winning Roots Marlborough Dry Gin produced on site –awarded ‘World’s Best Gin’ at the 2023 World Gin Awards.

The magic doesn’t end there! Blenheim has become popular with breweries. Relax at Boom Town Beer Garden for a relaxed atmosphere, chilled vibes, freshly brewed beer, and an on-site chef, making it an ideal place to sit back and relish in the sunny Marlborough days. In Winter just pop inside and snuggle up by the roaring fire, how good!

Located just round the corner you will find Moa. Founded in 2003, Moa is New Zealand’s only owned and operated craft beer company on the New Zealand stock market. Josh Scott is New Zealand’s first and only Certified Cicerone (a Sommelier of the beer world) and certainly knows a thing or two about the brews.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Get ready to mark your calendars, because the rest of the year in Marlborough is jam-packed with events that will tantalize your taste buds and get your heart racing!

Whether you're a foodie, garden lover or an athletic enthusiast, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

NZ CHEESE FESTIVAL 7th OCTOBER

New Zealand's only Cheese Festival! From a fine dining degustation, cheese and wine workshops to a large picnic held at the beautiful Clos Henri Vineyard. Discover New Zealand's best artisan cheese companies, sit back and enjoy a picnic on the stunning lawn. Tickets to the Cheese Festival are on sale now, for the event on Saturday 7th October. More info here: https://nzcheesefest.nz/

BAYLEYS FRIDAY NIGHT FEAST 6th OCTOBER

Bayleys Friday Night Feast is one of Marlborough's iconic street food festivals within the wine, gourmet produce and seafood mecca of New Zealand. Feast Marlborough's main event will be your food guide to the region, showcasing the best of what Marlborough has to offer. For now, save the date and stay tuned for more info!

GARDEN MARLBOROUGH 8-12th NOVEMBER

A premier garden event created to celebrate Marlborough's stunning landscape and talented experts in Gardening. From workshops to garden parties and tours, to the annual Fête - this is a celebration for those who can appreciate the beauty that Marlborough gardens hold. Running 8th–12th November. More info here: https://www. gardenmarlborough.co.nz

MARINA 2 MARINA 30th SEPTEMBER

If you are looking to stretch your legs and enjoy some beautiful scenery, join the Marina 2 Marina on Saturday 30th September. This unique competition utilises the picturesque trails between Picton, Waikawa and Anakiwa. With a variety of walking or running courses to choose from, this event is suitable for all levels of fitness. More info here: https://www. marina2marina.co.nz

Don’t wait to book you next holiday to the Marlborough region of Aotearoa/new Zealand. It truly is one of the country's best kept secrets, with over 1500km of coastline in the Sounds, world class Wine and Gin, freshly caught and served seafood, and the best events in the whole of Aotearoa/ new Zealand. We’ve also got the friendliest locals who’ll greet you with a smile everywhere you go. Hospitality comes naturally here in Marlborough. for more information visit marlboroughnz.com to book now.