Escape to Marlborough

Wellingtonians and New Zealanders alike have a fabulous escape they’d like to share with you and it goes by the name of Marlborough.

This stunning region has long been a playground for locals looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take in the unique ‘getaways’ Marlborough has tucked up her sleeve. Encompassing Blenheim, Picton, Havelock, the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds, Wairau Valley, the sunstone haven of Rapaura, the Awatere Valley and the Pacific Coast, Marlborough is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations.

A rich history
Marlborough is blessed with a strong sense of Maori, colonial and natural history. One of her most alluring regions is known in Maori as Te Tau Ihu o te Waka o Maui – the prow of Maui’s canoe – and found across the top of the South Island. History fans and those seeking to learn a little more about the country’s days during WWI can find all there is to know at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which also hosts aviation buff and Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson’s vast collection of impressive memorabilia and props.

Stunning scenery
Marlborough’s landscape simply can’t be beat. Between her winding waterways, sheltered bays and ancient forests, visitors are simply spoiled for choice when it comes to getting in touch with nature. One of Marlborough’s absolute must sees is the 71km Queen Charlotte Track. The mesmerising views from historic Ship Cove right through to Anakiwa reveal beautiful bays, lush forests and seemingly infinite skyline ridges.
Perhaps the jewel in the crown is the Marlborough Sounds. This awe-inspiring 1,500km run of raw coastline makes up 10 per cent of the entire nation’s coast and epitomises the raw beauty of this magical part of the country.

Food and wine
If it wasn’t for the fine range of wineries in Marlborough, New Zealanders would have to wait a while between drinks. The region’s wineries – which includes the famous Stoneleigh vineyard – make up 60 per cent of New Zealand’s total wine production and boasts such drops, including sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot gris and most notably, pinot noir. Throw in some wine tasting at more than 50 wineries open to the public via coach or bike tour and you’ll be yet another fine graduate of Marlborough’s most popular class, ‘Wine 101’.
They say not to drink on an empty stomach, so it’s a good thing the region is overflowing with some of the best seafood in the country including scallops, crayfish, greenshell mussels, salmon and snapper. Between the fresh produce offered at the Sunday Farmer’s Market, the finest olive oils from picturesque olive groves and the choice of dining at award-winning winery restaurants, you can eat, drink and be as merry as you like, Marlborough-style!

Getting there
Interislander is New Zealand’s premier ferry service that charters visitors to Picton (the point of arrival and departure in the Marlborough Sounds) on board their popular fleets. The 92km three-hour journey provides a sensational opportunity to take in scenic views of the Marlborough Sounds en route. Interislander ferries offer travellers a complete range of onboard services across their comfortable and affordable fleet. With up to 11 services a day on offer, it’s never been easier to experience the beauty of this breathtaking destination.

So when in Wellington do as the Wellingtonians do and discover the magic of Marlborough.

Interislander Ferries, Wellington Terminal Aotea Quay, Wellington 6011. (+64 4 498 3302 www.interislander.co.nz).

Visit www.destinationmarlborough.co.nz to find out all there is to know about Marlborough.

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