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Arts & Culture

Discover the arts, culture, history and legends of the early settlers of the region.

You can also learn more about some of Aotearoa’s very first settlers, Māori who arrived at Te Pokohiwi-o-Kupe/Wairau Bar some 800 years ago, by visiting the Wairau Lagoons or Marlborough Museum. In the Marlborough Sounds, cruise Meretoto/Ship Cove and learn about one of the first encounters between Māori and Europeans.

While you're here take time to seek out Mt Tapuae-O-Uenuku, its majestic peak visible from many places in Marlborough as well as much further afield.

Not only does the maunga (mountain) make for a magnificent vista, and a challenging climb for the experienced, but it also provides a powerful symbol for the rich cultural tapestry of Marlborough, as a sacred landmark for local Māori iwi.

For more of Marlborough's diverse cultural offerings take a visit to one of the many museums dotted around the region, and be sure to come for the Marlborough Book Festival in winter, featuring local and nationally renown writers.

Studios, galleries and artists
Te Kahu o Waipuna - the new Marlborough art gallery and library, is the perfect place to start exploring Marlborough’s arts scene.

From there be sure to check out what’s exhibiting at one of the many galleries throughout the region. The Marlborough Arts Trail features 10 local artists, signposted around the region. Look out for the roadside signage for other artists in the region, along the popular tourist routes. Pick up the official Marlborough visitor guide from the Blenheim, Picton or Havelock isites for more information on the artists.

While you’re in Blenheim, relax with a coffee along the Taylor River in Blenheim beside Marlborough’s latest kinetic sculpture by leading New Zealand sculptor Phil Price.

In Waitohi/Picton, take in the growing number of great art galleries, and be sure to do the scenic drive to Motuweka/Havelock via Queen Charlotte Drive to visit the many local artists who have their galleries along the way.

Also check out the Marlborough Artisan Market, at Marketplace, corner of Market and High Streets, Blenheim, 9.00am-2pm, every Saturday from the first Saturday in October until Easter Saturday.

Music & theatre
The region boasts a wealth of music and theatre performances from local artists, alongside renowned national and international visiting artists.

Performances are based in local theatres as well as vineyards and other outdoor venues.

Studios & Galleries

(The) Diversion Gallery

Arts & Culture

Discover the arts, culture, history and legends of the early settlers of the region.

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