Getting to Marlborough
Getting to Marlborough couldn't be easier with so many ways to travel! Whether you’re arriving by plane, ferry, train or car, the scenery is more beautiful the closer you get. Your journey to Marlborough is almost as good as being here.
Marlborough is an ideal place to explore by road, with little traffic and lots of scenery. Picton, Blenheim are linked by State Highway 1, but there are plenty of other roads to explore. Much of Marlborough’s stunning landscape is accessible by vehicle, with brilliant scenic drives taking you to a range of towns, valleys, hills, mountains and coastlines across the province. The Queen Charlotte Drive links Picton and Havelock, and travels via beautiful scenery, or turn off after Rai Valley to drive to French Pass. If you would like to rent a car or campervan, there are plenty of options from budget to luxury. Please drive safely. Plan your road trip ahead using the New Zealand Transport Agencies - Waka Kotahi website.
Get a birds eye view of the intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds, the stunning mountains at the tip of the Southern Alps, the braided strands of the beautiful Wairau River, and an ocean of grapevines in the valleys. Marlborough Airport is a 20 minute flight from Wellington International Airport and a five-minute drive to Blenheim. You can also fly into Koromiko Airport halfway between Picton and Blenheim. Either way, you’ll get an incredible view of Marlborough’s landscapes, from snowy peaks to sunken Sounds. Two airlines fly direct to the region. Air New Zealand fly to Marlborough Airport from Auckland and Wellington. Sounds Air fly to Marlborough Airport from Christchurch, Wellington, Napier and Paraparaumu, and also from Wellington to Picton Airport (Koromiko).
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as you travel by bus in Marlborough. This is a great option for those without a car, with opportunities to visit towns such as Picton, Blenheim and Havelock. You can get to Marlborough with InterCity. Once you're here, you can travel around the region with Hop on Hop off or around Blenheim with the Blenheim Bus Service.
Bring a boat with you, charter one here, or jump aboard a water taxi or cruising tour to explore the Marlborough Sounds. Whether you choose to head out by sail, kayak or cruise, a boat is the perfect way to explore the Sounds.
Cruise past remote bays, baches, islands and native bush as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds - one of the most picturesque ferry journeys in the world. You can travel between Wellington and Picton with Interislander or Bluebridge. Watch for pods of dolphins and soaring seabirds from the deck or sit back and enjoy great coffee in the comfort of an armchair, taking in the view. The journey from Wellington to Picton takes approximately three and a half hours.
Our Coastal Pacific train takes you along rugged coastlines, across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty. Explore the stunning Kaikōura Coastline, famous for its marine life and whale watching. Voyage through the vineyards of Blenheim, dripping with New Zealand's premium crop. Canter amidst the idyllic Canterbury countryside to the Garden City of Christchurch.