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.
Related pages
Studios & Galleries
(The) Diversion Gallery
Studios & Galleries
(The) Gallery Havelock
Studios & Galleries
Artofact Gallery
Contemporary fine art
Heritage Attractions
Brayshaw Heritage Park
Brayshaw Heritage Park is dedicated to the collection, restoration and display of Marlborough’s heritage.
Studios & Galleries
Brian Badcock Gallery
Visit the gallery and also purchase artworks from the online shop.
Studios & Galleries
Karen Neal Artist
Karen Rankin Neal is a Scratchboard & Pastel Artist, based in Marlborough, New Zealand.
Studios & Galleries
Korimako Studio
New Zealand painter based at Saint.bArnaud, Nelson Lakes National Park.
Studios & Galleries
Leighvander Art
Artworks inspired by the colours and hues of the garden - especially lavender.
Studios & Galleries
Rebecca Hill Pottery
Handmade ceramics made in Shakespeare Bay.
Studios & Galleries
Richard Briggs Photography
secretary@renwickmuseum.nz
Studios & Galleries
Dudson Scott Gallery
Located in the heart of the wine region, visitors can view the award winning work of nationally recognised artist Joanna Dudson Scott.
Studios & Galleries
Sarah Hodgett Photography
Portrait, engagement and wedding photography.
Studios & Galleries
Steve Halton Wood Artist
Seeking inspiration from the natural world around me, I create individually designed boxes and wall art from my workshop studio in the Wairau Valley, Marlborough.
Heritage Attractions
Edwin Fox Ship and Visitor Centre
The Edwin Fox Ship is a fantastic piece of world hheritage, lovingly preserved over the last 30 years and sits in dry dock here in Picton for all to enjoy.
Museums
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Explore Marlborough's Leading Visitor Attraction
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre has combined a rare collection of WW1 and WW2 aircraft with creative display techniques to present a remarkable experience that captures the imagination. Omaka is a world-class destination for appreciating historic aircraft and sharing the stories of the men and women behind the machines.
Cultural Attraction
Marlborough Art Gallery | Te Kahu o Waipuna
At the Marlborough Art Gallery you will see work from leading local, national and international artists in a fantastic range of regularly-changing art exhibitions, programmes and events
Cultural Attraction
Marlborough Library | Te Kahu o Waipuna
Find out what's going on at your local library. Marlborough District Libraries aim to meet the needs of our community.
Cultural Attraction
Picton Library and Service Centre | Waitohi Whare Mātauranga
Marlborough District Library Picton offers books, e-books and e-audio, games, magazines, movies, newspapers, puzzles, sheet music and more!