Guide
Spotlight On Marlborough
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Spotlight on People
Check out what people think of Marlborough as a place to visit, and see their first-hand experiences in one of NZ's sunniest places such as former All-Black Justin Marshall.
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Spotlight on Places
Visit places that have been in the spotlight, such as Cape Campbell in the DreamWorks film, The Light Between Oceans.
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Stephanie McIntyre
“We are so spoilt in Marlborough when it comes to great food. We’ve got crayfish from the east coast and salmon, oysters and mussels grown in the Marlborough Sounds."
Pelorus River in The Hobbit
As seen in the barrel scene from The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug
The crystal clear waters of the Pelorus River, and the iconic bridge above was the film location of the barrel scene in The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug. The pure river cuts through a rocky gorge, surrounded by lush green native beech forest.
Sir Peter Jackson picked this place for filming, named 'Forest River' in the film, after sending his scouts out to find... "a river with a solid rock shoreline surrounded by forest with a sandy beach for the barrels to come ashore - to backdrop the ‘dwarves escaping in barrels’ scene."...and that's exactly what they found.
The almost week long filming at Pelorus river was a real treat for Stephen Hunter (Bombur) who said "My favourite day on set, unquestionably, was floating down the Pelorus River in barrels … way cool, and if they ever make it a ride… life time pass please". Lucky for you, you can experience it for yourself on a fully guided kayak tour of the famous film location with Pelorus Eco Tours.
“A few of us – me, Jimmy Nesbit, Dean O’Gorman - hired a house in Marlborough and went wine tasting. It was an absolutely glorious, amazing way to spend a weekend. Tasting the exquisite wine – was absolutely wonderful - that’s a really great place to visit.” - Luke Evans (Bard)
Pelorus bridge is an easy drive from Blenheim, taking you past seemingly endless rows of vines as you drive past many cellar doors, a brilliant opportunity to stop for a winery lunch. If you can't pry yourself away from the stunning views out towards the Marlborough Sounds, jump on the Queen Charlotte Drive from Picton, which hugs the Marlborough Sounds through to Havelock, before arriving at the Pelorus Scenic Reserve.
and just minutes away from the town of Havelock. The area is a popular local spot, great for swimming, fishing, camping and day trips.
Book a Kayak Tour

Kayak and see the location where the barrel scene was filmed, and stand where Sir Peter Jackson stood.
Go for a walk

There are plenty of tracks around this beautiful scenic reserve, taking you through ancient forest and to the edge of the beautiful Pelorus River.
Search & book
Motel
Havelock Motel & Motor Lodge

Havelock
From $114.00
Motel
Havelock Garden Motel

Holiday Park
Havelock Holiday Park

Havelock
From $30.80
Charter Boats
Havelock Sea Charters

Scenic Flights
Pelorus Air

DOC campground
Pelorus Bridge DOC Campground & Cafe

Kayaking & Rafting
Pelorus Eco Adventures

Havelock
From $125.00
Home Stay
Pelorus Heights Homestay

Havelock
Boat Cruises
Pelorus Mail Boat Ltd

Havelock
From $60.00
Boat Cruises
Pelorus Sound Water Taxi and Cruises

Wildlife & Conservation
Pelorus Tours
