Marlborough’s largest centre, Blenheim is a bustling town located on the sweeping Wairau Plains. With beaches, rivers, wineries and much more within close proximity, and all the convenience you’d expect from town living, Blenheim offers a very attractive lifestyle that draws people to live, work and grow their families here.

Blenheim, population around 31,000 is bordered by picturesque vineyards, and sheltered by the beautiful Wither Hills to the south.
As Marlborough’s main residential, business and retail centre, Blenheim is diverse and filled with opportunity, yet enjoys the space and values the beautiful natural surroundings that make this such a special place.

Here, locals enjoy a lifestyle where a commute is no more than a few minutes’ drive, or a relaxing bike ride or walk. It’s a town where the property ladder is still within reach, yet the buzzing cafe culture means a great coffee is never too far away.
Blenheim has a range of excellent schools, from early learning to three high schools and the Marlborough campus of the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. Residents also have access to a full range of quality healthcare, including two hospitals.
There is plenty of retail therapy to be had here as well as excellent restaurants, museums, a library, and an active arts and culture scene. Plus, as Blenheim is mere minutes from the heart of Marlborough's wine country, there’s nothing to stop you from indulging in a cheeky wine tasting tour or long winery lunch in the weekend with friends.

Nestled in the heart of Marlborough wine country, where vineyard rows march all the way to the foothills and the mountains, is the small town of Renwick. Surrounded by vineyards and wineries, and in close proximity to Blenheim and Marlborough Airport, Renwick offers a brilliant work and play lifestyle within the welcoming atmosphere of a small town community.

A popular place and ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, Renwick, population around 2,100, provides many opportunities for those who want to achieve that idyllic, quintessentially Kiwi work/play lifestyle. With an active sports scene, hunting and fishing almost on your doorstep, mountain biking trails down the road and winery cellar doors and restaurants even closer, Renwick is surrounded by an abundance of leisure options.

Renwick has a primary school, kindergarten, preschool and Playcentre, and a bus links older students to Blenheim’s high schools. There is also a medical centre, supermarket, cafe and pubs – it even has its own organic fruit orchard where you can literally take your pick of the seasonal bounty.

The charming, scenic seaside town of Picton/Waitohi is the vibrant, beating heart of the Marlborough Sounds. For the approximately 4,000 people lucky enough to call Picton/Waitohi home, weekends could be spent fishing, sailing, exploring the many bush walks and mountain bike trails, taking a cruise through the Sounds or spending a day with the kids on Picton/Waitohi’s scenic foreshore.

Overlooking stunning Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui, Picton is surrounded by the natural beauty that attract people from all over the world to visit.

Its size belies its importance to New Zealand’s travel infrastructure, with the inter-island ferries, main highway and rail trunkline all converging here. Picton, just a 30-minute drive from Blenheim, is also an important base for Marlborough’s aquaculture industry, maritime services and of course tourism.

The sea has been central to this community for hundreds of years, and that heritage continues in modern times. There are two marinas, active yacht clubs in Picton and Waikawa, and maritime museums.

Picton’s town centre is vibrant and bustling, particularly during the summer months when locals and visitors alike enjoy el fresco dining and the boutique shops have a steady stream of customers hunting for bespoke gifts.

It’s also a self-sufficient town, with two primary schools in Picton and Waikawa, a secondary school, preschools, a kindergarten and a Playcentre as well as a library, supermarket and medical centre.

All this and more is right here, in one attractive package: once you live in paradise, there’s no reason to leave.

Known as the Greenshell mussel capital of the world, Havelock is a pleasant coastal settlement that also serves as an important base for Marlborough’s aquaculture industry. Beautifully located at the head of tranquil Pelorus/Te Hoiere Sound, Havelock was born out of an 1860s gold rush in the nearby Wakamarina Valley and river. Today, that river and the nearby Pelorus/Te Hoiere River, are both peaceful waterways of azure blue pools popular with swimmers. Gold was followed by a thriving native timber industry; both industries are now tales of the past, but left behind a successful township that provides its modern residents with idyllic country living as well as accommodation and career opportunities.

Havelock has a population of around 500, but thanks to being well-placed on the main highway connecting Blenheim and the city of Nelson, is injected with plenty of life each day.

It’s the ideal location for those who value small-town community, while also being close to the convenience of shops, services, a good coffee and even seaside dining that makes the most of the region’s amazing seafood and wine.

With small-town property prices, those dreams of owning a home nestled in native bush overlooking the sea could truly become a reality.

Many residents are employed in the aquaculture and fishing industries, work in tourism or operate boat services from Havelock’s marina. Others take the easy, scenic 30-40 minute drive to Renwick or Blenheim for work each day. Still others live in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and commute to town by boat to Havelock Marina – or, they skip the commute altogether live on their boat in the marina.

Havelock has a primary school and preschool, and a school bus service to Marlborough secondary schools. There is a medical centre and a small supermarket, as well as local gift shops, great restaurants, cafes and pubs.

At the heart of the Awatere district lies Seddon, a small settlement rich in genuine community spirit and heritage. A dramatic landscape of sweeping plains, rugged coastline and spectacular mountain peaks, the Awatere Valley is an important winegrowing and farming region.

The main service centre for the Awatere district, Seddon, is a close-knit community of about 500 residents. Straddling State Highway 1, Seddon has a supermarket, cafe, information centre and primary school.

There are many lifestyle benefits here. Whether you’re into fishing off the beaches overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean, or want to hike or hunt the mountain ranges, the possibilities are endless. And here, owning a house and garden is a truly affordable goal, yet the commute from Seddon to Blenheim for work takes less than half an hour.

The Awatere District has a long and proud farming history, and continues to be the gateway to high country stations including the country’s largest, the Molesworth. Dramatically overlooking the valley is Marlborough’s tallest peak, Mount Tapuae-o-uenuku, central to Māori legend and the highest mountain outside of the Southern Alps.

Ward is the southernmost town in Marlborough, located in the scenic Flaxbourne district. With a proud history of pastoral farming that continues today, this region has also diversified into grapegrowing, the crayfish industry and salt production.

The small community of Ward is right on State Highway 1, the main connection between Marlborough and Canterbury. Ward has an old-style tearooms and petrol station, motel and primary school and is a short drive from the beautifully located Kekerengu settlement and it’s popular cafe.

Ward is near some truly stunning coastline, where catching your own crayfish for dinner is only a dive or snorkelling trip away, and a windswept walk to watch the waves can be a daily treat.

With Blenheim just a 40-minute drive away, that long-held dream of living on a lifestyle block, where there’s nothing but rural peace, views of the hills and mountains out the kitchen window and friendly neighbours a couple of paddocks away, could truly become a reality in Ward.

Marlborough’s core healthcare facilities and hospitals are based in Blenheim, within easy driving distance of the rest of the region. Other medical services available in the district include dental, maternity care, paediatric services, care and support for older people, pharmaceutical services and alternative healthcare providers.

Marlborough’s public hospital is Wairau Hospital, located in Blenheim. Managed by the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB), Wairau Hospital offers a wide range of health services and is regularly visited by specialists from larger centres.
Adjecent to Wairau Hospital is the Urgent Care clinic and Churchill Private Hospital and Specialist Centre.

Providing a broad range of health and preventative services, Marlborough’s Primary Health Organisation is based at Marlborough Community Health Hub in central Blenheim.
Medical centres and general practitioners work in Blenheim, Picton/Waitohi, Renwick and Havelock. New residents to Marlborough are advised to enrol with a clinic for access to a doctor. To do so, start by finding contact details of medical centres here.

For more information about Marlborough healthcare, click here.

Marlborough has 30 primary schools spread across the region that accept children from the age of 5. For younger children, there are many preschools, kindergartens and Playcentres to choose from. Marlborough has one middle school, Bohally Intermediate, however, many primary schools accept children of intermediate school age.

Blenheim has three secondary schools: Public schools Marlborough Boy’s College, Marlborough Girls’ College and state-integrated Christian school Richmond View School, while Picton/Waitohi has its own secondary school, Queen Charlotte College.

Uniquely, Marlborough is also home to the New Zealand School of Winegrowing, based at Marlborough Boys’ College and the only programme of its kind in a secondary school setting.
The Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology has a campus in Blenheim offering a wide range of courses and qualifications.

Find more about Marlborough’s education options, including adult learning services and playgroups, here.

Marlborough’s property market is competitive, but realistic even for first home buyers. To find out where Marlborough sits in the national property market picture this month, and what a home might cost, go here.

Have you found something you like the look of? Find out more about the property on the Marlborough Distric Council Property Files platforms.

Imagine yourself in a home overlooking the sea or towards the hills, your very own vineyard, a lifestyle block with a horse for the kids, or an easy-care urban townhouse – the choice is entirely yours. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent in Marlborough, the following companies will be able to help;

• First National Real Estate
• Harcourts
• Bayleys
• Summit
• Mike Pero

Building a home in Marlborough means you get exactly what you want for your new lifestyle. Constructing in the region is possible within new residential developments or on existing subdivided sections. Start by finding a registered Master Builder in Marlborough.

Marlborough has an active performing arts scene, and there are many shows and productions to attend throughout the year. The ASB Theatre Marlborough in Blenheim is the largest in the region, while smaller shows take place in charismatic, intimate theatres.

ASB Theatre Marlborough
ASB Theatre Marlborough is a versatile facility capable of hosting large productions that frequent the region, as well as providing a smaller theatre and function rooms for a range of occasions. Find out what’s coming up at the theatre here

The Boathouse Theatre
Dubbed ‘Blenheim’s coolest little theatre’, this intimate riverside space hosts many plays, musical theatre, touring productions, festivals and is home to the Marlborough Repertory Society. Find out more here

Picton Theatre
Home of the Picton Drama Club, this theatre is impossibly quaint. Small but popular, it attracts performers from all over New Zealand and the world as well as hosting local productions. Find out more here

Whatever your interest, hobby or pass-time may be, chances are high that there is a group of like minded people to join in Marlborough.

From sports, recreation and outdoor pursuits to art and galleries, crafts and music, culture to animals, local clubs are great at bringing together Marlborough residents with similar interests. They’re also a wonderful way to immerse yourself into Marlborough’s diverse and welcoming community. The Clubs of Marlborough provide a central hub for many community activities and gatherings.

Marlborough Multicultural Centre and Marlborough Community Centre, allows people from all over to celebrate their diversity in a safe and welcoming environment.

Find more information about recreational groups here and more special interest clubs here.

There’s always plenty going on within Marlborough’s sports scene, with something available for all interests, levels, ages and abilities. The region’s many sports parks and facilities supports not only Marlborough’s up-and-coming sports stars, but those who simply want to keep fit, healthy and have fun.

Stadium 2000
The multi-purpose Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 incorporates facilities for squash, basketball, tennis, volleyball as well as various other sports and a state-of-the-art gymnasium.
The stadium includes a fully equipped gym, lane pools, children’s pools and a sauna, steam room and spa. Find out more here.

Sports Fields and Parks
Blenheim’s Lansdowne Park boasts nearly 13 hectares of sports playing surface including Marlborough’s premiere rugby ground and netball courts. There is also space for junior cricket, softball and sand volleyball in summer. This is also the Blenheim home for the top of the south provincial rugby team, the Tasman Makos.

Marlborough has many sports parks and facilities spread throughout the district, from community rugby grounds and club rooms to a dedicated hockey turf, tennis courts, athletics park, equestrian parks, polo grounds, cricket grounds, bowling clubs and even a roller skating rink. There are also many mountain bike trails and walking tracks.

To find out more about Marlborough’s sports facilities, look here.

Indoor sports centre
For year-round sports in any weather, the Blenheim Indoor Sports centre offers competitive and social indoor cricket, netball and 10-pin bowling.

Boating
Whether it’s a way of life or as an easy weekend getaway, the Marlborough Sounds plays a pivotal role in the lives of many who reside here. With so much amazing scenery right on our doorstep, boating, yachting and fishing is a popular recreational activity. To facilitate that, Marlborough has three marinas in Picton/Waitohi, Waikawa and Havelock, and two active yacht clubs in Picton and Waikawa.

The Marlborough Cruise guide knows the ins and outs of each bay throughout the Marlborough Sounds. Check out the website here, or download the app onto your phone.

Find out more about what recreational facilities are in Marlborough here.

 

Marlborough’s sunny climate means spending lots of time enjoying the outdoors. The region has plenty of parks and reserves to enjoy with a picnic, while the kids will be happy on one of the many playgrounds. Check out the video above about Pollard Park.

Located in Blenheim with access from Nelson Street and various other points in Blenheim including Henry Street, Monro Street and Beaver Road.

Approximately 4.6 km of concrete paths snake their way on both sides of the Taylor River providing walking/biking access from Riverside Park to Brayshaw Park. The river itself can be canoed or kayaked and it is a designated dog exercise area with doggy bag stations provided at most car parks.

One of the many programmes run as part of the Taylor River operation is the Taylor river Writers' Walk.

Aviation history, heritage and passion runs deep and strong in Marlborough. Home to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, the region has a very active aviation community, aero club and pilot training. The Classic Fighters Airshow is held every two years and showcases a spectacular display of aviation skill and re-enactments of historical scenes.

Marlborough Aero Club
Based at Omaka Blenheim Airfield, the Marlborough Aero Club has its own learn to fly programme, aircraft for members to use and a range of club activities.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre features rare aircraft and memorabilia, all cinematically displayed throughout two exhibitions based on both world wars. The museum also houses the private collection of film director Sir Peter Jackson and a classic cars collection.

Marlborough Airport
Marlborough Airport, located just outside Blenheim, has commercial daily flights to several New Zealand centres and is also home to the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Woodbourne. Many private pilots and charter flights also land here.

Marlborough Airport is linked with daily flights to several New Zealand centres. Air New Zealand fly to Marlborough Airport direct from Wellington and Auckland.

Sounds Air fly to Marlborough Airport and Picton Airport from Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Taupo, Paraparaumu, Nelson and Westport.

The ferry journey from Wellington to Picton/Waitohi is considered to be one of the world’s most scenic. Travelling through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui and taking in sweeping views of both the North and South Islands from Cook Strait, the daily crossings can feel like a mini cruise.

The two inter-island passenger ferry companies, the Interislander and Bluebridge offer food, wi-fi and entertainment during the crossing, which takes approximately 3 and a half hours.

Owning a car in Marlborough gives extra freedom to explore, or freedom to commute from our smaller towns into main centres for work. With all Marlborough’s smaller towns located within a 45-minute drive from central Blenheim at most, a country lifestyle supported by a town income can truly be a reality here.

Blenheim is located on the junction of State Highway 1, which begins in Picton/Waitohi and passes through all Marlborough’s east coast towns, and State Highway 6, which heads west and takes in Renwick and Havelock.

For more information on distance and travel times on the road, look here.

Marlborough’s position on the main rail link between Picton/Waitohi, Kaikoura and Christchurch means the Coastal Pacific passenger train passes through in both directions each day. Passengers can board at Picton/Waitohi or Blenheim’s railway stations.

Marlborough is perfectly suited for getting around by bike, both on and off-road. Whether you want to start making your daily commute on two wheels or enjoy recreational or competitive riding, there is something for every cyclist in Marlborough.

Discover more about getting around by bike in Marlborough here.

The Blenheim Bus operates two circuits around Blenheim, linking the town centre, shopping areas and suburbs six days a week.

Inter-city bus services link Blenheim and Picton/Waitohi to numerous locations around the South Island daily. Book a trip at one of the local i-SITEs.

A number of taxi and shuttle services operate in Marlborough. Taxi stands can be found at Marlborough Airport and in central Blenheim. For more information on finding a taxi or shuttle, look here.

Whether you’re hoping to fill a lifestyle block with an array of critters or just want a small furry companion, there are a number of vets in Marlborough who can help.

In Blenheim, you’ll find the The Vet Centre, Vets on Alabama and Springlands Veterinary Clinic while in Picton there is the Picton Veterinary Clinic. Catteries and kennels are located across the region including VinView, Whiskers Cat Lodge and Padz and Paws.

Recent data shows that Marlborough’s primary industries of agriculture, forestry and fisheries - including wild shellfish and crayfish - continue to make a significant contribution to the region’s GDP (gross domestic product) each year.

The largest contributor to Marlborough’s GDP is manufacturing, which takes into account Marlborough’s many wineries and also some of its thriving aquaculture industry, which predominantly produces Pacific Salmon, Greenshell Mussels and oysters in the Marlborough Sounds. It also includes Marlborough’s aviation industry, particularly aeronautical design and manufacturing Airbus New Zealand and local airline and aircraft maintenance company Sounds Aero.

A Wine Marlborough work survey report revealed all levels of the wine industry require more labour, and permanent, skilled positions, particularly those required in the vineyards, are the most difficult to fill compared to unskilled roles. The fast-growing industry is working with local partners and government organisations to address the issue, including fast tracking international applications for people whose skills are on the skills shortage list.

Across all industries, demand for skilled and highly-skilled workers in Marlborough is forecast to exceed national growth. Although many are employed directly within Marlborough’s wine industry, which still needs more workers, growth is driving demand across many other sectors that play essential supporting roles. Hospitality, education, healthcare, retail, construction and many more are all in need of more staff; the jobs are there for the taking.

With such a feast of opportunity, there really is no better time to secure a fantastic job, lifestyle and future in Marlborough than right now.

Searching job vacancies in Marlborough is easy - simply click on the links below and get started.

• Seek
• Jora
• WineJobs
• TradeMe jobs
• Indeed

For local knowledge and a helping hand to find a job in Marlborough, contact an employment agency. Get started by using the links below.

• Marlborough Labour Hire
• Intepeople
• AWF
• Opt4

To be able to work in Marlborough you will require a visa. Immigration New Zealand has all the information you will need to ensure you are permitted to work in New Zealand.