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Live in Marlborough

Marina 2 Marina Port Marlborough Run Event
Living in Marlborough is a way of being, a way of connecting with the natural environment and with each other. It provides a fulfilling way to live and work.

Lifestyle

Blenheim regularly takes out the national sunshine stakes and has a fantastic year-round climate. Love the wine valleys, the coastlines, and the wild places. People and nature are at the centre of this region and its unique lifestyle.

Four people dining at Warau River winery, Marlborough

Big enough yet small enough

With 51,900 residents, Marlborough offers all the facilities of a larger centre without the cost, travel time or stress. It’s easy to get around. Locals call it the ‘seven-minute commute’ – including from its main centre, Blenheim Waiharakeke, to the airport!
Two people jogging in the Wither Hills, Blenheim

Natural environment

From beautiful vineyards producing award-winning wines to the Marlborough Sounds and high-country landscapes, Marlborough’s unique ‘wairua’ or ‘spirit’ inspires all. Take care of it while you are here as kaitiaki, guardians of this place.

A volunteer helps plant a wetland in Marlborough

Facilities

Marlborough has fantastic public places and spaces. These include Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000, the new Marlborough Library and Art Gallery, the Waitohi Picton Foreshore, ASB Theatre, Lansdowne Park, Port Marlborough Pavilion and Waitohi Picton Library,

Health

Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough provide a full service at Wairau Hospital with specialist referrals Churchill Hospital and to Nelson. There are primary and secondary health and disability services as well as community-based health providers, general practitioners, and dentists.

Tangata whenua

Eight iwi have Tangata Whenua status in Marlborough - Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui, Te Rūnanga a Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Toa Rangatira ki Wairau, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Kōata, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua and Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura.

Wakatū Corporation has co-created an intergenerational strategy for Te Tauihu, the Top of the South. Read this inspiring regional strategy for people and place.

Two chefs prepare hot sandwiches at Feast Marlborough event

Sports and activities

There are many sports and leisure activities to get involved with — rowing, sailing, skiing, Brayshaw Park for history buffs, the world-class Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, and Menz Shed to name a few. The Whale Trail — a walking /cycling track along the coast from Waitohi Picton to Kaikoura is also under construction.

Schools

There are four secondary schools, Marlborough Boys’,  Marlborough Girls’ Colleges and Richmond View School in Blenheim and Queen Charlotte College in Waitohi Picton. Early childhood, Te Kohanga Reo and primary school options are plentiful and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) delivers tertiary study.

Housing

Marlborough offers a range of options, whether you wish to rent or buy. Housing is more affordable here than in many other centres. Compare this for yourself and for general information on housing take a look at Immigration NZ’s information on housing in Marlborough. Moving to Marlborough is a great life choice.

Towns

Marlborough has four main valleys, which are home to the following towns and settlements – Waiharakeke Blenheim, Waitohi Picton, Havelock, Seddon, Wairau Valley, Renwick, Canvastown, Ward, Spring Creek and Grovetown. Each of these towns and settlements have their own community hall as a hub for community activities. Find out more about the four valleys.

Thinking of moving to Marlborough?

Marlborough is part of the Welcoming Communities programme. It recognises the importance of celebrating the broad range of people who have chosen to make Marlborough their home.
More about Welcoming Communities
Dancers celebrate their country of origin on Earth Day