Taking a moment on New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds. Copyright Destination Marlborough
Stand Up Paddle Board
Pelorus River

Travel Style

Adventure

It's not what you do, it's how you do it.

If your idea of a great holiday is getting your heart rate and adrenalin to skyrocket or doing something super unique that can't be done anywhere else, then Marlborough is the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Get your blood pumping with world-class running and biking events, flying in planes, swimming with dolphins, playing golf on a remote farm or heading out on an epic mountain bike trek, hitting the snow or hunting down rare native species. Get into it!

Walks, bike rides and kayaking

Experience the many walks, bike rides and kayaking trips in Marlborough, from the winding waters of the Marlborough Sounds, to the 30+ winery cellar doors.

Walks, bike rides and kayaking

Governors Bay Scenic Reserve

Activities

Enjoy golden sands and azure waters at Governors Bay, a 15 minute drive from Picton.

Governors Bay Scenic Reserve

Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon

Events

Put on your running shoes for the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon in May, a stunning run through private vineyards.

Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon

Spot the king shag

Activities

Get a glimpse of the king shag, the second rarest bird in the world with a stagnant population of 500-600. The king shags nest near Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds.

Spot the king shag

Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Whitehaven GrapeRide

Events

Competitive recreational ride through some of the most stunning natural scenery. Starting at The Vines Village, experience vineyards of the Wairau plains, the head of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, the Greenshell mussel capital of Havelock and then all the way to the finish line at back at The Vines Village.

 Whitehaven GrapeRide

Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Hit the road

Activities

Road bike the winding Queen Charlotte Drive, with native bush on one side of the road and the sparkling Marlborough Sounds on the other.

Hit the road

Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Related Guide:

Walks
Accommodation

Walks

Get to know Marlborough step by step, via walking tracks to alpine peaks, golden trails on working farms and native bush walks in the Marlborough Sounds.

Marlborough walks can be as challenging as Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku, as beautiful as the Queen Charlotte Track and as relaxing as the Taylor River reserve.

Whether you’re hiking for a day or a week, staying in a tent, hut or lodge, you’ll love the pace of Marlborough.

Start planning your walk with New Zealand Mountain Safety Councils Plan my Walk app. An awesome app that provides you with useful information of particular tracks, alerts, weather and what gear you will need. Click here to check it out

Read our guide

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