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!

Go Camping

Bring your tent or campervan and find a holiday park or DOC campsite to enjoy the views and outdoor activities.

Spot the king shag

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.

Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Take the mail boat

Travel from Havelock or Picton and call in to isolated homesteads and secluded bays to deliver mail and groceries to families living in the Marlborough Sounds.

Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Bike Molesworth Station

Bike through the iconic Molesworth high country station, ending in Hanmer for a rejuvenating hot pool swim.

Cycle Molesworth Guided Tour

Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku

The highest mountain peak outside of the Southern Alps is visible from almost everywhere in Marlborough and central to Maori legend. Some climb it, and everyone admires it.

Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Paddle the Sounds

Rent a kayak and paddle your way from bay to bay, choosing to be independent or guided.

Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Featured

Cruise with dolphins

Go dolphin watching, and learn about all the marine wildlife you see along the way, including seabirds and seals.

Featured

Marlborough Sounds sunset. Photo: Daniel Forster

Sounds sunset by water

Head out by boat or kayak to find a bay all to yourselves, with a gourmet picnic and a Marlborough riesling or sauvignon blanc. Then watch the late afternoon sun slowly set.

Featured

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.

Related Guide:

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

David Hosie Portal Jewellery & Design and The Choice Gallery

Travel Style

Adventure