TARTAN COCONUTS
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We’ve years exploring Marlborough and I honestly believe it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It's one of the most underrated regions in New Zealand with a mix of rolling hills, dramatic coastlines deep blue waters, thick forests and golden sunshine that seems to last forever, which is no surprise as it's the sunniest place in New Zealand!

We’ve explored it all - lookouts, peaceful bush walks, quirky rock formations, beaches with dramatic coastlines and so many cafes (we LOVE our cafe visits!). There’s a surprising amount to see and do here if you’re willing to slow down and dig in.

The hiking tracks in Marlborough are super diverse which makes it a really nice spot to see a wide range of scenery. There's rolling golden hills with barely a tree in sight to thick green bush surrounded by emerald green water. It really is something special!

At the heart of it all is the Marlborough Sounds - a maze of inlets, bays and islands are covered in thick, green forests. Whether you’re hiking the Queen Charlotte Track, cruising through the Sounds on a boat, or wanting to relax on a quiet beach, this part of Marlborough is next level stunning and every time we go, we feel like we're on a tropical island (our favourite spots are Punga Cove and French Pass).

And of course, there’s the wine. Blenheim and the surrounding wine country are world famous for sauvignon blanc, but there’s a whole lot more to sip and explore. 

If you’re after a region that has beautiful hikes, fewer crowds, ocean adventures, wine and all round beautiful scenery then Marlborough is absolutely worth adding to your South Island itinerary.


If you see “blog coming soon,” don’t worry—it won’t be for much longer! We’re working hard behind the scenes to finish everything in the next few weeks. We’re also adding heaps more guides, updating older blogs and making it SO much easier for you to plan your trip around New Zealand!
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PUNGA COVE RESORT

​Discover Punga Cove, one of the Marlborough Sounds most stunning bays! It's perfect for kayaking, dining or enjoy a peaceful stay.

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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BLENHEIM

​Blenheim is packed with stunning spots, scenic walks, wineries and beautiful gardens. Here's everything you need to know.

Blog coming soon!
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CRUISING THE SOUNDS: WHAT TO SEE AND DO ON THE WAY TO PUNGA COVE
We’ll show you the best spots to eat, lookouts, walks and beaches along the way from Picton to Punga Cove in the Marlborough Sounds.
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Blog coming soon!
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MT TAKORIKA TRACK
​​One of the best hidden gems in Marlborough! There are multiple tracks up the mountain that offer incredible views across the Sounds.

Blog coming soon!
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BRAYSHAW HERITAGE PARK
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​A huge indoor and outdoor interactive museum showcasing the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.
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POLLARD PARK
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​Pollard Park offers colourful flowers all year round & plenty of peaceful spots.. It’s a tranquil escape right in the heart of Blenheim.

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QUEEN CHARLOTTE DRIVE
​An incredibly beautiful drive snaking 40kms between Havelock and Picton, this is one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. ​

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FAMILY ADVENTURES IN PICTON: WHAT TO SEE, DO & EXPLORE
There are so many family outdoor activities to do in Picton and we have shared our favourite with you.
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A TASTE OF HAVELOCK

​Discover the green shelled mussel capital of the world from ocean to plate. This is one very tasty experience!

BLOG COMING SOON!
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OMAKA AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE
An incredible experience with life-sized planes and detailed figurines, each telling powerful true stories from wars around the world.

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BLENHEIM WITH KIDS: OUR FAVOURITE FAMILY THINGS TO DO
From scenic walks & bike trails to playgrounds and local favourites. Here are our top picks for things to do with kids in and around town.
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LOWER QUAIL STREAM TO UPPER HARLING TRACK
​An incredible 4-hour hike through the rolling Wither Hills and along the ridges. Breathtaking is an understatement!
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KARAKA POINT WALK
​Take 5- 10 minutes to walk this beautiful track in the Marlborough Sounds to a small and beautiful beach.
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TSS WAVERLY LAGOON WALK
The Wairau Lagoon offers a 6km round trip across the salt marsh to reach and explore the TSS Waverly shipwreck.
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CULLEN POINT LOOKOUT
A short walk from the carpark takes you through native NZ forest, showing incredible views of Mahau Sound and beyond.
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MT VERNON TRACK
A 2-hour hike to enjoy in the Wither Hills, while being surrounded by rolling, steep country hills and incredible views.
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SUTHERLAND STREAM TRACK
The Sutherland Stream Track is a gentle, 1 hour walk through Blenheim’s famous Wither Hills, winding alongside the Sutherland Stream.
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CIRCLE LOOP TRACK
An easy and beautiful walk through native New Zealand forest alongside the emerald green Pelorus River in the Marlborough region.
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TIROHANGA TRACK
​Get some of the best views across Picton with this 2- hour return track through native bush - you don't want to miss this one!
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BARNES DAM TRACK
The track follows a water pipe the whole way through the lush forest until you reach the dam and a stunning waterfall.
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TAWA WALK
A short 30-minute walk in the stunning Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is a flat and easy walk through native forest.
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ELVY WATERFALLS TRACK
Experience two stunning waterfalls on this moderate 2-hour track which takes you over streams, a river and through native bush.
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SNOUT TRACK
This coastal track offers absolutely incredible views across the Marlborough Sounds. It's a 3-4 hour return track through the bush.
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HUMPHRIES DAM TRACK
​A gentle track through the forest, along the dam lines which takes you to the Humphries Dam and back.
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6 BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN MARLBOROUGH
Marlborough’s coastline is packed with stunning beaches from white sand and blue water to rugged coastline beaches with stones.

Blog coming soon!
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WARD BEACH
A beautiful South Island beach filled with treasures, crazy rock formations and Caribbean blue water.
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MUSSEL POINT
A wild South Island east coast beach just 45 minutes south of Blenheim. There is so much to explore here!
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WHITES BAY BEACH
The perfect beach for swimming and taking in the most incredible views from the cliffs. The drive here is just as breath-taking! ​
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MONKEY BAY
 Find some of the most beautiful gemstones and rocks in the rolling waves and explore the caves at the beach and beyond.
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6 STUNNING WALKS TO DO IN PICTON
Picton’s got some seriously beautiful walks which are packed with great views. Here are six of our favourites to get you out and exploring.

Blog coming soon!
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6 SCENIC WALKS IN BLENHEIM
From golden hilltops to river trails and a walk to a hidden shipwreck, Blenheim’s local tracks have something for everyone.​

Blog coming soon!
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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PICTON
Everything travellers need to know about Picton including the best cafes, walking tracks, museums and ways to see local wildlife.​
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Blog coming soon!
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PELORUS BRIDGE: A HIDDEN GEM BETWEEN NELSON & BLENHEIM
Tucked between Nelson and Blenheim, Pelorus Bridge is a peaceful spot full of walking trails, emerald rivers and lush native forest.

Blog coming soon!
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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE MARLBOROUGH REGION
Marlborough is a diverse region with stunning beaches, mussels, wineries and some of our favourite hikes! Here’s your guide to it all.

Blog coming soon!
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THINGS TO DO IN PICTON WHILE WAITING FOR THE FERRY
Don’t just wait around - explore Picton’s charming spots, scenic views and tasty local eats before you board. 

Blog coming soon!
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A GUIDE TO WALKING IN THE WITHER HILLS IN BLENHEIM
Here’s your guide to the rolling hills & peaceful trails of the Wither Hills. The hills offer the best views in Blenheim!

Blog coming soon!
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YOUR GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS
One of the most beautiful places in NZ. If you’re into hiking, cruising, road trips or swimming in secluded coves this is where it's at!

​Blog coming soon!
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DISCOVER FRENCH PASS: HOW TO GET THERE, WHAT TO SEE & TOP TIPS​
From the drive to the lookouts and beaches, here’s your guide to exploring one of NZ’s most beautiful coastal gems.

​Blog coming soon!

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  • ABOUT
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