Marlborough can be explored in many ways: wine-growing history sits alongside river landscapes, coastal forest and scenic walking trails. This lets you get to know the region from different perspectives—through a tasting, along a nature trail or on a visit to an exhibition.

Wine-growing: history and tastings

The Wine Exhibition is a permanent museum exhibition about the history of wine and wine-growing in Marlborough, New Zealand. It makes the development of wine-growing an attraction in its own right, alongside opportunities to sample wines. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Clos Henri is a premium winery in Marlborough owned by the Bourgeois family. Its Cellar Door offers organic wines for tasting. Confirm Cellar Door offerings and tasting options before your visit.

Explore Marlborough offers cycling tours and driving trips to wineries in the Marlborough wine region. The cycling tours may be guided or self-guided. They follow flat, easy routes suitable for all ages and fitness levels. As tour operations and formats are subject to change, check which tours are currently offered before making plans.

Exhibitions on aviation history

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre at the historically significant Omaka Aerodrome combines a rare collection of aircraft from the First and Second World Wars with creative exhibition techniques. “Knights of the Sky” showcases aircraft and artefacts from the First World War; “Dangerous Skies” tells stories from the Second World War. The exhibitions give these two historical themes different names and perspectives. As the content on display may change, check the latest details before your visit.

Forest and river at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve

Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve offers forest and river landscapes and includes one of the region’s last remaining areas of river terrace forest. Two trails offer different experiences: the easy Tawa Walk leads through forest and over river terraces and is wheelchair accessible; surface conditions may vary. The 380 m Circle Walk is also suitable for wheelchairs and follows the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River. Together, they offer a walk through forest and terraces and a short route beside the river.

Trails with different time commitments

The Queen Charlotte Track stretches 73.5 km from historic Meretoto/Ship Cove to Anakiwa in Queen Charlotte Sound and is part of the Te Araroa Trail. Check conditions and access requirements before your trip.

The 27 km Nydia Track passes through lush coastal forest and regenerating forest, over two saddles with scenic views, and across farmland. On foot, it is a two-day route; by mountain bike, the trip takes five to eight hours. These options offer a clear comparison for planning your time. Creek and river conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

At Cullen Point, two trails differ in both format and stated duration: the Cullen Point Coastal Track is a one-hour loop with views of Pelorus Sound and the town of Havelock. The ten-minute Cullen Point Lookout Track is an out-and-back route to a viewpoint overlooking Mahau Sound and the Kaituna and Pelorus river mouths. Check local road and weather conditions before driving.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Blenheim, Marlborough District, Maraetai Bay, Waikawa, Seddon, Wairau Valley, North Bank, Rapaura, Waihopai Valley, Hawkesbury, Fairhall, Lower Dashwood, Ward.

For the main travel overview: New Zealand.