TRADE MANUAL Marlborough is about world Marlborough is centrally located within New Zealand at the head of the Southern Alps, and well connected famous Sauvignon Blanc by air, road and ferry transport links to the main centres and international airports. Protected by mountain from New Zealand’s largest ranges, the temperate climate and high sunshine hours winegrowing region and the make Marlborough a fantastic year-round destination. soil and enviable climate The combination of all of the above with a good range that create it. It’s about fresh of accommodation options and commissionable activities and attractions, ensures Marlborough seafood sought by the world’s is a destination for all seasons, tastes and budgets. finest chefs. It’s about diverse landscapes, from valleys of Destination Marlborough is here to help with information on our brilliant region, share what’s new vines to sheltered waterways. and provide inspiration for you to include Marlborough in your clients’ New Zealand travel itineraries. Your clients will have a brilliant time in Marlborough! EVERY DAY Contents Getting here 2 Walks 10 Places to stay 22 The region 2 Cycling 12 Wine and food 29 Must do experiences 3 Family fun 13 Things to do 31 Seasons 4 Indulgence 14 Transport 41 Wine and food 7 Events 15 Regional maps 44 Marlborough Sounds 8 Itineraries 16 Nature 9 Accommodation capacity 21 Contact information For any trade related enquiries, please contact our Trade Development Manager. Email: [email protected] | Ph: +64 3 579 2307 | Mobile: +64 27 223 0459 Destination Marlborough 8 Sinclair Street, Blenheim 7201 PO Box 29, Blenheim 7240, New Zealand Destination MarlboroughNZ.com/trade Marlborough Destination Marlborough has a selection of iconic images available for use in promoting Marlborough as a visitor destination. To access these images, visit MarlboroughNZ.com/trade and select the images you would like to use. If you have any queries email [email protected] 1 TRANSPORTJOURNEY Getting here The region Marlborough is centrally located within New Zealand at the top The Marlborough Sounds of the South Island and is easily accessed by air, land and sea. Explore the Marlborough Sounds, 1500km of winding coastline, secluded bays, historic sites, marine reserves and precious By air island sanctuaries, which foster kiwi and other native species. Flights land at Marlborough Airport, 7km from the centre Cruise or kayak your way through the sheltered waters, home to dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds. Walk or cycle over bush of Blenheim. Additionally, Sounds Air flights also arrive and clad ridgelines of the 70km Queen Charlotte Track starting at depart from Picton Airport. The 10 minute drive into Blenheim Ship Cove, Captain Cook’s favourite New Zealand landing site. can be taken by taxi, shuttle or rental car. Blenheim By road Blenheim is the region’s main centre. Located along the Charge your camera for photo opportunities along your road picturesque Taylor, Opawa and Wairau Rivers, and across to the journey to Marlborough from Christchurch, Nelson and the West walking and mountain biking trails of the Wither Hills, the town has Coast. Bus services also operate into and out of Marlborough. a range of great cafes, restaurants and shops. Blenheim is home to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre – a world-renowned By sea collection of rare WWI and WWII aircraft and memorabilia. The 3 hour ferry trip from Wellington with Bluebridge or Interislander arrives at the port town of Picton. Picton Picton is a buzzing harbour town full of cafes, restaurants, galleries, speciality shops, and activities. From the foreshore, discover the rich maritime history and eco experiences at museums, wildlife sanctuaries and conservation centres. Picton is a great base for exploring the Marlborough Sounds and the surrounding walking and cycling trails. Auckland Havelock The Greenshell™ mussel capital of the world. Havelock is the access point for the Keneperu, Pelorus and Mahau Sounds. By air: A short drive down the road is where the dwarves’ barrel run From Auckland: 1hr 20 mins scene from The Hobbit was filmed and ‘The Desolation of From Christchurch: 50 mins By sea: From Wellington: 20 mins Wellington to Picton: Smaug’ was filmed at nearby Pelorus Bridge. Picton 3.5 hours Havelock Wellington Renwick Blenheim Renwick is surrounded by vineyards growing Marlborough’s world- Marlborough famous wines, with over 20 winery cellar doors within a 5km radius of the village. Explore our wine country by bike, car or tour van, and Christchurch discover what makes Marlborough’s wine so special. Awatere and the Pacific Coast By road: Driving along the golden hills, pink solar salt ponds and Nelson to Blenheim: 1 hr 45 mins Blenheim to Picton: 25 mins vineyards of the Awatere Valley, you’ll find snow-capped Blenheim to Christchurch: 4hrs mountains to one side and the blue Pacific on the other. The 30 mins valley rises to the region’s highest peak, Mount Tapuae-o- uenuku, central to Māori legend – the tip of the Southern Alps. The Awatere is the entrance to the Molesworth Station – the country’s largest high-country farm. 2 INSPIRATION Must do experiences Jump on a cruise or kayak in Journey through the world- the Marlborough Sounds, join a class Omaka Aviation Heritage mail boat, see where our seafood Centre, learn the fascinating stories grows, visit a wildlife sanctuary, behind the rare WWI and WWII the underwater observatory memorabilia and aircraft which or swim with the dolphins. have been bought to life by the team behind The Lord of the Rings. Walk or mountain bike the Discover the landscapes native forest of the Queen and history of New Zealand’s Charlotte Track, soaking largest farm, the Molesworth up the stunning views of the high country station. Marlborough Sounds while your luggage is boated to your accommodation every day. Enjoy a long lunch at Take a scenic drive and visit a winery restaurant and spend local food producers, our the day visiting cellar doors to gardens of national significance, sample Marlborough’s world- and artists along the way or famous wines amid the vines journey Yealand’s White Road. that grew them. Wander through the vibrant Indulge in fresh produce seaport town of Picton; the made right here, Ora King Salmon, foreshore showcases the Cloudy Bay Clams, Greenshell™ region’s marine history mussels, local cheeses, wild pig complemented by cafes, and venison to name just a few – restaurants, galleries and at the weekly Marlborough walking tracks. Farmers’ Market. Stay amongst the vines or at Experience a birds-eye a hideaway on the water’s edge view of Marlborough’s expansive in the Marlborough Sounds. landscape with a scenic flight by vintage biplane, plane or helicopter. 3 SEASONS Beachcomber Cruises Beachcomber Spring 1 September – 30 November Summer 1 December – 28 February Average temperature between 6 – 20 C . 42 – 68 F Average temperature between 12 – 30 C . 53 – 80 F Crisp mornings and warm, sunny afternoons will Summer in Marlborough celebrates life’s simple have you spellbound by spring in Marlborough. pleasures. Whether you’re sailing, kayaking, As new buds form on the region’s fruit trees paddle boarding, or rowing a dinghy across the and vines, spring marks the release of the latest bay, summer is about walking trails, cool rivers, Sauvignon Blanc vintage – the wine that put rope swings, hammocks, and spending time Marlborough on the world wine map. around, on and in the water. The new growth is a fantastic time to explore private gardens from the edge of the Pacific Ocean to the heart of the Marlborough Sounds during New Zealand’s premier garden festival, Nelmac Garden Marlborough. It’s the season for gourmets too, with fresh seasonal fare at restaurants and cafés throughout the region. Brilliant highlights Brilliant highlights Walk the Queen Charlotte Track from historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa, taking in the stunning views Mountain bike the 70km Queen Charlotte while your bags are transferred to your night’s Track, staying in a range of accommodation accommodation. along the way. Swim with dolphins in the sheltered waters Drive or mountain bike through expansive of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Molesworth and Rainbow high-country stations, open late spring and summer months. Explore the Sounds by kayak for a few hours or days, staying at campsites or lodges Be one of the world’s first to sample this year’s along the way. Sauvignon Blanc vintages along the Marlborough Wine Trail. Make a splash in the Pelorus River (location of the barrel scene from The Hobbit: The Discover expansive Marlborough Sounds Desolation of Smaug), where the crystal clear waterways on a cruise or charter a boat. water is surrounded by native forest. Enjoy streets lined with blooming cherry Find a hammock, a good book and a bit blossoms. of shade and just relax. 4 Only Marlborough Only Autumn 1 March – 31 May Winter 1 June – 31 August Average temperature between 6– 25 C . 42 – 75 F Average temperature between 0 – 16 C . 32 – 60 F If you think summer’s great in Marlborough, wait Winter brings perfect blue-sky days and calm, until you experience autumn’s fantastic weather sparkling waters. and colours. Autumn brings the grape harvest to Marlborough, and cellar doors are rich with Sail or cruise to a secluded Marlborough Sounds the aroma of fermenting wine and the buzz bay for lunch, cosy up with a glass of local Pinot Noir of a province at work. beside a roaring fire, or head to the mountains to our local skifield. Brilliant highlights Sip aromatics with a view of golden vines and feast on fresh produce, including King salmon, Brilliant highlights Greenshell™ mussels, clams, walnuts, saffron, wild venison and high country lamb. Visit a vineyard cellar door with a roaring fire and a delicious local Pinot Noir.