Marlborough & Kaikoura

Marlborough New Zealand is located in the northeast of the South Island. Main highlights include Blenheim, Picton, Havelock, Marlborough Sounds, Queen Charlotte Sound, Renwick, Wairau Valley, Molesworth and Kaikoura.

An area of beauty and diversity, the Marlborough region stretches from the scenic Sounds to the rugged splendour of Kaikoura and includes the townships of Blenheim, Picton and Havelock. Its central plains are home to winegrowing areas, an abundance of bush and mountains.

Picton and Havelock are the gateways to the Marlborough Sounds. Throughout the maze of coves and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds, bird, plant and animal life abound. There are many beautiful islands and inlets throughout the Marlborough Sounds. There is a spectacular winding road from Picton to Havelock, along the Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, offering scenic views. There are also many walking options in the area.

Picton is set deep in Queen Charlotte Sound, and is the busy centre for the Marlborough Sounds. It is also a base for diving, fishing, dolphin watching, kayaking, scenic flights and walks including Queen Charlotte and Snout Walkways.
Blenheim, south of Picton, is situated on the Taylor and Opawa Rivers in the Wairau Plains. Surrounded by orchards, vinyards and horticultural productions, Blenheim is Marlborough's largest town.

Further south, the former whaling town of Kaikoura is now the centre for whale, dolphin and seal watching. With a rocky coastline overlooked by majestic towering mountains, Kaikoura is situated on a protruding peninsula. The ocean's continental shelf is very close to shore, with deep canyons and steep shafts; home to an abundance of marine life. Kaikoura is one of the few places where you can view both whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Kaikoura has a range of walks available. The most popular is the coastal peninsula walk which takes you along interesting limestone formations, seal and seabird colonies. Returning over the clifftop, one can see stunning mountain and ocean views.

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