Marlborough

Marlborough is located close to the centre of New Zealand, on the north-east corner of the South Island, due west of Wellington city.

For centuries the region has offered safe harbour to travellers sailing to the spectacular South Island: first the Maori traders and war parties and then explorers like Captain James Cook and Dumont d’Urville. These days, it’s a idyllic tourist destination for visitors seeking fine wine and gourmet food experiences.
 
The commercial hub is Blenheim, population 30,000. Originally a provincial service town to the farming community, Blenheim is increasingly geared towards urban lifestyle, visitor needs and the dominant wine industry, a meld of modern sophistication and relaxed ambience. North is Picton, population 3700, seaport gateway to the stunning Marlborough Sounds.
 
Marlborough is synonymous internationally for its distinctive, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. It is New Zealand’s largest winemaking region with over 140 wineries and 300 grape growers and over 24000 hectares planted in grapes, mainly Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.

Marlborough is also known for its idyllic Sounds – sunken valleys which create a network of tranquil clear waterways amidst regenerating and virgin native forests. The Sounds are home to treasured bird and sealife – terns, shags, herons, blue penguins, dolphins, seals, and native forest birds, all easily viewed by private boat or charter tour.

The renowned 71km Queen Charlotte Track, a 3-4 day walk, curls around these coves and inlets and along skyline ridges between the breathtaking Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds.

[Credit: http://www.wine-marlborough.co.nz]