Marlborough Region is an area located in the northeast of New Zealand's South Island, boasting beautiful nature with pristine coastlines and vineyards. Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine-producing region and is globally renowned as the main production area for Sauvignon Blanc wine, famous for winery tours and wine tastings. Additionally, the Marlborough Sounds, a complex coastal terrain, offers various marine activities, with fishing, boat tours, and marine exploration by kayak being particularly popular.

1. New Zealand's Largest Wine Producing Region

   Marlborough has grown into New Zealand's largest wine producing region thanks to its mild climate and fertile soil, and it is the main production area of the globally beloved Sauvignon Blanc wine. The vineyards here are vast and beautiful, making winery tours and wine tastings very popular among tourists.

2. Marlborough Sounds

   Stretching along the northern coast of this area, the Marlborough Sounds is a complex marine landscape made up of numerous coastlines and islands. It features a harmonious blend of pristine sea and forest, with a well-preserved marine ecosystem, providing an excellent environment for various outdoor activities.

3. Center of Marine Activities

   The Marlborough region serves as a hub for various marine activities, allowing exploration of the sea through boat tours, kayaking, fishing, and dolphin watching. In particular, cruise tours departing from Picton are a popular way to fully enjoy the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds.

4. Clean Environment and Nature Conservation

   The Marlborough region maintains a clean environment and actively engages in nature conservation efforts. Visitors can observe a variety of birds and marine animals up close, and especially encounter rare species such as the Hector’s Dolphin.

1. Blenheim

   The central city of the Marlborough region and New Zealand's largest wine-producing area, with many vineyards and wineries located here. Blenheim is famous for its mild climate and plains, offering a comfortable environment for tourists to enjoy wine tasting, winery tours, and numerous gourmet restaurants.

2. Picton

   A port town located at the entrance of the Marlborough Sounds, serving as a major transportation hub connecting the South and North Islands. Picton acts as the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds and is a city where various marine activities and tourism take place. It is especially well-developed with cafes, restaurants, and markets, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely coastal retreat.

3. Havelock

   Known as the "Green-lipped Mussel Capital," Havelock is a small coastal town located on the west side of the Marlborough region. Here, you can taste fresh seafood and enjoy marine activities such as kayaking, fishing, and boat tours. It is also situated on the way to Pelorus Sound.

1. Marlborough Sounds

   One of the most beautiful coastlines in New Zealand, known for its intricate coastline, islands, and clear seas. In Marlborough Sounds, you can enjoy nature through boat tours, kayaking, and fishing, and especially observe dolphins and seabirds. A representative tourist spot is the Queen Charlotte Track, which is great for trekking along the coast.

2. Queen Charlotte Track

   A trekking course stretching about 70km along Marlborough Sounds, it is one of New Zealand's representative hiking trails. Here, you can enjoy dense forests, blue seas, and diverse marine ecosystems, with options for trekking and cycling. The trekking course is divided into short sections, making it suitable for day trips.

3. Marlborough Wine Tour

   The Marlborough region is New Zealand's largest wine-producing area, home to numerous wineries. Especially famous for Sauvignon Blanc, wineries in this area offer tours and wine tasting programs, and you can also enjoy dishes made with local ingredients at winery restaurants. Many wineries are located near Blenheim, making tours convenient.

4. Edwin Fox Maritime Museum

   A museum located in Picton, exhibiting the Edwin Fox, New Zealand's oldest wooden ship. This ship is a historic vessel that sailed around the world in the 19th century, and the museum offers insights into the ship's history and voyages.

5. Hector’s Dolphin Watching Tour

   Tours are offered around Marlborough Sounds to observe Hector’s dolphins. Hector’s dolphins are the smallest dolphins in the world, a rare species found only in New Zealand waters. Through the tour, you can see the dolphins' habitat up close and gain awareness about marine ecosystem conservation.

6. Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve

   A nature reserve along the Pelorus River located between Havelock and Blenheim, featuring beautiful scenery of dense forests and river waters. It is great for hiking, picnics, and swimming in the river, and is also known as a filming location for the Hobbit series, making it popular among fans.

7. Blenheim Farmers’ Market

   A representative market in Blenheim where you can find local agricultural products and fresh food, held every weekend. Local farmers and artisans sell products they have grown and made themselves, and you can taste and purchase items such as cheese, olives, and fruits that pair well with wine.

8. Coastal Hiking and Kayaking

   In Marlborough Sounds and nearby coastlines, you can enjoy various outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and cycling. The clear seas and intricate coastline of Marlborough Sounds make it an ideal place for those who love exploration and adventure.