There are two main towns in Marlborough. Blenheim, Marlborough’s largest town, is vibrant with parks and gardens, including Seymour Square, which features a multi-colored fountain and historic monument. Formal gardens, themed gardens, forest preserves and parks fill the area with beautiful vegetation. Blenhiem is the home of Marlborough’s main theaters and cultural boards. There are dining options of every kind, ranging from cafes to restaurants with everything from Chinese to Mediterranean. Head to the Wairau Plains to the vineyards for a tasting of Marlborough’s world recognized Sauvignon Blanc, and stay for lunch or dinner. South of Blenheim is the village of Kaikoura, which offers from its shore views of dolphin pods, seals and whales as they bask in the sun. Reaching Kaikoura involves the breathtaking drive down the Pacific Coast highway along the beaches that look out at a seeming endless ocean.

Picton is Marlborough’s second center of urban life. Visit Picton by taking a ferry from the capital of New Zealand, Wellington, and spend a peaceful day watching dolphins along Marlborough’s coast to Queen Charlotte’s Sound. The forested hills rise sharply out of the water, framing the beaches of Queen Charlotte’s Sound in charming curls and twists. The Queen Charlotte Track is an excellent multi-day hike with easy accommodation along the way. The track provides breathtaking views of lushly vegetated mountains that dive into dark blue waters. The food and accommodations available along these turns of land have a way of providing all the extra amenities needed to make a vacation complete.

Marlborough in a region of hills and valleys feed by long rivers that has proven uniquely suited for growing grapes, and is renown for the excellence of its Sauvignon Blanc. Days can be spent touring the vineyards of the region. The Wairau Plain Wineries are the largest grape growing area in New Zealand. It is possible to follow a wine trial, stopping at not only vineyards but breweries, distillers and even olive groves and end the day by dine outside among, in the very midst of wine country.

For the diver, there are several ship wrecks to chose from and explore while in Marlborough. There are trails to follow alone and guided hikes to lead a traveler into the hills of Marlborough as well as horseback riding and biking. With the help of a Maori tour guide, the legends of the region can come to life for those visiting. The area also flourishes with small arts and crafts boutiques that help provide balance to a vacation in Wine country.