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Marlborough is located close to the heart of
New Zealand, on the north-east corner of the South Island, due west
of Wellington city.
For centuries it has offered safe harbour to
travellers sailing to the spectacular South Island: first the Maori
traders and war parties; then explorers like Captain James Cook
and Dumont d’Urville; and now, to visitors seeking a retreat
from city pressures, as they discover the unspoilt haven and foodie
heaven that is Marlborough today.
The commercial hub is Blenheim, population
26,550. Originally a provincial service town to the farming community,
it 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.
Wine, Water, Wilderness
Marlborough is synonymous internationally for its distinctive, herbaceous
Sauvignon Blanc. It is New Zealand’s largest winemaking region
with around 110 wineries and 450 grape growers and over 12,000 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.
 
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