Must-see attractions in Marlborough Region

  • Military aircraft from WWI at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, New Zealand.

    Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

    Blenheim

    When Sir Peter Jackson has a passion for something, there are no half measures. That's abundantly clear in the 'Knights of the Sky' exhibition, which…

  • Vineyards on the White Road Tour at Peter Yealands Cellar door wine estate in New Zealand's south island.

    Yealands Estate

    Blenheim

    Zero-carbon winemaking on a grand scale at this space-age winery out by itself near Seddon, 30km southeast of Blenheim. A 7km self-drive vineyard tour…

  • Rack of Brancott wine estate Identity series bottles.

    Brancott Estate

    Blenheim

    Under its previous name, Montana Wines, this was the trailblazer of the wine region. Now it has Marlborough's most impressive cellar door and restaurant…

  • Sunset over vineyard at Wither Hills in New Zealand.

    Wither Hills

    Blenheim

    Pull up a beanbag on the Hockneyesque lawns of this impressive complex and enjoy a three-wine flight ($10), or head into the cellar for a more traditional…

  • Allan Scott Family Winemakers

    Blenheim

    Highlights of this esteemed range include a lovely gewürztraminer and a méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine. The attached Twelve Trees restaurant is…

  • Te Whare Ra

    Blenheim

    Compact, hands-on winery creating gorgeous sauvignon blanc, riesling, gewürztraminer and pinot gris.

  • Marlborough Museum

    Blenheim

    The history of NZ's wine industry is celebrated here, along with fascinating displays devoted to finds from Wairau Bar, the site of the country's earliest…

  • Fyffe House

    Kaikoura

    Kaikōura’s oldest surviving building and the last remaining part of the Waiopuka whaling station, Fyffe House's whale-bone foundations were laid in 1844…

  • Emporium Brewing

    Kaikoura

    Fill up a takeaway rigger or buy bottles of Emporium's tasty brews at this simple taproom. There are also escape rooms (two players $70; book ahead) and…

  • Edwin Fox Maritime Museum

    Marlborough Region

    Built near Calcutta and launched in 1853, the Edwin Fox is purportedly the world’s ninth-oldest surviving ship. During its chequered career it carried…

  • Point Kean Seal Colony

    Kaikoura

    New Zealand fur seals can usually be spotted lazing around on the rocks at the end of the peninsula. Give them a wide berth (10m), and never get between…

  • Lochmara

    Marlborough Region

    As well as offering lodge accommodation, this tourist complex can be visited on a variety of short cruises from Picton. Activities include kayaking; stand…

  • Cullen Point Lookout

    Havelock

    Cullen Point curves around to the northeast of Havelock, sheltering the marina from the rest of Pelorus Sound. A 10-minute walk loops up and around the…

  • Kaikōura Museum

    Kaikoura

    Housed in a modern building designed to resemble a crayfishing pot, this whizz-bang museum illuminates the region's geology and natural and social…

  • Pollard Park

    Blenheim

    Ten minutes' walk from town, this 25-hectare park has beautiful blooming and scented gardens, a playground, tennis courts and a nine-hole golf course. It…

  • Motuara Island

    Marlborough Region

    This DOC-managed, predator-free island reserve at the entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound is chock-full of rare NZ birds including the Ōkārito brown kiwi …

  • Vines Village

    Blenheim

    A conveniently located hub for bike hire, boutique shopping, wine tasting (Whitehaven) and cafe meals with a pretty vines outlook. Pop into Gourmet…

  • Cloudy Bay

    Blenheim

    The most famous, most upmarket and most expensive tasting experience; private tastings and tours are also offered. Jack's Raw Bar shucks and serves…

  • Lookout

    Kaikoura

    At the northern entrance to the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, overlooking the Point Kean Seal Colony.

  • Saint Clair Estate

    Blenheim

    Prepare to be blown away by the Pioneer Block and Reserve range sauvignon blanc and pinot noir at Marlborough's most awarded winery. There's a good…

  • Framingham

    Blenheim

    Consistent, quality wines including exceptional riesling and stellar dessert wines. Check out the '90s song lyrics on the pavers of the cloister.

  • Clos Henri Vineyard

    Blenheim

    French winemaking meets Marlborough terroir with très bon results. The cellar door is housed in a beautifully restored wooden church.

  • Omaka Classic Cars

    Blenheim

    Opposite the Aviation Heritage Centre is this collection of more than 100 restored cars dating from the 1950s to the '80s.

  • Spy Valley Wines

    Blenheim

    Stylish, edgy architecture features at this espionage-themed winery with drops in the top echelons. Memorable merchandise.

  • Wairau River

    Blenheim

    Carbon-neutral family estate with some of Marlborough’s oldest vines. Relaxing gardens and a classy cellar door.

  • Huia

    Blenheim

    Sustainable, small-scale family winemaking and a personable cellar-door experience. Delectable dry-style gewürztraminer.

  • Lookout

    Marlborough Region

    The lookout on the Tirohanga Track has beautiful, wide-ranging views of Picton and Queen Charlotte.

  • Forrest

    Blenheim

    Doctor-owners produce and prescribe a range of fine vinous medicines, including some mood-altering riesling.

  • Lookout

    Kaikoura

    Scenic lookout over the seal colony at the southern end of the Kaikōura Peninsula.

  • Bladen

    Blenheim

    Bijou family winery that’s big on charm.

  • Eco World Aquarium

    Marlborough Region

    The primary purpose of this centre is animal rehabilitation: all sorts of critters come here for fix-ups and rest-ups, and the odd bit of hanky-panky!…

  • Heritage & Whaling Museum

    Marlborough Region

    There's something quite appealing about this style of regional museum: it cheerfully leaps between displays on the local hospital and jail, Māori family…

  • Auntsfield Estate

    Blenheim

    Quality handcrafted wines from this historic and picturesque vineyard at the foot of the hills. Tours available by arrangement (per person $20, minimum…

  • Point Sheep Shearing Show

    Kaikoura

    The 30-minute Point Sheep Shearing Show at the Point B&B is fun and educational. You can feed a ram, and lambs between September and February.

  • Havelock Museum

    Havelock

    Inhabiting an old Methodist church, this cute, locally focused museum presents old colonial tales in a contemporary, easily digestible style.

  • Lookout

    Kaikoura

    Scenic lookout over South Bay on the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway.

  • Gibson Bridge

    Blenheim

    Pinot gris specialists with a grandiose cellar door in a minuscule space.