Nelson Region
With a Māori name that translates as 'Long Island', this low-lying expanse forms an 8km-long barrier to the ocean with a gorgeous sandy beach spread along…
Must-see attractions in Marlborough & Nelson
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…
Nelson Region
Bleak, exposed and positively sci-fi, Farewell Spit is a wetland of international importance and a renowned bird sanctuary – the summer home of thousands…
Takaka
Around 14,000L of water per second bubble up from underground vents here, making it the largest freshwater spring in the southern hemisphere. It's also…
Nelson Region
This remote, dramatically beautiful beach is a magnificent introduction to the West Coast, with a seal colony at its eastern end and otherworldly rock…
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…
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…
Takaka
The ultimate in geological eye-candy around these parts are the phytokarst features of Rawhiti Cave, a 15-minute drive from Takaka (reached via Motupipi,…
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…
Blenheim
Highlights of this esteemed range include a lovely gewürztraminer and a méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine. The attached Twelve Trees restaurant is…
Blenheim
Compact, hands-on winery creating gorgeous sauvignon blanc, riesling, gewürztraminer and pinot gris.
Nelson
This modern museum is filled with a jumble of cultural heritage and natural history exhibits with a strong regional focus, including an almost Easter…
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…
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…
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…
Takaka
Here's your chance to catch a salmon and have it smoked for lunch or prepared as super-fresh sashimi. Rods and instructions are provided, but the fish…
Nelson Region
The Höglunds have had their art glass exhibited internationally and even featured on a jointly issued Swedish and New Zealand postage stamp. Call into…
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…
Nelson Region
Sitting pretty in Upper Moutere, with views across the grapes to the mountains of Kahurangi National Park, bijou Neudorf produces gorgeous wines including…
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…
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…
Nelson
A collection of heritage buildings has been relocated to this site, 2km northeast of the city centre, creating a Victorian-era village complete with a…
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…
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…
Nelson
Nelson is the birthplace of NZ's most eccentric fashion show, the annual World of WearableArt Awards (now staged in Wellington). You can see a selection…
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…
Nelson
Redeveloped in 2016 with a series of contemporary, light-filled exhibition spaces, Nelson’s public art gallery presents changing exhibitions from a…
Nelson
Walking tracks through this 12-hectare reserve ascend Botanical Hill, where a spire proclaims the Centre of New Zealand. The actual centre is 55km…
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 …
Nelson
The enduring symbol of Nelson, Christ Church lords it over the city from the top of Pikimai/Church Hill. It's an unusual mix of Gothic and art-deco style,…
Blenheim
A conveniently located hub for bike hire, boutique shopping, wine tasting (Whitehaven) and cafe meals with a pretty vines outlook. Pop into Gourmet…
Nelson
Immerse yourself in botanical history in this ornamental garden, founded in 1887 to commemorate the 50th jubilee of Queen Victoria's coronation. It's set…
Takaka
Between Pōhara and Takaka (signposted down Clifton Rd), you will find this crazy limestone maze punctuated by gnarled old rata trees and tall pencil-thin…
Nelson
Nelson's primo playground takes the form of a long sandy beach (with lifeguards in summer) backed by dunes and a large grassy park with a playground, an…
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…
Nelson Region
Just below the summit of Takaka Hill are the Ngarua Caves, a rock-solid attraction, where you can see myriad subterranean delights including moa bones…
Kaikoura
At the northern entrance to the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, overlooking the Point Kean Seal Colony.
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…
Nelson Region
Situated at the SH60 Moturoa/Rabbit Island turn-off, Seifried is one of the region’s biggest wineries. Try its chardonnay and delicious Sweet Agnes…
Abel Tasman National Park
A short detour off the Abel Tasman Coast Track between Torrent Bay and Anchorage is Cleopatra's Pool, a beautiful natural rock pool and moss-lined slide.
