This is the best time of year to visit New Zealand
Spring into Marlborough, New Zealand.
| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Destination Marlborough |
New Zealand’s Marlborough region offers an adventure for everyone, and spring is the best time to experience it.
Serene reflections in impossibly blue waters, dreamy red-gold sunsets and star-filled night skies make the Marlborough region a place of extraordinary natural beauty.
Sitting at the geographic centre of New Zealand and bound by Nukuo Ariki (the four valleys) Marlborough bursts to life in Spring. New buds form on the vines and fruit trees, marking the release of the latest Sauvignon Blanc, the wine that put this part of the world on the world stage. Expect crisp mornings and warm, sunny afternoons at this glorious time of year.
Whether you’re exploring by kayak, boat, mountain bike or foot, these are just a few highlights of the Marlborough region.
Jump aboard the Pelorus Mail Boat and explore the most remote part of the Marlborough Sounds.
Getting there
Air New Zealand provides connections to Marlborough Airport for Australian travellers arriving in Auckland and Wellington. Sounds Air flies to Marlborough Airport from Christchurch and Wellington, and from Wellington to Koromiko (Picton) Airport. Marlborough Airport, at Blenheim/Te Waiharakeke, is a 20-minute flight from Wellington International Airport. Flights offer scenic views of snowy peaks and the Marlborough Sounds.
Car ferries operate between Wellington and Picton/Waitohi. The trip takes about three-and-a-half hours.
Treat yourself to wine country
Sip Sauvignon Blanc where it’s made best.
From a leisurely lunch at a vineyard restaurant or beside the water in the Marlborough Sounds, dining in Marlborough is likely to mean fresh seafood matched with an award-winning Sauvignon Blanc or other varietals. With more than 30 cellar doors to visit, there’s something for all tastes. Despite being the largest wine-producing region in New Zealand, Marlborough is easy to get around.
Settle in for a slow lunch among the vines at Harvest, on site at the Marlborough Boutique Hotel & Vineyard.
The Original Marlborough Wine Tours offers expert guides to lead the way to Marlborough’s best vineyards, explaining local winemaking traditions and meeting passionate vintners. Tours are designed for both seasoned wine lovers and curious explorers, providing a relaxed, informative, and scenic experience, exploring boutique wineries and famous estates.
In the heart of Marlborough’s wine country, The Marlborough Boutique Hotel & Vineyard offers 10 contemporary rooms, set within a beautifully restored 1901 convent and surrounded by expansive gardens and vineyards.
Rest easy in character-rich restored spaces, The Library at the Marlborough Boutique Hotel & Vineyard.
Each room hints of the building’s history, with amenities including a spacious ensuite with a large walk-in shower and a separate bathtub, a complimentary minibar, and turndown service.
Enjoy pétanque, croquet and walking trails during the day. In the evenings, start with cocktails and canapés in the converted chapel. Then dine on local, seasonal produce at Harvest restaurant. End the day stargazing by the outdoor fireplace.
The Marlborough Boutique Hotel & Vineyard
Traverse New Zealand’s best hiking trail
The Queen Charlotte Track is the hidden hiking gem of New Zealand. Stretching 73km from Ship Cove/Meretoto to Anakiwa, it’s a spectacular multi-day journey that caters to all fitness levels.
Wilderness Guides have been crafting unforgettable adventures on the Queen Charlotte Track for over 25 years. Whether you prefer hiking, kayaking or mountain biking (guided or independent) they take care of everything, from daily luggage transfers and packed lunches to premium overnight accommodation and restaurant dining. All you need is a daypack and a sense of adventure.
Soak in mountain views from your kayak.
For an unforgettable stay along the track, Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove blend natural beauty with comfort and convenience. Both offer a variety of premium room options, delicious cuisine, and easy access to the track and water taxis. Take a kayak, hike the track, soak in the hot tub or simply enjoy the sweeping views and pure relaxation.
This isn’t your typical hiking experience – it’s the perfect mix of wilderness and comfort, without the crowds.
Retreat Into Nature at Furneaux Lodge.
Be awed by the Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds are a group of three major sounds: Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui, Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere, and Kenepuru Sound.
The lesser-known Pelorus Sound offers an even more remote and peaceful experience. Winding waterways, forested hills and off-the-grid homes line this secluded coastline, accessible mainly by boat. It’s a place to slow down and appreciate life at sea level.
The best way to explore this Sound is aboard the Pelorus Mail Boat, which has been operating for over 100 years from Havelock. Today, you can ride along as part of the crew, deliver supplies, meet locals, learn the history and spot marine wildlife along the way.
Access to Queen Charlotte Sound is via Picton, just 33 kms east of Havelock along the scenic Queen Charlotte Dr. Take a kayak, boat, bike, car, helicopter or plane from Picton to explore the coastal paradise of Queen Charlotte Sound.
This intricate network of pristine waterways opens up a world of island bird sanctuaries, secluded bays and luxury resorts. Sea life abounds, with the Sound home to dolphins, penguins, stingrays, rich birdlife and (if you’re lucky) orca. Explore Ship Cove, a favoured anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations of New Zealand and walk the Queen Charlotte Track.
Sail into 100 years of history on the Pelorus Mail Boat.
Start planning your New Zealand adventure at marlboroughnz.com/spring
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