A perfect weekend awaits
You know the weekend, the one where the sun delivers a kiss of warmth and, for the first time in months, you stay outdoors and grab some rays.
That’s the weekend that Marlborough can deliver earlier in the season than most. Its eastern coastal climate ranks near the top nationwide for sunshine hours. Whether you’re into fishing, golfing, biking, visiting cellar doors, dining in style or just lazing about, Marlborough offers the best short stays at a price that is affordable.
The drive itself is half the pleasure. From Christchurch, it’s four unhurried hours of coastal scenery, seal colonies, dramatic headlands, and the anticipation of the landscape opening up into the golden Wairau Valley. Arrive Friday afternoon, and you’re already somewhere that feels genuinely far away.
And once in Marlborough, you don’t have to expend too much energy to enjoy yourself, whether on land or sea. Just wander through the marinas at Picton, Havelock or Waikawa, and you can literally let your imagination run away.
You know that famous quote from The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame: “There’s nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” If you are really craving getting further out into the Sounds, there are mail boat cruises in both Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds that will get you out there. These mail runs have been operating for well over 100 years, so it’s a bit like stepping into a storybook.
The entire region offers some beautiful and wild locations. Turning off State Highway 1 at Ward and travelling by car for just over six kilometres gets you to Ward Beach, or further north, explore the river environment at Pelorus Bridge. If it’s more vigorous activity you want, The Whale Trail has now opened up between Tuamarino and Ward, and the classic robust activity is walking or biking the Queen Charlotte Track.
Another tip is that many people have no idea about Marlborough’s extraordinary offering of nautical and aviation history, so make sure you do a bit of research on local museums before you visit the region. There are also some great deals on, so make sure you visit the region’s website and treat yourself and your loved ones this spring.