New Zealand offers a wealth of different experiences for travelers throughout each season. Skiing and other snow sports are big draws in the winter, and the outdoor activities coupled with the nation’s beautiful scenery in the summer are enough to interest even the most jaded adventurer.
One of the most popular regions of the country in any season is Marlborough. Whether you want to relax in the seaside town of Picton, explore the Sounds, or indulge in local cuisine and world-renowned wine in Blenheim, there’s a reason for anyone to visit. Marlborough offers a great family getaway over the Christmas and summer holidays and the perfect location close to Mt Lyford and Rainbow Ski Area for winter travellers.
Throughout the summer, Marlborough’s dry climate that helps grow the region’s award-winning sauvignon blanc wine stays between 20 and 25 degrees. Consistently warm weather throughout the summer means it’s the perfect time to tackle some of the areas outdoor activities.
Nature tours take groups into the Sounds in search of bottlenose dolphins, dusky and rare Hector’s dolphins that frequent the region’s waters. Boats leave from Picton and, conditions permitting, you can jump into the water to swim with these incredible creatures alongside experienced divers.
In Blenheim, the area’s vineyards offer tours year-round for any wine enthusiast. Book a tour to spend a beautiful day before dining in one of the restaurants in Blenheim or Picton, and enjoy some local cuisine in the evening.
Typical temperatures throughout the winter see balmy days often between 10 and 15 degrees. As one of the sunniest places in the country, Marlborough is a great place to get away from the gray clouds and rain during a winter holiday. Hiking, biking and trekking through the local bush are popular, even in winter, and Sounds cruises let you see the beauty of the region from the water.
There are also many different accommodation options for you to choose from. Log cabins are available for rent deep in the woods and hotels and motels are common throughout. Picton is one of the most popular places to stay. Marlborough waterside apartments give you a picturesque view over the Sound and a self-contained luxury accommodation option that is cheaper than a hotel. The city also has all the amenities you could want available; haute cuisine restaurants, cafeterias for lunch, car rental and buses that run throughout the region. If a stop in Marlborough is just part of your New Zealand experience, Picton is just a stone’s throw from Wellington on the other side of the Cook Strait.
Any time of the year is the perfect time to visit Marlborough with the kids, with your spouse or with friends. Book yourself into a self-catering apartment and experience the best the country has to offer.
