Marlborough: Wine, Trails and History

Forest and river scenery, trails of varying lengths, and exhibitions on wine and aviation history reveal different sides of Marlborough. At Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, you’ll find river scenery and one of the region’s last stands of riparian forest on river terraces. The walking destinations also vary considerably, from a short lookout walk to trails that require more time. Museums and wineries complement the natural experiences with insights into Marlborough’s history and winegrowing.

Forest Trails and River Scenery

At Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, the Tawa Walk winds through forest and across river terraces. The trail is easy and wheelchair accessible; surface conditions may vary. The Circle Walk is a 380-metre wheelchair-accessible trail along the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River.

For a longer hike, the Queen Charlotte Track stretches 73.5 kilometres from historic Meretoto/Ship Cove to Anakiwa in the Queen Charlotte Sound. It forms part of the Te Araroa Trail. Check the conditions and access requirements for this route before your trip. The 27-kilometre Nydia Track takes walkers and cyclists through lush coastal forest and regenerating forest, over two saddles with views, and across farmland. It’s a two-day walk on foot; by mountain bike, the route takes five to eight hours. Check conditions before setting out on this route, as stream and river conditions can change.

The two Cullen Point trails also differ in time required and destination. The Cullen Point Coastal Track is a one-hour loop with views of Pelorus Sound and the town of Havelock. The Cullen Point Lookout Track is a ten-minute return walk to a lookout with views of Mahau Sound and the Kaituna and Pelorus estuaries. This gives you the choice of a loop or a short walk to a lookout. Check local road and weather conditions before driving.

Exhibitions and Wine in Marlborough

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is located at the historically significant Omaka Aerodrome in Marlborough. It combines a rare collection of First and Second World War aircraft with creative exhibition techniques. The “Knights of the Sky” exhibition features First World War aircraft and artefacts; “Dangerous Skies” focuses on stories from the Second World War. The two exhibitions therefore cover different subjects. As exhibitions may change, it’s worth checking the latest visitor information before your visit.

The Wine Exhibition is a permanent museum exhibition on the history of wine and winegrowing in Marlborough, New Zealand. It offers a historical perspective on winegrowing in Marlborough. Explore Marlborough offers cycling tours and drives to wineries in the Marlborough wine region. The cycling tours may be guided or self-guided; their flat, easy routes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Confirm tour operations and formats again before your trip.

Clos Henri is a premium winery in Marlborough owned by the Bourgeois family. At its cellar door, the winery offers tastings of organic wines. Confirm current tasting options before visiting. Together with the permanent museum exhibition and the tours, it offers various ways to explore Marlborough’s winegrowing—from its history to wine tasting.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Blenheim, Marlborough District, Maraetai Bay, Waikawa, Seddon, Wairau Valley, North Bank, Rapaura, Waihopai Valley, Hawkesbury, Fairhall, Lower Dashwood, Ward.

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