Nelson city is a relaxed harbour town offering cultural heritage in a stunning physical environment. The city has a compact commercial centre between the hills and the sea. The Nelson Wine Trail winds through some very scenic country with wineries and boutique breweries in spectacular settings.

In the region there are three national parks, all within 90 minutes of each other; Abel Tasman (coastal), Nelson Lakes (alpine) and Kuhrangi (wilderness). Abel Tasman is the country's smallest and only coastal national park. Nelson Lakes National Park, south of Nelson city, is 102,000 hectares of dense beech forest, alpine mountains and lakes. Kahurangi is New Zealand's second largest national park, taking up almost a third of the Nelson region. It has a range of geology and diverse ecosystems.

Motueka, at the mouth of the Motueka River is a prolific orcharding area, well known for apples, berries, hops and green tea. Kaiteriteri, 14km from Motueka, overlooks a clear blue bay with a beautiful golden beach.

An area of beauty and diversity, the Marlborough region stretches from the scenic Sounds to the rugged splendour of Kaikoura and includes the townships of Blenheim, Picton and Havelock. Its central plains are home to winegrowing areas, an abundance of bush and mountains.

Picton and Havelock are the gateways to the Marlborough Sounds. Throughout the maze of coves and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds,

bird, plant and animal life abound. There are many beautiful islands and inlets throughout the Marlborough Sounds. There is a spectacular winding road from Picton to Havelock, along the Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, offering scenic views. There are also many walking options in the area.

Picton is set deep in Queen Charlotte Sound, and is the busy centre for the Marlborough Sounds. It is also a base for diving, fishing, dolphin watching, kayaking, scenic flights and walks including Queen Charlotte and Snout Walkways.

Blenheim, south of Picton, is situated on the Taylor and Opawa Rivers in the Wairau Plains. Surrounded by orchards, vinyards and horticultural productions, Blenheim is Marlborough's largest town.

Further south, the former whaling town of Kaikoura is now the centre for whale, dolphin and seal watching. With a rocky coastline overlooked by majestic towering mountains, Kaikoura is situated on a protruding peninsula. The ocean's continental shelf is very close to shore, with deep canyons and steep shafts; home to an abundance of marine life. Kaikoura is one of the few places where you can view both whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Kaikoura has a range of walks available. The most popular is the coastal peninsula walk which takes you along interesting limestone formations, seal and seabird colonies. Returning over the clifftop, one can see stunning mountain and ocean views.

Fact Summary

In the 1850's the town of Picton was close to becoming New Zealand's capital city.

Many of Marlborough's population are talented arts and craft people with specialities including painters. sculpters, weavers, silk painting and bone carving.

Marlborough was first visited by Captain Cook in 1770. Once he reached the summit of Arapawa Island he first spotted the strait between the two islands which has since been named after him. The area is also famous for the gathering of Southern Maori Chiefs in 1840 to sign the Treaty of Waitangi and the British Flag was draped at Port Underwood to declare sovereignty over the South Island.

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