Top 10 Natural Attractions in Marlborough

1. Marine Wildlife in the Marlborough Sounds

If you don’t get excited when you see a dolphin leap out of the water, then you just don’t have a soul. The Marlborough Sounds will certainly fuel this excitement, as bottlenose dolphins are regular visitors to the sounds.

Not only can you see and swim with dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds with E-Ko New Zealand Ltd, but you can also kayak with seals and snorkel with stingrays and an array of fish species at Lochmara with Lochmara Lodge.

For more ways to experience in the Marlborough Sounds, check out 10 Awesome Activities in the Marlborough Sounds.

Location: Marlborough Sounds

© NZPocketGuide.com

2. Motuara and Kaipupu Islands

On the subject of wildlife, the land wildlife in Picton and the Marlborough Sounds is well worth discovering. Explore Kaipupu Island, home to a predator-proof fence that enables native birds to thrive.

It’s an easy way to get close encounters with some of New Zealand’s fascinating birds. To mix a wildlife experience with a trip out into the Marlborough Sounds by boat, head to Motuara Island.

This island bird sanctuary is alive with the sound of melodic bird calls. Plus, the views from the top of the walking track are breathtaking.

Location: Motuara Island can be accessed by boat from the Picton Wharf with E-Ko New Zealand Ltd and Beachcomber Cruises. Kaipupu Island can also be accessed from Picton.

© NZPocketGuide.com

3. The Queen Charlotte Track

For a multi-day wilderness experience, check out the Queen Charlotte Track. This stunning 71-73 km (44-45 mi) trail winds through lush native bush and along ridgelines between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.

You can walk it over 3-5 days or bike it in 2-3 days, with some of the best mountain-bike sections rated Grade 3-4.

We love how water taxis shuttle you (and your gear) between trailheads and accommodations, from luxury lodges to campsites.

Wildlife abounds: you may spot weka, fantails, kererū, tūī, bellbirds, and even seals, shearwaters and penguins from the shoreline. Other memorable side-activities include kayaking, swimming, fishing and eco-guided tours.

According to our very own travel manager, Robin, “For an unforgettable evening adventure, consider visiting glow-worm grottos at night, it’s truly magical!”

For more information on biking the trail, check out Mountain Biking in Marlborough.

Location: Marlborough Sounds

© MarlboroughNZ

4. The Pelorus River

Want to see a river so majestic that it was featured in The Hobbit movies? The Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is the entrance to a dramatic river gorge with crystal clear waters.

This emerald-hued waterway, framed by ancient lowland podocarp forest, is one of Marlborough’s natural gems. We are enthusiastic about the deep, crystal-clear swimming holes, ideal for a refreshing dip on a hot day.

For land lovers, the reserve offers short, accessible walks like the Tawa Walk and Totara Walk, as well as the wheelchair-friendly Circle Loop. More adventurous hikers can trek to the Elvy Stream waterfall.

Along the trails, you’ll pass towering rimu, tōtara, beech and kahikatea trees. Keep your eyes peeled for native forest birds, and if you’re here at twilight, you might even spot endangered bats. It’s a slice of Middle-earth right here in Marlborough!

Either make use of the many walking trails around the area, go camping or go kayaking down the very same part of the river that the dwarves did in barrels with Pelorus Eco Adventures!

Location: Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, Havelock

© NZPocketGuide.com

5. French Pass Whirlpools

Watch as tides collide to create ferocious whirlpools between French Pass and D’Urville Island.

The journey down the French Pass Road is an adventure in itself, with winding gravel bends offering sweeping Marlborough Sounds vistas and even wandering sheep adding to the charm.

A short, easy 10-minute walk along the French Pass Lookout Track leads through coastal forest to a dramatic viewpoint. Here, you’ll witness New Zealand’s fastest tidal flow surging like a river through a narrow 100 m wide channel, reaching speeds up to 8 knots (4 m/s).

The collision of tides generates swirling eddies, rips, and whirlpools in the notorious “Jacob’s Hole”. For the best experience, time your visit near slack tide.

Find out how to see the whirlpools at French Pass and D’Urville Island – Guide for Backpackers.

Location: French Pass

© NZPocketGuide.com

6. D’Urville Island

From French Pass, take a water taxi over to the rugged D’Urville Island. This remote gem offers a true off-the-beaten-path escape for adventure seekers.

We enjoy the island’s wide range of activities, from challenging mountain biking trails through native bush to trout fishing in crystal-clear streams.Hunting enthusiasts can pursue deer and wild pigs (with permits, of course).

Hikers will be delighted by trails ranging from short walks to multi-day routes, showcasing dramatic coastlines and breathtaking viewpoints.

When we had the chance to explore, we found peaceful, often deserted beaches perfect for swimming, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, and rare native birds like the weka and South Island robin.

For information on how to get to D’Urville Island, check out French Pass and D’Urville Island – Guide for Backpackers.

Location: D’Urville Island

© NZPocketGuide.com

7. Mt Richmond Forest Park

Get a dose of mountain nature in the Mt Richmond Forest Park. This expansive wilderness covers over 160,000 hectares (395,000 acres) of rugged mountains, dense native forest and pristine alpine lakes.

Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks, such as the Mt Richmond Summit Track, offering panoramic views over Marlborough and the Richmond Ranges.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are thrilling downhill routes and remote wilderness rides weaving through native forest and open ridges. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot native birds like kererū and tūī amid the forest canopy.

Don’t miss Lake Chalice, famous for its crystal-clear waters and surrounding beech forest. The park offers a true wilderness experience for all outdoor lovers.

Find out more in Mountain Biking in Marlborough.

Location: Mt Richmond Forest Park, Havelock

© Pixabay

8. Awatere Valley

A valley of extreme landscapes will keep your camera busy as you discover the beauty of Marlborough’s high country. One moment, you’re driving past rows and rows of grapevines, the next, you’ll travel along winding rivers.

The Awatere Valley is renowned for its premium vineyards producing some of New Zealand’s finest Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, set against dramatic mountains and tussock grasslands.

Nearby, Molesworth Station, New Zealand’s largest high-country farm, offers access to vast open landscapes perfect for biking, hiking and hunting (with permits). Visitors can take guided historical tours of the heritage farm buildings and learn about life on this iconic property.

Location: Awatere Valley

© Phillip Capper

9. The Bays and Inlets of the Marlborough Sounds

With 1,500 km (932 miles) of coastline, the Marlborough Sounds have many secluded bays and hidden inlets to discover.

Boat trips from Picton and Havelock offer a fantastic way to explore these sheltered waterways, with options ranging from scenic cruises to wildlife-spotting tours where you might see dolphins, seals and rare seabirds.

For a more immersive experience, staying in one of the many waterfront lodges, holiday parks or eco-resorts lets you kayak, swim in calm bays or hike coastal trails right from your doorstep.

Resorts like Lochmara, Anakiwa Lodge, and Punga Cove Resort all offer these activities and more, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sounds.

Location: Marlborough Sounds

© MarlboroughNZ

10. Marlborough’s Vineyards

Ok, so the vineyards aren’t exactly a “natural attraction” in Marlborough, but nature played a huge role in shaping this mesmerising landscape.

The region’s sunny climate, fertile soil and cool breezes create perfect conditions for world-famous Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Vineyards stretch across rolling hills, creating scenic patterns that blend beautifully with the surrounding mountains and native bush.

Most wineries welcome visitors with cellar doors for tastings, food pairings and vineyard tours.

For a fun, eco-friendly way to explore, join a guided driving tour with Marlborough Wine Tours or hop on a bike with Explore Marlborough Wine Tours, cycling from winery to winery while soaking up stunning views and sampling award-winning wines.

Learn more about wineries in the area using the 10 Best Wineries in Marlborough.

Location: Vineyard can be found around Blenheim and Renwick.

© NZPocketGuide.com