Marlborough & Nelson
Golden beaches and sun-soaked bays ☀️
The Nelson and Marlborough regions at the top of the South Island are renowned for having the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, making them a top choice for family summer holidays. Nelson is a creative city with a relaxed vibe. Families often enjoy the World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum, which surprisingly caters to diverse interests with wild costumes and vintage vehicles under one roof. Nearby, Tahunanui Beach is one of the most kid-friendly beaches in the country, featuring shallow waters, a go-kart track, and a hydroslide park just behind the dunes.
A short drive west leads to Abel Tasman National Park. This coastal park is unique because you don't need to be a hiker to enjoy it. Water taxis run regularly from Marahau and Kaiteriteri, dropping families off at pristine golden-sand bays like Anchorage or Bark Bay. You can spend the day swimming and picnicking, or walk a short section of the track before catching a boat back. Sea kayaking is also popular here, with stable double kayaks available that allow parents to paddle while children enjoy the view and look for seals along the granite coastline.
On the eastern side, the Marlborough Sounds offer a different kind of water experience. This network of sunken river valleys is best explored by boat. The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries arrive here in the town of Picton, which connects the North and South Islands. The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim is a standout attraction, featuring a collection of WWI aircraft displayed in theatrical sets created by Weta Workshop. While Marlborough is famous for Sauvignon Blanc, many vineyards are family-friendly, offering lawns for games and excellent food while parents sample the local produce.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to the Abel Tasman Coast Track and Queen Charlotte Track, offering world-class coastal hiking and kayaking through pristine marine reserves. Peak months provide the warmest temperatures (mean ~16°C) and lowest rainfall for multi-day treks, while the winter off-season is significantly wetter and colder.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is a world-class facility housing unique WWI/WWII aircraft with cinematic displays, offering a rare educational experience for sophisticated families. Best visited during the warmer months to include outdoor marine biology tours in the Sounds; winter remains an option for indoor museums but limits the broader exploratory experience.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Discerning travelers can enjoy ultra-luxury lodge stays within the Marlborough Sounds and high-end vineyard retreats. The region is most restorative during the warm, sunny months when outdoor dining and vineyard tours are at their best; winter months can feel isolated with many premium lodges operating on reduced schedules.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Spectacular scenic drives connect the rugged Kaikoura coast to the rolling vineyards of Blenheim and the Moutere hills. Summer peak offers maximum daylight and clear visibility for mountain passes; shoulder months are excellent for autumn colors in the vineyards, though winter sees more frequent road closures and poor visibility.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Sailing in the Sounds and kayaking in Abel Tasman are high-quality but the region is not a top-tier global sports destination. The BVI, Croatia, and Greece are stronger sailing destinations; the cycling trail, while pleasant, is not internationally competitive. 'Very_good' accurately reflects a nationally significant but not globally outstanding active sports offering.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Known for golden sands and turquoise waters in Abel Tasman, though water temperatures are cool (18-19°C) by international standards. Suitability is rated 'good' due to the stunning natural beauty rather than resort-style swimming; peak conditions occur only in mid-summer when air temperatures reach their maximum.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Nelson boasts a sophisticated arts scene and boutique galleries, providing a refined cultural experience for well-travelled families. The vibrancy of the local arts markets and outdoor sculpture gardens is best captured in the sunny summer and shoulder seasons; winter is quiet with limited outdoor cultural life.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival in February is a premier international event showcasing the world's best Sauvignon Blanc. Outside of the summer harvest and festival window, there are fewer major events of international significance for sophisticated travelers.
Attractions (62 total)
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Abel Tasman Coast Track
Marahau
60km moderate 3-5 day walk with 1,000m elevation gain. Features golden beaches and crystal-clear bays. Kayak rentals available through Abel Tasman Kayaks (abeltasman.co.nz).
Visit website →Heaphy Track
Golden Bay
78.4km moderate 4-6 day walk or 2-3 day cycle (MTB seasonal May-Nov) with 1,300m elevation gain. Crosses diverse landscapes from tussock downs to nikau palm groves. Bike hire: Golden Bay Air (goldenbayair.co.nz).
Visit website →Queen Charlotte Track
Picton
71km moderate to challenging 3-5 day walk or 2-3 day cycle with 2,500m elevation gain. Traverses ridge-tops between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. Bike rental: Marlborough Sounds Adventure Co (marlboroughsounds.co.nz).
Visit website →Tasman's Great Taste Trail
Nelson
175km easy to moderate 2-5 day cycling loop with 800m elevation gain. Connects Nelson, Wakefield, Motueka, and Kaiteriteri. Bike rental: The Gentle Cycling Company (gentlecycling.co.nz).
Visit website →Link Pathway
Picton
42km moderate 1-2 day walk or 4-6 hour cycle with 700m elevation gain. Historic connection path between Picton and Havelock along the shoreline. Bike rental: Picton Bike Hire (pictonbikehire.com).
Visit website →Nydia Track
Havelock
27km moderate to challenging 2-day walk or 5-8 hour expert cycle with 1,000m elevation gain. Crosses two saddles with stunning views of Nydia Bay. Bike rental: Marlborough Sounds Adventure Co (marlboroughsounds.co.nz).
Visit website →The Coppermine Trail
Nelson
38km challenging 4-6 hour mountain bike loop or day hike with 1,100m elevation gain. Reaches high alpine mineral belts via an old railway grade. Bike rental: Gravity Nelson (gravitynelson.co.nz).
Visit website →Travers-Sabine Circuit
Saint Arnaud
80km challenging 4-7 day alpine trek with 3,000m elevation gain. Includes the high-altitude Travers Saddle and glacial lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Abel Tasman National Park
Marahau
Famous for its golden beaches and turquoise waters, this park offers family-friendly coastal walks, kayaking, and boat tours.
Visit website →Kahurangi National Park
Motueka
New Zealand's second-largest national park, home to diverse geology, marble mountains, and the famous Heaphy Track.
Visit website →Marlborough Sounds
Picton
An extensive network of sea-drowned valleys offering scenic cruises, wildlife spotting, and the renowned Queen Charlotte Track.
Visit website →Nelson Lakes National Park
St Arnaud
Features stunning alpine lakes Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa, surrounded by beech forests with easy lakeside walking tracks.
Visit website →Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
Canvastown
A beautiful riverside reserve with ancient forest and swimming holes, famously used as a filming location for The Hobbit.
Visit website →Farewell Spit Nature Reserve
Collingwood
A long natural sand spit and bird sanctuary offering unique 4WD tours of massive sand dunes and a historic lighthouse.
Visit website →Te Waikoropupū Springs
Takaka
Known for some of the clearest freshwater in the world, these sacred springs feature easy boardwalk loops through native bush.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Cable Bay Adventure Park
Nelson
A premier adventure hub offering the world's longest Skywire, quad biking, and paintball within a scenic 400-hectare forest setting near Nelson.
Visit website →Nelson Fun Park
Nelson
A family-oriented activity center located by Tahunanui Beach featuring bumper boats, a large hydro-slide, and an 18-hole themed mini-golf course.
Visit website →Abel Tasman Canyoning
Motueka
An action-packed outdoor center offering guided canyoning adventures through the remote river systems and waterfalls of Abel Tasman National Park.
Visit website →Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park
Kaiteriteri
An outdoor activity center featuring over 25 kilometers of mountain bike trails through native bush with stunning views over Kaiteriteri Beach.
Visit website →Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company
Picton
The leading outdoor center in Picton providing guided sea kayaking and mountain biking adventures across the scenic Queen Charlotte Sound.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Centre of New Zealand Monument
Nelson
A popular hilltop hike leading to a white monument marking the central survey point of New Zealand with panoramic views.
Visit website →Split Apple Rock (Tokangawhā)
Kaiteriteri
A famous geological landmark consisting of a massive granite boulder naturally split in half in the shallow waters of Tasman Bay.
Christ Church Cathedral
Nelson
An iconic Art Deco-Gothic cathedral that dominates the city skyline from its prominent position atop Church Hill.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Kaiteriteri Beach
Kaiteriteri
A stunning golden-sand gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, perfect for families to swim, kayak, and take water taxis.
Visit website →Wharariki Beach
Golden Bay
Renowned for its dramatic sea stacks and wind-swept dunes, this rugged coastal area offers some of the most iconic views in New Zealand.
Ship Cove (Meretoto)
Marlborough Sounds
A historically significant coastal site where Captain Cook frequently anchored, accessible via the Queen Charlotte Track or boat.
Whites Bay
Blenheim
A sheltered and popular swimming and surfing bay surrounded by hills, serving as a favorite coastal getaway near the Wairau Plain.
Tahunanui Beach
Nelson
Nelson's main city beach features shallow waters, extensive playgrounds, and recreational facilities ideal for a full family day out.
Totaranui Beach
Abel Tasman National Park
An expansive golden beach within the national park, famous for its remote feel, pristine waters, and lush native forest surroundings.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Lake Rotoiti
Saint Arnaud
A stunning alpine lake in Nelson Lakes National Park featuring an iconic wooden jetty and surrounding beech forests.
Visit website →Queen Charlotte Sound
Picton
A network of sunken sea valleys offering spectacular scenery, boat cruises, and the famous Queen Charlotte Track.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Marlborough Wine Trail
Blenheim
Flexible distance (approx. 30-50km loop), paved valley roads. A self-drive touring route through the Wairau Valley, featuring over 30 world-class cellar doors, artisanal food producers, and the scenic backdrop of the Richmond Ranges.
Visit website →Queen Charlotte Drive
Picton
40km paved coastal road (approx. 1 hour 15 mins). A winding route connecting Picton and Havelock, offering spectacular elevated views of the Marlborough Sounds, native forest canopies, and quiet bays like Ngakuta and Governor's Bay.
Visit website →Takaka Hill Scenic Drive (State Highway 60)
Motueka
60km paved mountain pass (approx. 1.5 hours) from Motueka to Takaka. Known as the 'Marble Mountain,' the road climbs to 791m through karst limestone landscapes, offering panoramic lookouts over Tasman Bay and Golden Bay.
Visit website →French Pass Scenic Road
Rai Valley
65km mixed paved and well-maintained gravel road (approx. 2 hours). A dramatic ridgetop drive from Rai Valley to the French Pass lookout, offering bird's-eye views of the Marlborough Sounds and the turbulent waters of the pass.
Visit website →Nelson to Havelock (State Highway 6)
Nelson
75km paved highway (approx. 1 hour 15 mins). A scenic segment of the national highway passing through the Whangamoa Saddle and the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, famous for its ancient beech forests and river swimming holes.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Natureland Wildlife Trust
Nelson
A popular wildlife park at Tahunanui Beach featuring a mix of exotic animals, native birds, and a dedicated farmyard for animal encounters.
Visit website →Anatoki Salmon Fishing & Cafe
Takaka
A unique rural experience in Golden Bay where visitors can catch their own salmon from spring-fed ponds and have it prepared on-site.
Visit website →The Animal Farm
Blenheim
An interactive farm park showcasing a wide variety of rare and common farm breeds in a picturesque rural setting near the coast.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Blenheim
World-class aviation history displays featuring WWI and WWII aircraft in immersive dioramas, perfect for history enthusiasts and families.
Visit website →Broadgreen Historic House
Nelson
A beautifully preserved mid-Victorian cob cottage from 1855, showcasing early colonial architecture and period furnishings surrounded by award-winning rose gardens.
Visit website →Edwin Fox Ship & Visitor Centre
Picton
The world's second oldest surviving merchant sailing ship and only surviving convict ship, where families can explore the deck and learn about 19th-century maritime history.
Visit website →Founders Heritage Park
Nelson
A charming historic village with period buildings, working crafts, and a vintage train ride that brings Nelson's settler history to life for all ages.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū
Nelson
Nelson's premier public art museum featuring a significant collection of New Zealand landscape art and contemporary exhibitions.
Visit website →World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum
Nelson
An internationally renowned gallery showcasing incredible works of wearable art alongside a world-class collection of vintage automobiles.
Visit website →Millennium Public Art Gallery
Blenheim
The leading public art gallery in the Marlborough region, presenting curated exhibitions of local, national, and international fine art.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Golden Bay Museum
Takaka
A local museum featuring unique natural history exhibits, including information on the region's ancient dinosaur footprints and local geology.
Visit website →Marlborough Museum
Blenheim
A key cultural hub showcasing the natural history of the Wairau Bar and extensive collections of Moa remains from New Zealand's early history.
Visit website →Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum
Picton
This museum offers an in-depth look at the natural history of the Marlborough Sounds and the whaling industry that once dominated the region.
Visit website →Nelson Provincial Museum
Nelson
This regional museum features a permanent 'Natural World' gallery where families can explore the geology, fossils, and unique ecosystems of the northern South Island.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Isel Park
Nelson
A historic estate in Stoke known for its park-like grounds, grand nineteenth-century house, and one of the country's oldest collections of exotic trees.
Visit website →Miyazu Japanese Garden
Nelson
A peaceful sanctuary featuring authentic Japanese landscaping, stone pathways, and tranquil water features, celebrating the bond between Nelson and Miyazu.
Visit website →Pollard Park
Blenheim
Blenheim’s premier garden destination, offering 26 hectares of beautifully manicured lawns, a renowned rose garden, and vibrant seasonal floral displays.
Visit website →Queens Gardens
Nelson
A classic Victorian-era park in the heart of Nelson, featuring a scenic duck pond, colorful flower borders, and significant heritage trees.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Nayland Pool
Nelson
A popular seasonal outdoor aquatic facility in Stoke featuring a large 50-metre pool, diving boards, and exciting water slides.
Visit website →Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000
Blenheim
A comprehensive leisure hub in central Blenheim offering a heated indoor pool, lazy river, and water play features for children.
Visit website →Richmond Aquatic Centre
Richmond
A premier indoor facility featuring a wave pool, lazy river, and dedicated splash zones perfect for family entertainment in the Nelson region.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Brayshaw Heritage Park
Blenheim
A sprawling park home to the Marlborough Museum and a reconstructed colonial village with vintage machinery and historic cottages.
Visit website →Edwin Fox Ship and Visitor Centre
Picton
A fascinating maritime site preserving the world's second oldest merchant sailing ship and the only surviving ship that transported convicts to Australia.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Brook Waimarama Sanctuary
Nelson
The largest fenced wildlife sanctuary in the South Island, offering visitors the chance to see rare native birds and lizards in a pristine forest environment.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery Centre
Picton
A unique wildlife recovery centre in the Marlborough Sounds featuring an underwater observatory and interactive touch tanks for observing native marine life.
Visit website →Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Rainbow Ski Area
St Arnaud
1,540-1,760m elevation, 13 runs, approximately 15 hectares of skiable terrain, July-October season, equipped with T-bar and platter lifts and snowmaking facilities.
Visit website →