Marlborough And Nelson

The warm climate of the Marlborough and Nelson has always attracted visitors. range of landscapes of rocky coastline, golden beaches, the valleys were drowned and dry the interior of lush mountains, beaches, forests. Known for its horticulture, the region is a large producer of wines from New Zealand and an important source of fresh seafood. With heritage sites, national parks are an added attraction.

Archaeological evidence dates of Maori occupation of the territory for at least the year 1200 The first Polynesian navigators, Kupe and Rakaihautu, are also known to have spent time here.

In 1642, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sailed in Golden Bay. A confrontation confused and ultimately death with Maori, which left four of the crew are dead, does the reluctance Dutch again in the region. recent visit of James Cook to Queen Charlotte in the 1770s, fortunately, proved more fruitful.

After signing the agreement in 1840, Waitangi, New Zealand Company set up a solution to Nelson in 1842. In 1858, Nelson announced the second largest city in New Zealand, a year before the identity of Marlborough was a different province.

The region is clearly divided into two halves, East Marlborough and Nelson to the west. Marlborough contrasts are perhaps more by the meandering waterways of Marlborough Sounds in the north, sheep and wine country around Blenheim. Further south, the coastal area of ​​Kaikoura.

To the north of the area of ​​Nelson Golden Bay, Farewell Spit sheltered from the open sea and isolated from the back of National Parks of Abel Tasman and Kahurangi. Nelson City and Motueka Tasman Bay to sit on the beach. hinterland rich, the popular, artists, wineries and gardens, which extends south of the Southern Alps and the third National Park, Nelson Lakes.

Best places to see in Marlborough and Nelson

The region north of the South Island attracts visitors with its sunny weather, inviting the coast, the food, wine, marine reserves and three national parks: Nelson Lakes, Abel Tasman and Kahurangi.

watch the marine life in Kaikoura, vineyard visit Sandy Nelson Suter Art Gallery is well known attractions. Nelson is home to artisans and crafts are an ideal base for excursions and adventure of sailing. Hiking and biking trails are located in national parks and other areas including the Marlborough Sounds, a unique feature of the geographical region.

Sites at a glance

Abel Tasman National Park

Blenheim

Collingwood

Farewell Spit

Havelock

Kahurangi National Park

Kaikoura

Marlborough Sounds

Motueka

Nelson

Nelson Lakes National Park

Picton

Queen Charlotte Drive

Richmond

St Arnaud

Takaka

Takaka Hill

Waikoropupu Springs Scenic Reserve

Tour

Wairau Valley Vineyards

Move

Beyond the roads of Marlborough Nelson Many are narrow, unsealed, including the Marlborough Sounds and Molesworth Station.

A scenic rail journey along the west coast of Picton and Christchurch to Kaikoura, but no rail services in Nelson. domestic airlines flying to the city of Nelson and Blenheim and private companies to operate services from Wellington to Golden Bay and in some places sounds. The bus and boat services in Nelson, Motueka, Kaiteriteri Marahau and facilitate access to three national parks.

Top Outdoor Furniture

The sites listed here are chosen for their leisure activities. Conditions vary depending on weather and season, so be cautious and if in doubt, seek local advice.

Abel Tasman National Park

Blenheim

Collingwood

Farewell Spit

Havelock

Kahurangi National Park

Kaikoura

Marlborough Sounds

Motueka

Nelson

Nelson Lakes National Park

Picton

Queen Charlotte Drive

St Arnaud