Marlborough, Nelson & Kaikōura
The sunny top of the South Island serves up wine, golden coast and marine giants. Marlborough pours the Sauvignon Blanc that made New Zealand famous and threads into the tranquil Sounds; Nelson opens the door to the golden beaches of Abel Tasman; and Kaikōura, on its dramatic coast, offers some of the world's best whale watching. Here's how to explore this glorious region.
Marlborough & the Sounds
Marlborough, around Blenheim, is New Zealand's largest wine region and the birthplace of its world-conquering Sauvignon Blanc — a sunny patchwork of vines made for cellar-door touring by car or bike. To the north, the Marlborough Sounds unfurl a maze of sheltered waterways and the Queen Charlotte Track, around Picton and the ferry. It's a region for savouring. See our wine tasting page.
Nelson & Abel Tasman
Sunny Nelson is a relaxed arts-and-food city and the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park — a ravishing coast of golden beaches, turquoise water and native bush. Explore it by kayak, water taxi or on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of the country's most accessible Great Walks. It's a highlight for families and beach-lovers. See our hiking & Great Walks page.
Kaikōura & the whales
On the dramatic north-east coast, Kaikōura is a world-class wildlife destination. A deep ocean trench close to shore brings resident sperm whales year-round, along with dolphins, fur seals and seabirds — seen by boat or by air. The town, rebuilt after the 2016 earthquake that lifted its coastline, is also famed for its crayfish. See our whale watching page.
Marlborough, Nelson & Kaikōura: your questions
Marlborough, around Blenheim, is New Zealand's largest wine region and the home of its world-famous Sauvignon Blanc — tour the cellar doors by car or bike. It also takes in the tranquil, waterway-laced Marlborough Sounds and the Queen Charlotte Track, near Picton, where the Cook Strait ferry arrives. See our wine tasting page.
Nelson, one of New Zealand's sunniest cities, is a laid-back arts hub and the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park — a coast of golden beaches, clear water and native bush, explored by kayak, water taxi or the Abel Tasman Coast Track (a Great Walk). It's a glorious spot for families and the outdoors. See our hiking & Great Walks page.
Yes — Kaikōura is one of the world's best places to see whales year-round, thanks to a deep ocean trench close to shore. Giant sperm whales are resident, and you may also see dolphins, fur seals and albatross, by boat or by air. It's also famous for crayfish (kōura). See our whale watching page.
Kaikōura sits on the north-east coast between Christchurch (about 2.5 hours) and Picton. The coastal highway and railway, damaged in the 2016 earthquake, have been rebuilt and reopened, and the quake famously lifted the coastline, creating new seal habitat. It's a scenic drive along the Pacific. See our getting around guide.
The north of the South Island is reached via Picton — the arrival point of the Cook Strait ferry from Wellington — or by road and air into Nelson and Blenheim. It's the natural start (or end) of a South Island trip if you're crossing from the North Island. See our itineraries guide.