Top Local Experiences in Marlborough, New Zealand

Our next two destination spotlights will focus on a part of the world that starts to heat up in September…New Zealand! Today our guides Will and Faye on the South Island describe just a few of the amazing local experiences to be had in the beautiful area of Marlborough.

Marlborough is an undiscovered gem in the crown of New Zealand’s splendour. Everyone has heard of Marlborough’s award winning Sauvignon Blanc, leading the world in temperate climate wine growing, but few know of its other unique attractions just waiting to be explored when you cruise into the port at Picton.

Imagine you are looking out over the expansive, pristine beach of Rarangi at Cloudy Bay. Here is where the first Polynesians landed their waka in New Zealand, around 1320AD. Your guide Will will tell you the stories of the early European whalers who settled to the North at Port Underwood, New Zealand’s whaling capital, until the last harpoon was released by Joe Perano in 1964. Joe now uses his expertise in spotting the whales for conservation.

If you want to find out about New Zealand’s traditional sheep farming and merino wool, Will can take you to meet his friends Tim and Sally Wadworth. They will welcome you to their home and beautiful hill country farm, Ashworth. Their farm manager Andrew will show you how dog and man work as one to herd sheep and show you the physical feat of sheep shearing.

If nature and conservation is your interest, Will has a very special place to share with you. By special permission of the landowner you will be guided to the sacred Wairau Lagoon and Te Parinui o Whiti (White Bluffs). This is a place which is perfect for the landscape photographer or bird watcher. Will, who has been guiding tour groups in the area since 2004 and has a keen interest in birds and wildlife photography, will enrichen your experience to this beautiful place. You can also learn about farming and local European history.

Local guide Fay can also show you how peaceful and beautiful Marlborough is on an easy bush walk tracing the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. Imagine walking the leaf strewn track, getting glimpses of the jade green waters of the sea through the beach trees and hearing the sound of New Zealand’s native bird, the Koromako.

Fay offers a range of flexible tours to take in the many sights and tastes of Marlborough, including New Zealand’s seafood delicacy green lipped mussels at the picturesque seaside village of Havelock. A taste experience not to be missed!

All the above experiences can also include wine tasting and learning about the area’s viticultural industry.

Most important: as with all ToursByLocals tours, these travel experiences are completely private: no waiting in queues, dealing with crowds or missing out on having your questions answered. Will and Fay are long-term locals and professional guides, who are going to give you a wonderful personal experience to share when you get home. Will and Fay are flexible and happy to cater for special interests wherever possible. Be sure to book early so as not to be disappointed!