Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Marlborough & Nelson
Why Go?
For many travellers, Marlborough and Nelson will be their introduction to what South
Islanders refer to as the 'Mainland'. Having left windy Wellington, and made a white-
knuckled crossing of Cook Strait, folk are often surprised to find the sun shining and the
temperature up to 10 degrees warmer.
These top-of-the-south neighbours have much in common beyond an amenable climate:
both boast renowned coastal holiday spots, particularly the Marlborough Sounds, Abel Tas-
man National Park and Kaikoura. There are two other national parks (Kahurangi and Nel-
son Lakes) amid more mountain ranges than you can poke a walking pole at.
And so it follows that these two regions have an abundance of produce, from game and
seafood to summer fruits, but most famously the grapes that work their way into the wine-
glasses of the world's finest restaurants. Keep your penknife and picnic set at the ready.
When to Go
»
The forecast is good: Marlborough and Nelson soak up some of New Zealand's sunniest
weather, with January and February the warmest months when daytime temperatures aver-
age 22°C.
»
July is the coldest, averaging 12°C. However, the top of the South sees some wonderful
winter weather, with frosty mornings often giving way to sparklingly clear skies and T-shirt
temperatures.
»
The rumours are true: it
is
wetter and more windswept the closer you get to the West
Coast.
»
From around Christmas to mid-February, the top of the South teems with Kiwi holiday-
makers, so plan ahead during this time and be prepared to jostle for position with a load of
jandal-wearing families.
Best Places to Eat
»
Rock Ferry (
Click here
)
