Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Queen Charlotte & Marl-
borough
Why Go?
For many travellers, Marlborough is their introduction to the 'Mainland', with the interisland
ferry to Picton offering a tantalising glimpse of the region's beauty.
The Marlborough Sounds are a popular playground for lovers of the great outdoors. A con-
voluted maze of waterways, its reaches are lined with trails from beach to peak, crossing and
following ridges with wondrous views. The Queen Charlotte and Nydia Tracks are classic ex-
amples of such tramps.
The Kaikoura Coast Track is another seaside spectacular, with extensive ocean and moun-
tain views from a trio of neighbouring coastal farms.
Inland, the lesser-known and lightly trodden Mt Richmond Forest Park offers plenty of
solitude. The park's signature track, the Pelorus, features deep green river pools and rare low-
land forest.
As well as sunshine and warm temperatures, this region is well known for world-class
wine and whale-watching tours. These attractions work in very well with the rewarding
tramps on offer.
When to Go
The forecast is good: the Marlborough region soaks up some of New Zealand's sunniest
weather. January and February are the warmest months, with daytime temperatures averaging
22°C, but even in the middle of winter the daily average is a relatively balmy 12°C.
The Marlborough Sounds' tracks and Kaikoura Coast Track are year-round tramping op-
tions. From Christmas to mid-February, however, be prepared to jostle with flocks of Kiwi
holidaymakers on their summer holidays.
As the Mt Richmond Forest Park sees plenty of rain, the Pelorus Track is best tramped
from October to April.
