Marlborough & Nelson
Introduction on Marlborough & Nelson
Region Marlborough & Nelson covers the northern part of the southern island. Marlborough encompasses the east of this region; Nelson the west. This area has a variety of activities to offer, from vineyards to kayaking in beautiful coastal areas.
Visiting Marlborough & Nelson
Marlborough is often referred to as the "wine capital” of New Zealand. There are over 60 wineries producing award winning wines, example are: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Methode Traditionelle. You can visit the wineries with tours or you can visit them by yourself. Please note than not all wineries will be opened for visitors who would like to visit them without a tour.
Marlborough has lots more to offer than vineyards and good wines. There are some pretty towns like Picton and Blenheim. Maybe the biggest tourist attraction of Marlborough are the Marlborough Sounds. This is a beautiful coastal area with lots of nice sceneries in which many Outdoor activities can be undertaken.
Many visitors of New Zealand have Marine Mammal Watching on their “To Do” list. Especially for them a visit to Kaikoura is highly recommendable. Besides the nice marine mammals the mountainous area around is beautiful.
Also Nelson area is very popular amongst the Kiwi’s and the tourists; it is considered as one of the top destination for tourists in New Zealand. It has some pristine Beaches and three popular national parks. Nelson Town is the main urban settlement of this area. It is a small and cosy town with plenty activities to offer, like the whole Nelson area; there is lots to see and to do.
Economy Marlborough & Nelson
Marlborough is the biggest grape growing region in the country. In 1973 the first commercial vineyard was established, Montana. Nowadays the main drive force of Marlborough's Economy is the wine (export) industry. Nelson’s Economy is mostly based on exploiting national resources; examples are Fishing, agriculture timber harvesting and forestry.
History of Marlborough & Nelson
In the 16th century the Maori started to reside on the southern island. First they only lived on the northern part of New Zealand. They arrived in what we now call Nelson Town. During the years they settled themselves within the Marlborough & Nelson area. The first European visiting was Abel Tasman (1642), who sheltered in a bay in the Marlborough Sounds. He set never foot on New Zealand’s soil. More than 100 years later the English ships, with James Cook as commander, arrived at this place as well. When time passed there was quite a lot dispute between the Maori and the British settlers. But we all know how it ended; New Zealand became a British colony (1840). In the nineteenth century this area was, with in particular the northwest, known for gold mining.
Climate Marlborough & Nelson
Summer: Average 22 degrees Celsius. Warm and dry.
Winter: Average 13 degrees Celsius.
Year round: Average 2400 sun hours and 800 mm annual rainfall.