Things to do in Marlborough
A Travel Guide by RaD Car Hire
At RaD Car Hire, we’re all about the journey and making sure our customers get the best possible experience during their time here in New Zealand. Whether you’re a local exploring a new area or you’re visiting from overseas, who wouldn’t benefit from a little insider information, right?
With branches in 22 locations around New Zealand, our team of staff are all passionate about their own “home” towns. Whether they’re born and bred or new to the area, our team are your local guides when it comes to exploring new destinations throughout the country. We also like to lean on our wonderful customers to find out what they have loved about New Zealand so we can add their top tips to all our travel guides.
In this guide, we are going to be taking you through some of the best things to do in the Nelson and Marlborough region, where RaD has three branches, so lots of opportunities to score a great deal on car rental in New Zealand. The Nelson and Marlborough region is home to some of New Zealand’s sunniest towns and cities, including Nelson itself, Picton and Blenheim. Marlborough sits at the heart of New Zealand’s wine-making country, with Sauvignon Blanc from the region widely recognised as some of the best in the world. The region is also home to the Abel Tasman National Park – one of the most stunning national parks in the country, with golden sandy beaches and rugged walking tracks.
This region is also home to some of the best of New Zealand’s cuisine and a lively craft beer culture. In this guide, we will attempt to give you some tips to help you plan an amazing holiday in the Nelson and Marlborough region.
As one of New Zealand’s best-known car rental companies, we’ve got some great deals available on car hire in Nelson and Marlborough from our three branches located in Nelson, Picton, and Blenheim, so make sure you check out our latest deals and great prices. No matter how you arrive at the top of the South Island – by ferry from the North Island, by plane from around New Zealand or maybe you’re a local, we’ve got great car rental deals available throughout the region.
Nelson and Marlborough Activities
Whilst most of our guides focus on a single town or city, this guide is covering the much wider Nelson and Marlborough region, so there are a lot of things to do and lots of recommendations we can make. Our team down in the region have got their heads together to pull together their top tips when it comes to things to do in the region, trying to make sure they have covered off all the bases. Whilst the region is famed for the Abel Tasman National Park, the beautiful Queen Charlotte Track, and the numerous wineries that call Marlborough home, we have tried to recommend things that you might not usually find in guides to the region.
Here are five of the team’s favourite activities in the Nelson and Marlborough region:
Pelorus Mail Boat Cruise
Whilst the mailboat trip on the Queen Charlotte Sound often gets the headlines, this is a great way to explore a stunning part of the Marlborough region. Take a ride on the historic Pelorus Mail Boat, which delivers mail to remote homes along the Pelorus River. This experience offers a rare glimpse into the lives of locals in isolated areas while cruising through stunning, untouched landscapes. It's a mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty.
Caving at Marble Mountain
For adventurous travellers, explore the underground wonders of Marble Mountain in Golden Bay. This area is home to fascinating cave systems that are less frequented by tourists, offering a thrilling experience for those interested in geology and spelunking. Golden Bay is absolutely spectacular so you will find lots of other things to do in the surrounding area too so it’s well worth adding this to your itinerary.
French Pass and D’Urville Island
This is a road that is less travelled, however, for those who do make the trip, they are rewarded with some pretty spectacular views as well as some very cool experiences with wildlife. Drive down the winding gravel road to French Pass, a remote and breathtaking spot where you can witness stingrays gliding through crystal-clear waters. From there, consider taking a boat to D’Urville Island for hiking or fishing in one of New Zealand’s most secluded areas.
Molesworth Station Exploration
Visit Molesworth Station, New Zealand’s largest high-country farm. This rugged and remote destination is perfect for exploring on foot, horseback, or via 4WD. The station’s dramatic landscapes and rich history make it a hidden gem for adventurous travellers. A trip to a New Zealand station is a great way to understand the history of the country and the rich farming history of the region.
Whites Bay Beach
Escape the crowds at Whites Bay, a secluded beach near the Marlborough wine region. This off-the-beaten-path spot features pristine sands and calm waters, ideal for relaxing or picnicking after a day of wine tasting. This spectacular beach is easily accessible, whether you are staying in Picton or Blenheim and is well worth a drive out to avoid the crowds and experience this secluded and beautiful beach.
Nelson and Marlborough Places to Eat
Trying to recommend places to eat in this whole region is not easy – there are so many amazing places to choose from! The team has tried to pull together a mix of places to eat out that cater to all budgets and all tastes. As you might expect, seafood is a popular choice in the region thanks to its proximity to the coast, however, there is a huge range of options available, no matter what type of food you are looking for.
These are our top five tips for great places to eat out in Nelson and Marlborough:
Escape to Picton's Restaurant
· Location: 33 Wellington Street, Picton
· Cuisine: French and New Zealand
· Budget: Mid-range to Fine Dining ($$$)
· Features: Offers a superbly presented selection of dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Known for surf and turf options and New Zealand desserts like pavlova. It's a great spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Picton has a huge range of places to eat out, and this one is great for those looking for somewhere fancy. Popular with those arriving from the ferry from Wellington, this place gets really busy in the peak season, so bookings are recommended.
Gramado's Restaurant & Bar
· Location: 74 Main Street, Blenheim Central
· Cuisine: Brazilian-inspired with New Zealand flavors
· Budget: Mid-range ($$$)
· Features: If you are looking for something a bit different, then a trip to Blenheim is well worth it to eat at Gramado’s. Known for its Brazilian dishes like feijoada and pão de queijo, along with a decadent chocolate volcano dessert, this place is an amazing dining experience. The atmosphere is lively and perfect for those looking for a unique dining experience. The service is superb and the food even better.
Albertas Café
· Location: Mapua Wharf, Mapua
· Cuisine: Seafood and Café-style
· Budget: Mid-range ($$-$$$)
· Features: Situated on the picturesque Mapua Wharf, this café offers stunning views of the Tasman Bay. If you love coffee, this is the place for you. They roast the coffee right next door, and it’s superb. They also serve good old-fashioned, honest food, which is simply delicious. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch or lunch, you will not be disappointed by the food, drink or the views.
Hopgood's & Co
· Location: Trafalgar Street, Nelson
· Cuisine: Contemporary New Zealand
· Budget: Mid-range ($$$)
· Features: Located in a heritage building, Hopgood's is renowned for its seasonal dishes crafted with local produce. It offers an elegant dining experience perfect for special occasions. The team love this spot and it’s a favourite of a lot of travellers that come through our Nelson branch. The food and service are both superb.
Waterfront Restaurant
· Location: 1 Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road, Kaiteriteri
· Cuisine: New Zealand with a focus on seafood
· Budget: Mid-range to High-end ($$$)
· Features: If you’re in Kaiteriteri, this is a great place to sit and watch the world go by whilst enjoying delicious local food and a really good drinks list. Offers stunning views of Kaiteriteri Beach and a menu highlighting local seafood and produce. Enjoy dining on the deck overlooking the golden sands.
Nelson and Marlborough Accommodation
The Nelson and Marlborough region offers up some truly diverse options when it comes to places to stay and narrowing this down to just five top tips was pretty tricky. With so many places to base yourself to explore this stunning region, you not only have lots of different accommodation options, but lots of different towns and villages you can choose to base yourself in. We have picked out five of the most popular places to stay in terms of destinations in Nelson and Marlborough but your options are pretty limitless, especially when you add in Airbnbs and holiday homes to the picture.
Here are five great places to stay in Nelson and Marlborough:
Harbour View Motel
· Location: Picton
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: This modern motel offers spacious studio units and apartments with private balconies overlooking Picton Harbour. It’s within walking distance to cafés, restaurants, and the marina, making it a convenient base for exploring the Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Track.
Te Koi - The Lodge at Bronte
· Location: Mapua
· Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
· Features: A luxurious lodge set on the estuary shores, offering stunning views, beautiful gardens, and a pool. Guests enjoy exceptional hospitality, communal dining experiences, and wine pairings. It’s ideal for a tranquil countryside retreat near Mapua attractions.
Motueka Top 10 Holiday Park
· Location: Motueka
· Budget: Budget to Mid-range ($-$$)
· Features: This holiday park provides a variety of accommodations, including motel units, cabins, and campsites. Facilities include a heated swimming pool, spa, playground, and conference venue. It’s perfect for families or budget-conscious travellers exploring Abel Tasman National Park.
Bellbird Lodge
· Location: Kaiteriteri
· Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
· Features: A boutique bed and breakfast with magical sea views, warm hospitality, and superb food. Located near Kaiteriteri Beach, it’s ideal for couples seeking relaxation and proximity to outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.
Scenic Hotel Marlborough
· Location: Blenheim
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: Situated in Blenheim, this refined property features comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and an on-site restaurant. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring the Marlborough wine region, while its polished amenities provide a relaxing retreat after a day of adventures.
Nelson and Marlborough Beaches
Known as being one of the sunniest places in New Zealand (historically, the region receives the most sunshine hours in the country), it’s perhaps no surprise to learn that there are some pretty spectacular beaches to explore in the area. Whilst Blenheim may be slightly inland, Picton, Nelson and the Abel Tasman are home to some of New Zealand most beautiful beaches, whether you are looking for golden sandy beaches or secluded bays.
Here are five of our team's favourite beaches in the Nelson and Marlborough region:
Tahunanui Beach
· Location: Nelson
· Features: Tahunanui Beach is Nelson's most popular beach, known for its proximity to town and excellent facilities for families. It's a hotspot for swimmers, stand-up paddleboarders, and kite surfers, offering a lively atmosphere with plenty of amenities nearby.
Kaiteriteri Beach
· Location: Kaiteriteri
· Features: This scenic beach boasts crystal-clear waters and is a favourite among families. It's a great spot for swimming and offers easy access to nearby hiking trails and kayaking opportunities.
Shelley Beach
· Location: Picton
· Features: Shelley Beach offers a safe swimming area marked by buoys, making it ideal for families. The beach is surrounded by lush native bush and provides picnic areas, walking tracks, and opportunities to spot marine wildlife like dolphins and seals.
Whites Bay
· Location: Near Blenheim
· Features: Whites Bay is a popular swimming beach with a long sandy shore and native bush surroundings. It's patrolled by surf lifesavers during peak season, making it a safe choice for families.
Cable Bay Beach
· Location: North of Nelson
· Features: Cable Bay features a sheltered pebble beach, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. The beach offers a serene atmosphere and is part of a scenic coastal walkway, providing stunning views and outdoor activities.
Renting a Car in Nelson and Marlborough
If you’re looking to rent a car in the Nelson and Marlborough region, look no further than RaD Car Hire. We have three branches conveniently located in Nelson, Picton, and Blenheim, all offering super competitive prices, a great selection of cars from compact to 4x4, and a promise of great customer service.
For those already located in the region looking for a rental car to take them on an exciting adventure somewhere on the South Island, make sure you check out our cheap car rental deals from one of our three branches located in the region.