5 spectacular walks in New Zealand's Marlborough region

Marlborough may be most famous for producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc, but the region's landscapes fan out far beyond neat rows of vines. Stretching across the top of the South Island, a twisting maze of drowned river valleys form the stunning Marlborough Sounds, while a little further inland, rivers weave through dense native forests. These five walks showcase Marlborough’s most striking scenery.

1. The Queen Charlotte Track

Marlborough’s premier wilderness walk is the Queen Charlotte Track, a 45-mile trail following forested ridgelines between the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte sounds.

Starting from the isolated Meretoto Ship’s Cove, reached via water taxi from Picton, the track undulates through quiet bays and low valleys, before winding up to impressive peaks, with views of the waterways below.

The full trail takes around three to five days, but it’s surprisingly accessible. Accommodation options are dotted along the track, and after a hard day of hiking, you can sit back and relax in a comfortable lodge or dine in a waterfront restaurant. What’s more, water taxis can ferry your bags to your accommodation, so you can walk the whole track under only the weight of a day pack.

2. Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve

Lying halfway between Blenheim and Nelson is the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve. Although a busy highway cuts through the middle of the park, the area is a haven of tranquillity, with towering native trees standing tall along the banks of the Te Hoiere Pelorus River. Parts of Tolkein's Lord of the Rings was filmed along its wild, dramatic shoreline.

Several short trails run through the reserve, all taking in striking river scenery. Opt for the Tōtara Walk, a gentle 30-minute stroll through old growth forest and take a side trip down to one of the small, pebbled beaches lining the river. The cool, clear water is ideal for a quick dip with a picnic.

3. The Nydia Track 

The two-day Nydia Track follows old bridle paths carved by European settlers around the western reaches of the Marlborough Sounds. Skirting around serene bays and rising to low saddles with wide open views, this little known 15-mile hike cuts through the lush landscapes that typify Marlborough.

Glimpse the rushing water through native palm fronds and enjoy sunlight filtering through the tree canopy. As you walk, listen for the songs of bellbirds and tūi, and the tell-tale swoosh of large wood pigeons as they flap through foliage.

The halfway point of the track is at Nydia Bay. Here, you can choose to stay at a campsite, in simple bunk rooms at Nydia Lodge, or in a chalet, yurt or even a train carriage at the more luxurious On The Track lodge.

4. Cullen Point Lookout

Havelock, the green-lipped mussel capital of New Zealand, is a small town at the head of Pelorus Sound. From Havelock, turn down Queen Charlotte Drive, a narrow, twisting road that offers a slow and scenic route to Picton.

Cullen Point lookout lies just 10 minutes into your walk, a great place to stop if you want panoramic views of hills sloping down to the teal water of Mahau Sound, without needing to travel too far down the meandering roads that carry on deeper into the Sounds. Alternatively, a longer one-hour loop walk follows the coast for sweeping views of Havelock village and Pelorus Sound.

5. French pass Lookout 

At the northern tip of the Marlborough Sounds, French Pass is known for its remote feel and wild landscapes. The drive out to the pass is an experience in itself; an astonishingly scenic – if hair-raising – route, with steep drops falling away from the ridgeline road.

The French Pass lookout walk is a short jaunt; just 10-minutes one way, with the option of ambling five minutes further to a secluded beach – just be aware of the stingrays that sweep up and down the shallows. From the lookout, you can observe the fastest tidal flows in New Zealand, a seething maelstrom of water sweeps between the mainland and the wild D’Urville Island off the coast.

Fancy staying overnight? A campsite offers travellers simple but adequate facilities beside a weatherworn, characterful pier.