Marlborough & Nelson
This is the extremely sunny and liveable top of the South Island.
Here you’ll find glorious scenery such as in the Marlborough Sounds and in three national parks – Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi. Outdoor adventuring opportunities such as in hiking, paddling and boating abound.
There are sophisticated restaurants and art galleries in Nelson, brilliant wine-tasting around Blenheim – and if you feel like something different, get away from it all with the alternative lifestylers by heading over the Takaka Hill from Nelson.
Petrolheads will love Nelson’s Classic Car Museum, while aviation buffs will go equally gaga over the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
Transport
Both Nelson and Blenheim have domestic airports with flights and connections with all the main centres. Many turn up by ferry from the North Island into Picton.