Destination: Top of the South

Looking for your next exciting destination?

Head north to the Top of the South. A Mecca for Kiwis and tourists, the area encompasses Marlborough, Nelson Tasman, and Golden Bay, with diverse attractions including national parks, coastal walks, and wildlife encounters.

Did you know?

• In 2024, Marlborough recorded New Zealand’s highest annual sunshine total with 2769 hours in Blenheim, followed by Nelson (2760 hours at Richmond), and Tasman fourth with 2665 hours at Tākaka.
• Marlborough has at least 168 wineries/cellar doors, while Nelson Tasman boasts more than 40 boutique wineries and vineyards.

GOLDEN BAY

Golden Bay comes alive during the summer months with thousands flocking to its shimmering sandy beaches, crystal clear warm waters, and lush greenery.

Well worth the drive over Tākaka Hill, first glimpses of the bay are breathtaking.

Down in the valley, golden beaches, plentiful rivers for fishing, native bush walks, caves and natural springs are some of the the scenic gems to be found, explored, and enjoyed.

Wainui Bay marks the start of Abel Tasman National Park and is bursting with beauty, also offering multiple walking tracks, including the short hikes to Wainui Falls, or out to Taupo Point.

Wharariki, although not a safe swimming beach, is a wonderful place to spend a day, running down the huge sand dunes, exploring the caves, and at the right time of year you can watch baby seals splashing in the rock pools.

Just 7km from Tākaka township, is the pristine Te Waikoropupū Springs. New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs and the largest coldwater springs in the Southern Hemisphere, water bubbles out of the springs at 14,000 litres per second, dancing with light to create shimmering turquoise hues.

NELSON TASMAN

Craft beer is a growing attraction in Nelson Tasman, a region that also has a reputation for fine wines, gourmet local produce, and creative artisans.

Renowned for its scenic landscapes, sun-soaked weather, and convenient accessibility, it provides a serene escape away from the crowds. You can immerse yourself wholeheartedly in nature, exploring pristine beaches, lush forests, and three national parks, and discover the heart of world-class sectors spanning food, art, and sciences, where innovation thrives amidst natural beauty.

Opportunities abound especially during autumn when the golden light in the region is a dream for photographers and artists. Wildlife, including playful fur seals, thrive under the gentle autumn sun, and during calmer weather it’s an idyllic time for boat cruises and scenic flights.

With the grape harvest in full swing, the region’s vineyards turn red, orange and gold along the cycle trails. Winery dining and cellar door tastings along the way should be on the must-do list.

If shopping is on the list, Nelson’s Saturday market is an enjoyable way to find artisan products including apparel, metalwork, natural skincare, and fresh local produce, as is the Sunday Motueka Market.

MARLBOROUGH

Marlborough is home to majestic fiords, frolicking sea creatures, numerous cycle and walking tracks, and some of the country’s top wineries.

With a world-class reputation for a top drop of sauvignon blanc (among others), Marlborough attracts many visitors for the wine alone.

The picturesque province is much more than hectare after hectare of grapes. A booming mussel industry, salmon farming, plentiful arts and crafts, an annual garden show, and heartland towns are among its other attractions.

Picton is the gateway to Marlborough, and also to its three major waterways, Queen Charlotte, Pelorus, and Kenepuru Sounds and their multitude of smaller inlets and bays.

Blenheim is the main town, with a population of around 30,000, and features an excellent range of restaurants focused on local wines and food. Havelock, at the head of Pelorus Sound, is perfect for walking and hiking, heading out on a fishing trip, and enjoying a good feed of succulent greenshell mussels. Once a gold mining settlement, the town has many quaint colonial buildings which today house boutique galleries and eating places.