Stuff Travel Go-To Guide: Marlborough

New Zealand’s Amalfi Coast

In Marlborough, you’ll find New Zealand’s version of the winding Amalfi Coast — only with cliffside farms rather than vineyards. Officially known as the Croisilles Harbour–French Pass Road, this is one of the country’s best hidden gems. The road is only 60 kilometres but it will take you more than an hour and a half to drive. It’s dramatically windy, at times following the ridgeline, with imposing cliffs to the bays below. At almost every turn, you’ll see a new secluded bay, surrounded by native bush and emerald waters. Read more

Marlborough’s startling alien-like salt lake

The Red Sea is too far away for most of us to visit. Even Australia’s pink lakes are currently out of bounds, but the result of the same conditions which make those bodies of water so distinctive can be seen just half an hour’s drive from Blenheim. The startlingly alien-like Lake Grassmere (Kāpara te hau), which varies from pale to purple, is caused by the presence of tiny algae and pink shrimp in the water. You can’t swim here, but carry on along the road and you’ll get to Marfells Beach. Read more​

The world’s most scenic mail route

The Pelorus Mail Boat sets out three days a week from the little town of Havelock, to cruise through the Marlborough Sounds delivering not just post, but much more, to the people who live tucked away in the bays along this convoluted coastline, some of them so remote that they have no road access at all. On board the comfortable catamaran, everyone is welcomed and shown the ropes before passing beaches, bush-clad hills, and mussel farms. Read more

A floating hotel at sea

Chartering a yacht sounds like something only the rich and famous do. However, Sounds by Sail offers a luxury night afloat its 32-footer for $395 per person, which includes dinner in a remote bay with local wine. The skipper will even row ashore for the night to allow you to enjoy the ambience. The boat is operated by Phil and Deborah Clegg, who have exceptional knowledge of the local area – and will happily let you get behind the helm and have a go at sailing. Read more

Kayaking with stingrays

One of the best ways to explore the Sounds is with Sea Kayak Adventures, which has a base in the coastal village of Anikiwa. A guided tour will have you feeling removed from civilisation within minutes as you glide along past bush-clad cliffs. The guides are excellent at picking out wildlife, including dolphins and the occasional killer whales, which come looking for stingrays. As you paddle deeper into the Sounds it’s common to spot enormous stingrays, which come up for a closer look. Read more