Getting to Marlborough

Marlborough is located in the northeast of the South Island, and is a noted wine region. Also a maritime playground, the stunning Marlborough Sounds are a popular boating and holiday destination. Marlborough is also the departure point for ferry crossings to New Zealand's North Island.

BY SEA: Picton, in the north of Marlborough, is the departure point for ferry crossings to New Zealand's North Island. Two ferry companies operate Cook Strait crossings - the Interislander and Bluebridge.

During peak times the Interislander sails 5 times a day between Wellington and Picton, and 6 times on the return journey. Off peak (April to August) there are 2 sailings daily, Monday to Thursday, and 3 sailings daily on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Bluebridge Ferry sails 4 times daily between Wellington and Picton.

BY ROAD:

WELLINGTON TO BLENHEIM: From Wellington take the interisland ferry to Picton - a journey of approximately 3 hours. From Picton follow State Highway 1 south for 29kms, to Blenheim.

Ferry Time: 3 hours Driving Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

AUCKLAND TO BLENHEIM: Follow the Southern Motorway south out of the city for around 50kms. Continue on State Highway 1 to Ngaruawahia. Turn right onto Ngaruawahia Road / State Highway 39, and follow for 70kms to Otorohanga. At Otorohanga turn right onto State Highway 3, and follow for 30kms to Eight Mile Junction. At Eight Mile Junction turn left onto State Highway 4 and continue south to Wanganui. From Wanganui follow State Highway 3 to Samson, and then turn right onto State Highway 1. Continue south on State Highway 1 for 145kms to Wellington. From Wellington take the Interisland ferry to Picton (approximately 3 hours), and then follow State Highway 1 for 29kms to Blenheim.

Driving Time: 9 hours 40 minutes Ferry Time: 3 hours Total Time: 12 hours 40 minutes

CHRISTCHURCH TO BLENHEIM: Head north out of Christchurch on Main North Road / State Highway 1. Follow State Highway 1 for 181kms to Kaikoura. From Kaikoura continue north on State Highway 1 to Blenheim - a distance of 130kms.

Driving Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

CHRISTCHURCH TO PICTON: Head north out of Christchurch on Main North Road / State Highway 1. Follow State Highway 1 for 181kms to Kaikoura. From Kaikoura continue north on State Highway 1 to Blenheim - a distance of 130kms. From Blenheim follow State Highway 1 north for 29kms to Picton.

Driving Time: 4 hours 35 minutes

BY AIR: Blenheim Airport is Marlborough's main airport. 3 airlines operate flights in and out of the Marlborough region - Air New Zealand, Sounds Air and Air2There. Air New Zealand is the major domestic carrier and operates up to 10 flights daily from Blenheim to Wellington/Christchurch/Auckland.

BY RAIL: The Tranz Scenic Rail Journey travels between Christchurch, Blenheim and Picton daily - connecting with Wellington ferry sailings. This stunning journey follows the coastline from Canterbury up through Marlborough, and is a great way to see the Kaikoura coast and inland Marlborough.