About the area

Marlborough

The greens, blues and golds of the Marlborough landscape reflect the profound pleasures to be found in the wine capital of New Zealand.

With 40% of the nation's vineyards and an international reputation for it's dazzling cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc's and other rising stars- including Pinot Noir and Riesling - the province is becoming a magnet to wine lovers, tourists and investors.

The largest area of wine activity is the Wairau Valley, a broad plain edged by the dark, blue Richmond Ranges to the North and the tawny flanks of the Wither Hills in the South. Rows of grapevines march across the landscape here as well as in the neighbouring Awatere Valley where the snow capped Mt Tapue-o-nuku stands sentinel.

The fertile alluvial soils which make Marlborough wines so special and also grow cherries, garlic, olives and other prime produce, were deposited by the Wairau and Awatere Rivers which continue to provide much needed irrigation. From the mountains, the Wairau weaves across the plains while the Awatere has cut deeply into soft papa rock as it flows to the East Coast where Pacific waves pound the rocky shoreline.

There are many organised tourist activities, but you can also create your own experience of Marlborough's environment. For example; tasting the fruits of the surrounding earth served up with a dollop of city sophistication at relaxed cafes and wineries, cycling from vineyard to vineyard, walking beside the picturesque Taylor River, climbing the Wither Hills for views across the Wairau Valley, Cloudy Bay and to the North Island or strolling in the newly refurbished towns of Blenheim, Picton and Havelock where hustle and bustle are a world away. Enjoy all of Marlborough and the best of New Zealand with a luxurious stay at our bed and breakfast accommodation.

The Marlborough Sounds in the north are a complete contrast to inland Marlborough. This most popular New Zealand resort of ancient drowned river valleys creates a landscape of hidden bays and bush-clad hillsides lapped by the gleaming sea. The beauty, serenity and rejuvenating powers of this timeless landscape can be appreciated through bush walking, boating or simply enjoying the views and ambience. The Marlborough Sounds are just a short drive from The Peppertree luxury accommodation and if possible should be included in any Marlborough travel itinerary.

Further South, on the East Coast, the town of Kaikoura perches on a rocky peninsula beside one of the natural wonders of the world - the Kaikoura Canyon which slices one kilometre through the continental shelf surrounding New Zealand. Here deep sea trenches team with a rich variety of marine flora and fauna including whales, dolphins and crayfish.

Marlborough wines earned $188 million in the last year but the optimism and growth in the province is even more diverse and broad based. Tourism ($130 million p/a), pastoral farming ($114 million p/a ) mussels ($90 million p/a) and forestry ($50 million p/a) are all prospering and there are many opportunities to invest in a piece of the action.

The region basks in more than 2400 sunshine hours per annum. Awash with sun and a wonderful quality of light, the mellow landscape encourages a relaxed and deeply satisfying lifestyle. This relaxed Marlborough lifestyle is one of the best to be found in New Zealand and is certainly promoted at the Peppertree luxury b&b accommodation.

Marlbourians are people of the land. Living and working in such a magnificent climate and environment means they have a healthy respect for nature and while they may achieve excellence, nationally and internationally, they remain firmly rooted in the rich, plentiful Marlborough soil. Why not spend a few days exploring the area and treat yourself to a stay at our luxury bed and breakfast in Blenheim?

You will love:

• Touring the vineyard and wineries, each with its own distinctive style and character and dining alfresco amongs the vines.
• Meeting Marlborough artisans in their studios on the Arts and Craft trail.
• A river boat cruise along the traditional trading rout used by early settlers.
• Fly fishing, hunting tours and tramping in the back country or in the Marlborough Sounds.
• Strolling the Wither Hills Farm Park which starts directly from the Peppertree, with magnificent views over the vineyard-studded Wairau Plans.

Blenheim, NZ

The centre of Blenheim (pop. 28,000) is conveniently compact, making it easy to enjoy the town's amenities on foot. Market place in the middle of town features a 100-year old rotunda and wide piazza; a great place to soak up the relaxed ambience all around.

Take time to explore Blenheim's parks as an entrée to the numerous acclaimed private gardens throughout the region, many of which are showcased during the annual Garden Marlborough event. Visit Seymore Square in the middle of town, and nearby Pollard Park/Waterlea Gardens, Golf courses and sweeping bedded gardens. Naturally don't forget the extensive country garden, boutique vineyard and olive grove of The Peppertree, luxury bed and breakfast accommodation in Blenheim.

If art and craft appeals visit the Marlborough and Millennium galleries in central Blenheim and the many regional galleries and fascinating craft studios that stretch from the Awatere region in the south to the Marlborough Sounds in the north. Take home a piece of exquisite polished paua jewellery crafted by local artisans, a sculpted pot or painting from one of Marlborough's talented artists.

Immerse yourself in Marlborough's fascinating history and explore heritage sites that tell the region's past stories. You'll find records of the early European settlers, like the Cob Cottage, a mud-walled and shingle-roofed pioneer house dating from the 1860's and open to the public every day. This little museum is located just next the The Peppertree luxury bed and breakfast. Step back in time in the streets of Beavertown (a replica of early colonial Blenheim) at Brayshaw Museum Park, which includes comprehensive Vintage Car and Farm Machinery exhibits.

Major Events in Marlborough

January

Maritime Festival
Celebrating 'all Things maritime'. Long boat races, seafood, stalls, entertainment. Shelly Beach, Picton

February

Brightstone Blues Brews & BBQs
1st Saturday in February. Breweries offer a wide range of ales, lagers & ciders. Huge variety of BBQ food. Live music, kids entertainment.

Market Day
The day before the BMW Wine Marlborough Festival. Arts, crafts, commercial, food stalls, live entertainment 10am to 5pm in central Blenheim.

BMW Wine Marlborough Festival
2nd Saturday in February. Wine enthusiasts sample over 150 wines from more than fifty wineries. Gourmet food, soothing jazz.

April

Classic Fighters Easter Airshow
(Biannual - next held 2011. Over 3 days on Easter weekend.) WW1 & WW2 Warbird planes, RNZAF, aerobatics, aeronautical displays, classic cars. Omaka Aerodrome, Blenheim.

July

Winter Wine Weekend
Winemaker's workshops, seminars, theme dinners over 3 days.

October

Kaikoura Seafest
First Saturday in October. Sample tastes of the sea and of the land at Takahanga Domain, Kaikoura.

November

Hunters Garden Marlborough
New Zealand 's premier gardening event. Three days of workshops, Tours, social activities and garden fete.

December

Christmas at Beavertown
Old Beavertown at Brayshaw Park comes alive with Christmas Lights creating a magical atmosphere. Historical displays (working and static) by the Museum, vintage cars and farm machinery, train rides and entertainers.

Countdown to New Year
An evening of celebration and family fun, central Blenheim.