The north end of New Zealand’s South Island has so much to offer, from the amazing wine country in Marlborough to the hiking trails of Abel Tasman. You’ll find incredible wildlife, luxury lodges, and stunning coastal scenery. I have visited New Zealand on ten separate occasions, and this is an area I always return to savor and enjoy the outdoors.
After three personal trips to the north end, I’ve learned how to make the most of a week in the northern parts of New Zealand’s South Island. Here is my personal guide to help you do the same, along with a recap of my recent journey.
Blenheim: Sipping through Marlborough Wine Country
I started my journey by boarding a train from Christchurch through some amazing scenery along the East coast to arrive in Blenheim just 3 hours later. Blenheim is the home to the Marlborough wine region.
We spent three nights in Blenheim at the amazing Marlborough Lodge. The restaurant here is fantastic and busy; the local community enjoys dinners here as well. We had the opportunity to taste some amazing Rose, Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling wines.
We also had a coffee roasting lesson, right in the middle of wine country!
The popular spot to visit is Cloudy Bay, but we opted for smaller vineyards this time. There are many in the area and one that stands out is called Mahi. Brian, the owner, works the grapes alongside all the other employees. The Rose and Pinot Noir he creates are fantastic.
Picton & The Queen Charlotte Sound: A Luxury Lodge Getaway
Next, we transferred to Picton with a stop at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. The collection of WWI and WWII aircraft is very impressive.
Then on to Picton for our mailboat to Bay of Many Coves for three nights. This hidden gem is a luxury lodge on the Queen Charlotte Track (on the Queen Charlotte Sound).
On our first day, we decided to hike the Track with a picnic provided by the lodge. The scenery is fantastic. On our second full day, we decided to enjoy this beautiful lodge with paddle boarding, kayaking, and spa treatments.
The food and service here are at the next level.
Nelson: An Arty Stopover on the Coast
The next stop was a quick one. We took our mailboat back to Picton and transferred to Nelson for the evening. Nelson is a very artsy town located between the Marlborough and Tasman regions. The jeweler who designed the rings for the Lord of the Rings movies is based here, as well as the World of Wearable Art Museum. The exhibition started here in Nelson but has significantly outgrown this cute waterfront town.
Exploring Abel Tasman National Park: An Outdoor Paradise
The next morning, we got on the water taxi to visit Abel Tasman National Park. It’s New Zealand’s smallest national park, famous for its golden beaches, forested coastline, and crystal-clear turquoise water. Our water taxi ride was scenic with views of turtles swimming in the bays and dolphins jumping. We arrived at Awaroa Lodge for our last three nights. This accommodation sits ON the Abel Tasman Track. The goal was amazing hiking for two full days. We planned to take advantage of the convenient water taxi, which runs daily along the Bay with multiple stops.
On our first day, we took the water taxi to the south by two stops and had a wonderful 6-mile hike back to the lodge. Of course, they sent us with a beautiful picnic lunch to enjoy.
The second day, we took the water taxi to the north and had a leisurely 5-mile hike back to the lodge. We crossed inlets, passed homesteads that are full-time residents in the park, gorgeous blue water, and very clear open trails.
Awaroa lodge has an amazing chef with great local specialties. The salmon was my favorite! And the spa was fantastic after two days of long walks. This is not a five-star accommodation like the first two, but a solid four-star. Location means everything with the lodge.
What to Pack (and When to Go)
What I love about New Zealand is the casualness. No need to bring anything fancy. But always pack layers no matter what time of year. It is called the land of the long white cloud for a reason.
The best time to visit this region, weather-wise, is November through March normally. I was here in late September and while it was chilly and sometimes cloudy, it was not cold.
Pro Tip: Looking for something more adventurous? Check out my article about exploring the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island!
Your New Zealand Adventure
The northern South Island offers an incredible blend of relaxation and adventure, from the refined tastes of Marlborough to the rugged trails of Abel Tasman. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your tenth, this region delivers unforgettable moments.
Ready to plan your own New Zealand adventure? As a New Zealand travel specialist, I can help you craft a custom itinerary based on your interests. Contact me today for a consultation, and let’s make your dream trip a reality!
