KEY POINTS:
Where: Marlborough, at the northeast corner of the South Island, is pretty much smack-bang in the centre of the country.
It's an 80-minute flight from Auckland, or a 25-minute flight from Wellington. Alternatively, take the Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton.
What to do: Everybody knows Marlborough is a haven for food and wine lovers. That, combined with its year-round sunny climate, makes it perfect for a weekend of pampering.
But if you have the kids with you and they're getting a little fractious, there are plenty of options for family fun.
Introduce them to the region's spectacular scenery with a boat trip through the Marlborough Sounds or a hike and mountain bike around some of the tracks, such as the Queen Charlotte.
Another great attraction for kids is Picton's EcoWorld Aquarium and Terrarium, home to a seahorse tank, a 5m-long preserved giant squid, sharks and octopus, as well as tuatara, turtles, weta and frogs.
Or take an eco tour around the Sounds and down the east coast. Most include dolphin watching - you're also likely to see pied shags, penguins, seals and maybe even an orca or two. For a full list of eco-tour options see the Destination Marlborough website.
For foodie treats the kids will love, visit the Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory. Here you can watch the chocolates being made, sample a few (of course) then buy more to take home.
What's on:
August 8: Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival
October 4: Kaikoura Seafest
October 31 - November 2: Marlborough Wine Weekend
November 5 -10: Hunters Garden Marlborough Festival
Link: www.destinationmarlborough.co.nz
- Detours, HOS
