Download the visitor's guide - Marlborough

The Awatere and PacificCoast is an area steeped inMaori and colonial history andprovides some of Marlborough’smost inspiring scenery south ofBlenheim along State Highway 1.The Awatere Valley riseswestward from Blenheim to the region’s highest peak, MountTapuae-o-Uenuku, central to Maori legend and an icon to allMarlburians. Here Sir Edmund Hillary had his first mountain climb,a pathway that ultimately took him to Mount Everest.Flaxbourne Station at Lake Grassmere is recognised as thebirthplace for New Zealand’s sheep farming industry, the successof which inspired landowners to reach far into the high countryand down the coastline to Kekerengu. The Awatere Valley areaproduces quality wines and fine merino wools. Travelling souththe route takes you through rolling farmland and vineyardsflanked by rugged mountains.Relax in the warmth of local accommodation, explorestunning country garden estates or take a high country horsetrek. Camp and swimat Marfells Beachand discover the sealcolony in the untamedisolation of WardBeach.Cape Campbell LighthouseVines meet the coastThe Pacific Coastroad south to Kaikoura isone of the most dramaticdrives in New Zealandwith breathtakingmountains on one sideand wild rocky beachespounded by the ocean onthe other.Awatere & Pacific CoastMARLBOROUGH VISITOR GUIDE 201337