At Bayleys Marlborough we think we’re pretty lucky to live, work and play in a region that’s #brillianteveryday and there’s a lot of it to explore.
If you’re thinking about making Marlborough your home we wanted to give you a quick run down of some places to visit and provinces to explore so you can decide where you want to settle down!
Blenheim:
Blenheim is Marlborough’s main town, it’s also where you’ll find the Bayleys Marlborough head office, so be sure to come in and say hello when you visit. Blenheim has a plethora of great restaurants, with an understandable focus on local wines and food. It has great shopping, including the fabulous department store Thomas’s with its high end national and international brands. There’s a public art gallery, a fabulous multi-use and purpose built theatre, a cinema, a museum and wonderful parks and recreational areas, including the Taylor River Reserve and Blenheim’s premier Pollard Park. It’s also the town where our budding entrepreneurs, future business people and next wave of talent receive a fine education at Marlborough Boy’s College and Marlborough Girl’s College. There are a selection of schools for years 1 – 6, plus an intermediate school.
Renwick:
Renwick is 10 kilometres west of Blenheim, close to the south bank of the Wairau River and in the heart of wine country! You’ll never be short of a cellar door destination for lunch or dinner, you’ll also find a supermarket, pubs with local beers and some service shops. There are some great local parks and reserves including a large sports domain. One of the most popular recreational areas, on the outskirts of Renwick is the Conders Forest area beside the Wairau River, which offers mountain biking and dog walking. Renwick has a school for years 1 – 8.
Picton:
25 km north of Blenheim and 65 km west of Wellington, you’ll find beautiful Picton at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound, the jewel in Marlborough’s coastal crown! A buzzing community and home to some fantastic cafes, restaurants, galleries and specialty shops. If you enjoy the great outdoors then Picton is close to lots of walking tracks. The kids will love the skate park and the Endeavour Park sports park development which has its own pavilion. Picton’s school caters for years 1 – 6. This thriving town is home to the Bayleys Marlborough Picton office, so please call by to say hi!
Havelock:
This coastal village sits at the head of Pelorus Sound, it’s also the Greenshell ™ Mussel capital of the world. With a busy marina, you’ll find restaurants, pubs, cafes and gift shops, as well as a small supermarket and service station. The Havelock domain with sports facilities is right in the middle of this bustling community, and you’ll find other picnic areas on the outskirts of the township with fabulous views of the Sounds. If your child is years 1 – 8, they’ll settle right in at the Havelock school.
Seddon:
Located 25 kilometres south of Blenheim, close to the mouths of the Awatere and Blind Rivers and the Lake Grassmere salt works. This small, yet thriving community has strong ties to the agricultural and viticultural industries. You’ll find a few shops and a new café, art gallery and wine bar. When you want to enjoy the great outdoors visit the beach at Ward or the Seddon domain. Seddon has a school for years 1 – 8.
Kaikoura:
Not strictly Marlborough, we wanted to include Kaikoura in this article, as it’s also home to our third Bayleys Marlborough office. Kaikoura is located on the east coast of the South Island 180 km north of Christchurch. This picturesque coastal town is a natural playground for all who love the water! With a great selection of bars, restaurants and cafes, shopping and art galleries, there’s plenty to enjoy when you make Kaikoura your home. With a primary school and high school, your kids won’t have far to travel each day.