Marlborough stretches across the north-east corner of the South Island of New Zealand. The region is easily accessible by inter-island ferry, air, train or road. Its commercial hub is Blenheim, which has a population of some 27,000. Originally a provincial service town to the farming community, it is increasingly geared towards the wine industry, offering a relaxed and cosmopolitan ambience for visitors. North of Blenheim is Picton, the seaport gateway to the stunning Marlborough Sounds and entry point for the inter-island ferry services. The region is internationally renowned for its award winning wines and offers a multitude of options for sipping and sampling or wining and dining. The year-round sunshine, mild climate and diverse landscape - which encompasses native forests, trout-filled rivers, coastal tracks, sheltered bays for cruising and fishing, mountains and high backcountry - offers visitors an exceptional range of recreational activities on land and on the water.