Marlborough, The River Region

Marlborough, New Zealand, is known for its world-famous Sauvignon Blanc and its diverse landscapes, from valleys of vines to sheltered waterways and its many, beautiful rivers that flow through the region.

The rivers in Marlborough play a crucial role in the region's viticulture. Each river catchment and valley has its own unique soil, terrain and climate, directly influenced by these waterways, which impart distinct flavours to the wines grown here.

The Wairau River, meaning “many waters” in te reo Maori, is the largest river in Marlborough. It flows from the mountains of the Southern Alps and travels through the Wairau Valley, in the heart of Marlborough, eventually emptying into the northeastern coast. Another significant river in Marlborough is the Awatere River, which runs parallel to the Wairau River, originating in the inland Kaikoura Ranges. It flows northeast through the Awatere Valley before emptying into the Pacific Ocean at Clifford Bay. "Awatere" means "swift river" in Te Reo Maori, reflecting the river's dynamic flow. These two rivers define the two biggest winegrowing sub-regions in Marlborough.

Over the hot Marlborough summer, our rivers become popular with locals, for boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. For a brilliant day trip - pack a picnic and find the perfect swimming spot, just remember to bring the cooler with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc inside!