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Population from 2003 census 41,700
"You're going to love Marlborough" is the
regions catch phrase. Believe us.. you will!!!
 This
place has everything from the world famous Queen Charlotte Sounds,
Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds and some of the world's best tramping/hiking.
Breathtaking views, rare birds, penguins, dolphins and many more
can be viewed at ease in this region and Blenheim which is the regions
main town has a reasonable but small motor industry sector. Activities
are just too numerous to list in full detail but range from boating,
to fishing both fresh water and sea fishing, kayaking, Crafts, visiting
world class vineyards [this could takes weeks by itself]. World
class tramping, scuba diving, crayfish or paua collecting, Site
seeing, visiting beautiful beaches, cafes, parachuting, scenic flights
or even popping over to Wellington via the Picton ferry for a weekend.
A recent trip in mid winter rewarded us with a catch of nine Blue
Cod in less than 20 minutes; we were also able to view a pod of
large dolphins fifty strong on the way out and duplicated this experience
on the boat trip back to Havelock.
 The
main areas of employment here are in the farm machinery sector due
to an unprecedented number of wineries. Another major industry is
the Aqua Culture Industry and if you're lucky enough to be in nearby
Havelock, population approximately 800 and counting during the Mussel
festival you are in for a great weekend. The occasional role for
a marine technician surfaces in Havelock due to the fantastic boating
in the region.
One negative is that the wine growing industry
is booming so significantly in Blenheim this are that the local
council recently noted that 5 homes a week will need to be built
leading up to the peak population in 2024. I think this is somewhat
of a conservative estimate because the region is starting to get
noticed. What ever the case accommodation is proving to be at a
premium and rental homes are hard to find. The upside is that if
you can get into this area, properties are ridiculously cheap and
the lifestyle is unbeatable.
 Not
far from Blenheim is Picton 30 minutes to the North which is docking
point for the Inter Islander ferry, a drive along Queen Charlotte
Drive to Havelock and onto Nelson is highly recommended. To the
south of Blenheim after driving through majestic mountainous scenery
you get to the Kaikoura coast which eventually leads to Kaikoura
twnship where you can take a boat trip out to see the Giant Sperm
whales. Apparently they are in residence all year round. Humpback,
Southern Right and Blue whales are also frequents visitors which
dive into the 2km deep abyss of the Kaikoura Canyon. Don't forget
to support the team at www.whalewatch.co.nz
with your visit and even if you can't get there,
go and have a look at their website…truly amazing. If you don't
want to live in New Zealand after this you never will.
Whether you are a new migrant coming to NZ or a resident of New
Zealand make sure you visit Marlborough and surrounding areas. Even
if you're not lucky enough to secure employment in this region,
this is one place you should see.
Click
here to view the West Coast region »
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