This is the Marlborough & Nelson chapter from Lonely Planet's New Zealand guidebook.

These neighbouring regions have much in common beyond an amenable climate: both boast renowned holiday spots, particularly the Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman National Park, and there are more national parks and mountain ranges than you can poke a stick at.

• get up close and personal to the wildlife, including whales, seals, dolphins and albatrosses, in Kaikoura
• maps
• embrace the craft-beer scene around Nelson
• transport
• tramp, bike and kayak the Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds
• restaurants & accommodation

Coverage includes: Marlborough region, Picton, Marlborough Sounds, Queen Charlotte Track, Kenepuru & Pelorous Sounds, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Nelson, Nelson Lakes National Park, Motueka, Abel Tasman, Golden Bay and Kahurangi National Park.