Marlborough is both a region and a district in the northeast of the South Island. Its land area is around 10,400 km2. Its population is 45,900 (June 2013).

Marlborough is known for its dry climate, the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, and Sauvignon blanc wine. This region has fertile soil and temperate weather, and as such has become a centre of the New Zealand wine industry.

The Marlborough wine region represents 62% of total vineyard area in the country. The king varietal here is Sauvignon Blanc, closely followed by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its unique blend of terroir and climate is well suited for producing award winning Sauvignon Blanc whilst its long ripening season is also ideal for the many superb aromatics, elegant Chardonnays, fine sparkling wines and rich Pinot Noirs produced by the region’s many wineries.

Besides wine industry, other main economic sectors include pastoral and horticultural farming, and fisheries. Lake Grassmere is the country’s only source of salt. Mussel farming is extremely important in the region. Olive growing has also become popular in recent years.

Marlborough is administered by a unitary authority, the Marlborough District Council, which is located at Blenheim.

The current mayor is Alistair Sowman.