Discover the history ofMarlborough
Tracing the people, places, and events that shaped our region.
Explore Our History
Aquaculture
The Marlborough Sounds are the heart of New Zealand's aquaculture industry, which dates back to the 1960s.
View Aquaculture ArchiveArts & Culture
From the early Māori arts to contemporary works, Marlborough has always nurtured a thriving creative scene.
View Arts and Culture ArchiveBrayshaw Park
Brayshaw Heritage Park is home to the Marlborough Museum and many clubs, societies, and guilds.
View Brayshaw Park HistoryColonial Era
Explore Marlborough's colonial past, detailing the Wairau settlement and growth of Marlborough.
View Colonial Era HistoryMarlborough at War
Learn how local conflicts, the New Zealand Wars, and global campaigns shaped local history. Lest we forget.
View Marlborough at War ArchivePeople
Early Māori rangatira and pioneering locals built this region. From Chiefs to Suffragettes, read their personal histories.
View Historical People BiographiesPrint & Media
Trace the journey of local communication, showing how early media shaped the province.
View Print and Media HistoryRail & Maritime
The Blenheim to Picton rail line and South-North Island ferry links created essential transport hubs.
View Rail and Maritime HistorySport & Recreation
Marlborough's sporting traditions include early rugby matches and historic Pelorus Sound regattas.
View Sport and Recreation HistoryTe Pokohiwi o Kupe
Journey back 800 years to Te Pokohiwi o Kupe, New Zealand's earliest known settlement.
View Te Pokohiwi and Wairau Bar HistoryTechnology
Early motor vehicles and industrial mechanisation made the growth of local industry possible.
View Technology and Industry HistoryThe Pastoral Boom
Witness the evolution of Marlborough's farming, from manual toil to the age of steam.
View Pastoral Boom and Farming HistoryThe Viticulture Era
Pioneering 1973 vines established Marlborough globally. Explore our journey to top wine region.
View Viticulture and Wine Industry HistoryWakamarina Gold
In April 1864, a major gold find in the Wakamarina valley drew thousands to seek their fortunes.
View Wakamarina Gold Rush HistoryMarlborough at War
Historical Military Records
Visit our 'Marlborough at War' pages to read original soldier diaries, historic issue manuals, and archival papers. We thank the Marlborough Historical Society for granting republishing permission to share these historical records with you. Reach out to our team to start your research.
Support Our Project
We want to hear stories of the history of your sports teams, schools, businesses, and community groups from colonial times through to today. A regional archive that grows with the region – and we want people to contribute.
Contribute
Explore More with Tracing Marlborough
Discover the stories, people and places that make Marlborough unique. Browse digital collections, research regional history, and examine original records preserved across the district.
Our Story
Learn about regional historical preservation and the ongoing work to document and share the history of the Marlborough region.
Learn More about the history of the Marlborough Historical SocietyCommunity Links
Connect with local historical societies, community trusts, and preservation groups operating across Marlborough.
Explore LinksResearch & Archives
Access extensive digital archives, historical records, photographs and family history resources. Perfect for researchers, genealogists and curious minds.
Explore CollectionsRoll of Honour
Commemorating Marlborough's service personnel across the South African War, the First World War, and the Second World War.
Roll of Honour