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 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 Marlborough province.
View Print and Media HistoryRail & Maritime
The Blenheim to Picton rail line and South-North Island ferry links created our essential transport hubs.
View Rail and Maritime HistorySport & Recreation
Marlborough's sporting traditions include early rugby matches and the 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, securely dated human settlement.
View Te Pokohiwi and Wairau Bar HistoryTechnology
Early motor vehicles and industrial mechanisation made the growth of provincial industry possible.
View Technology and Industry HistoryThe Pastoral Boom
Witness the evolution of Marlborough's farming, from manual toil to the age of steam-powered agriculture.
View Pastoral Boom and Farming HistoryThe Viticulture Era
Pioneering 1973 vines established Marlborough globally. However, local viticulture has 19th-century roots.
View Viticulture and Wine Industry HistoryWakamarina Gold
In April 1864, a major gold find in the Wakamarina Valley drew thousands of people seeking their fortune.
View Wakamarina Gold Rush HistoryMarlborough at War
Historical Military Accounts
Access the Marlborough at War pages to read historical diaries, field manuals, and published papers. Republishing permission is granted to share these materials publicly. Enquiries and contributions can be directed to [email protected].
Support This Project
You can help the Tracing Marlborough project grow.
Contributions regarding the history of Marlborough sports clubs, schools, businesses, and community groups from the colonial era to the present day are welcomed. This living community project expands continuously through public involvement, and contributions of stories, documents, and local histories are always encouraged.
Contribute
Explore More with Tracing Marlborough
Discover the stories, people, and events that helped shape our communities. Browse local histories, study regional heritage, and examine helpful educational resources.
Our Story
Learn about local historical preservation efforts and the ongoing work to document and share the history of the Marlborough region.
Learn More about the history of Goodwin & AssociatesCommunity Links
A handy directory connecting you with the many local historical societies, community trusts, and preservation groups operating across Marlborough.
Explore LinksResearch & Resources
Access historical accounts, biographical profiles, and learning materials serving as a resource for researchers, educators, and students.
Explore CollectionsRoll of Honour
A digital Roll of Honour commemorating Marlborough service personnel involved in conflicts and military campaigns both at home and abroad.
Roll of Honour