A region on the northeast corner of New Zealand's South Island, Marlborough has fast become one of the most desired places on the planet for building large estates. The reasons for this are obvious to anyone who has hiked even part of its Kaikoura Mountain Range or navigated through the complex and beautiful waters that mark the shore of Marlborough Sounds: With convoluted and drastically varied topography, this as yet largely undeveloped land of just over 45,000 offers dramatic scenery and opportunities for adventure from any location. As its terrain starts with mountains to the southwest, descends into a series of twisting valleys toward the midlands, and then rises again into partially sunken peaks that give the Sounds their navigational complexity and grandeur, Marlborough offers every landscape a mountain biker, climber, kayaker, or sailor could hope for within a short traveling distance. When the purity of the Wairau River is also taken into account, the majesty of Marlborough becomes attractive to fishermen and hunters, as well. There are other lifestyle benefits to residing in this part of the South Island, though, as Marlborough's fertile and verdant valleys have become well-regarded for the excellent Sauvignon Blanc wines they yield with seemingly little effort. Ultimately, no matter if they are an adventurer, gourmand, or simply looking for a peaceful, untouched corner of the world, anyone who settles in Marlborough is sure to find themselves at home.