KICKING OFF YEAR THREE OF OUR ECPG MARLBOROUGH COASTAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP

protecting marlborough’s wild east coast

KICKING OFF YEAR THREE: OUR MARLBOROUGH COASTAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EAST COAST PROTECTION GROUP

At The Better Half Wines, we’re raising a glass to the start of our third year as a Founding Sponsor of the East Coast Protection Group (ECPG)—a partnership that’s all about protecting the wild beauty of Marlborough’s East Coast and the incredible wildlife that calls it home. This Marlborough coastal conservation partnership is a cornerstone of our sustainability mission at The Better Half Wines.

A Toast to Tangible Impact

Last week, owner and winemaker George Elworthy joined the hardworking ECPG volunteers at Marfells Beach on the East Coast for a special moment: the unveiling of a brand-new visitor information panel. Installed at this popular coastal lookout, the panel helps educate locals and tourists about the unique wildlife found along this rugged stretch of coastline—and how we can all help protect it.

“It’s amazing to see our support going toward something so visible and meaningful,” said George. “This panel is a great way to connect people with the land and the wildlife that makes this coastline so special.”

Meet the Locals: Birds of Marlborough’s East Coast

The East Coast of Marlborough, stretching from Cape Campbell to Ward Beach, is one of New Zealand’s most ecologically rich coastal zones. This rugged stretch of coastline is home to some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable native birds, including:

Banded Dotterel (Tuturiwhatu) – These small shorebirds nest right on the sand, making them especially sensitive to human activity and off-leash dogs.
Variable Oystercatcher (Tōrea Pango) – Easily spotted by their black feathers and bright orange beaks, these birds are often seen patrolling the tide line.
Black-Fronted Tern (Tarapiroe) – A graceful, endangered species that nests on braided riverbeds and forages along the coast. It’s also a contender for Bird of the Year—and for good reason!

Front of East Coast Protection Group information panel

Winemaker George Elworthy with the East Coast Protection Group Volunteers

Back of the East Coast Protection Group Information Panel

The new sign features beautiful illustrations and practical tips for how to enjoy the coast responsibly—like keeping dogs on leads, staying off nesting areas, and taking rubbish home.

Why Our Marlborough Coastal Conservation Partnership Matters

Since the beginning of our partnership, The Better Half Wines has helped fund:

🌱 Habitat restoration
🐦 Wildlife monitoring
📚 Community education and outreach

And as we continue to learn about this unique and precious ecosystem, we’re more committed than ever to supporting the people and projects that protect this special place.

Wine That Gives Back

When you choose The Better Half Wines, you’re not just enjoying a delicious glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc—you’re also supporting real, on-the-ground conservation work right here in New Zealand.

So next time you’re out exploring the coast or sipping wine with friends, raise a toast to the banded dotterels, oystercatchers, and black-fronted terns who share this land with us.

Cheers to good wine and good work.

Visiting Marlborough?
Check out the new ECPG information panel on the East Coast and see the impact for yourself. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos: @thebetterhalfwines

Want to support Marlborough’s coastal wildlife?
Explore our wines and support our conservation partnership with the ECPG.

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Off the Beaten Track: The Better Half Wine, New Zealand

Wild Marlborough Places That Inspire The Better Half Wines

Most people picture Marlborough as vineyards, cafés, and carefully curated landscapes — and they’re not wrong. But you don’t have to go far beyond that tame beauty to find wild ridgelines, remote coasts, and alpine valleys that feel like the edge of the earth.

We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite spots to escape to at the end of the week, all within an hour or two of Blenheim, yet all delivering that exhilarating “untouched world” feeling that inspires The Better Half Wines.

Altimarloch & the Black Birch / Blairich Peaks

High country adventure right behind one of our top Sauvignon Blanc vineyards.

Altimarloch and its cousins Blairich and Black Birch peaks sit high above the Awatere Valley, offering sweeping 360 views across Marlborough’s vineyards and valleys, as well as out to the coast and inland towards Mt Tapuae-o-uenuku – the South Island’s highest peak. A 4WD track leads from just by one of our favourite Sauvignon Blanc vineyards and takes you almost to the summit, making it an easy gateway to the rugged ridgelines, beloved by hunters and high-country hunters, and – for George – an adrenaline-filled mountain bike ride back down!

Why we love it: This high-altitude, sunshine-rich country is critical for the bright, energetic character of our Sauvignon Blanc.

Cape Campbell Coast

Remote, windswept, and alive with birdlife — a coastline we help protect.

The pale uplifted rock shelves and rugged coastal cliffs, long stretches of shingle beach, and sweeping sand dunes make Cape Campbell feel like another planet. And that’s before you consider the lighthouse: an imposing sentinel over the beaches and featured in the movie “The Light Between Oceans”. It’s also home to important seabird species, which is why we proudly support the local East Coast Protection Group. George loves to land his plane on the local airstrip amongst the grasses there and chat to the local volunteers about how the conservation work is going

Why we love it: Cool ocean breezes keep our nights cool and help shape Marlborough’s aromatic, refreshing style.

Molesworth Station

NZ’s largest high-country station is the perfect back country adventure. The Molesworth is vast, raw, and unforgettable: tussock valleys, braided rivers, and back country roads roll on for hours. It’s prime territory for 4WD adventures or multi day hikes, with star filled camping under the vast southern skies.

Why we love it: Cosy campfires and Sauvignon by starlight is what The Better Half Wine is all about.

View over river and peaks of Marlborough: Perfect location for a Marlborough Outdoor Adventure

Rainbow Ski Area

A high-altitude playground— built for skiing in winter and mountain biking or 4WD adventures towards Hanmer in the summer. The road up to Rainbow Ski Area is an adventure of its own. In winter it’s a friendly, uncrowded ski field; in summer it becomes a favourite 4WD and mountain biking route, offering huge views across the ranges.

Why we love it: It’s a reminder that Marlborough’s “civilised” wine country is never far from true alpine grit — the same contrast that makes our wines refreshing yet full of character. Why we love it: It’s the perfect reminder that Marlborough’s wilder side is never far away

St Arnaud & Nelson Lakes National Park

Beech forests and alpine trails, with an icy lake for waterborne adventures.

Just over an hour from Blenheim, St Arnaud is the gateway to the Nelson Lakes National Park, a region of alpine peaks, beech forests, and deep blue lakes. one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking alpine regions.

Favourite adventures:

Mt Roberts ridge loop
The alpine journey to Lake Angelus
Waterskiing on Lake Rotoiti when it’s glassy and calm

Why we love it: George & Jules spend many summer days here — adventures here start early to make the most of the days and always finish with a well earned glass of wine.

George setting off on his Mountain Biking Marlborough Outdoor Adventure

Taste Marlborough’s Wild Side

These landscapes — high country, coast, and alpine lakes — inspire the adventurous spirit of The Better Half Wines. You don’t need to hike a ridge or land on a beach to experience them. Just pour a glass.

👉 The Better Half Sauvignon Blanc
👉 The Better Half Pinot Noir

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