10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Marlborough Region That You Shouldn't Miss

February 26, 2022 Jasper Kershner

The fertile soil and temperate climate of the Wairau River Valley provide the perfect conditions for a wine lover's paradise. Marlborough's thousands of acres of vineyards and dozens of wineries create delectable wines of diverse varietals, from full-bodied Pinot Noir to herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. The countryside boasts unsurpassed beauty, with its majestic mountains, verdant vineyards and the labyrinth of waterways that make up the Marlborough Sounds.
Restaurants in Marlborough Region

1. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

79 Aerodrome Road, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand +64 3-579 1305 [email protected] http://www.omaka.org.nz
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,533 reviews

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was established to provide a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft. Some of New Zealand's most respected cinematic and special effects craftsmen have created a dramatic aviation theatre in which original and full-scale replica WW1 and WW2 aircraft, both static and flyable, are presented in all their glory. The museum is home to two exhibitions, "Knights of the Sky" and "Dangerous Skies". The former is on long-term loan from film director Sir Peter Jackson and comprises one of the world's largest collections of World War One aircraft and rare memorabilia. Thanks to Sir Peter's generosity the aircraft have been brought to life in a series of dioramas created by Wingnut Films and enhanced with lifelike mannequins by Weta Workshop. "Dangerous Skies" utilised local talent and features stories from World War Two and takes visitors on a geographical as well as an historical journey.

Reviewed By Wander46757584245 - Dunedin, New Zealand

Amazing display of aircraft - highest level of detail we've encountered worldwide at an aviation museum. 100% recommend !

2. Hedgerows Hydroponic Strawberries

205 Old Renwick Road Entrance on Rene Street, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand +64 3-578 5268 [email protected] http://www.hedgerows.co.nz
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 62 reviews

Hedgerows Hydroponic Strawberries

Hedgerows is a boutique hydroponic farm specializing in providing premium grade hydroponic strawberries for everyone. Our shop and garden is situated in the heart of the our farm. Come sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh strawberries, strawberry preserves and real fruit ice-cream or frozen yogurt. Hedgerows is family owned and operated with a fresh and welcoming atmosphere. Open from September to January.

Reviewed By buckeyetravel - Ohio, United States

They make fruit ice cream in a unique way in NZ. They take fresh fruit and vanilla ice cream and put them into a device that is like an auger that crushes and mixes the berries and ice cream together. Very fresh way to add fruit instead of the typical way to add the fruit when making the ice cream not at the point of sale. I like this method as the fruit is fresh and mixed right in. The berries here are like perfect berries as they are bright red and have undamaged skin unlike fruit that grows in a field and may get moldy or dirty as they berries grow. The fruit tasted very good by itself as well as we bought a container of fruit along with our ice cream. I saw a review that said they were expensive but we bought two ice cream cones and small package of berries for $7 US so we thought that was a great deal! Nice place for a stop on the drive from Picton down the East Coast.

3. Yealands Estate

Corner of Seaview and Reserve Roads, Seddon 7285 New Zealand +64 3-575 7618 [email protected] http://www.yealands.co.nz/
Excellent
85%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 149 reviews

Yealands Estate

After a beautiful winter makeover, our revamped, contemporary tasting room is the perfect place to relax while you sample a selection of our finest wines from Seaview Estate, including our Single Vineyard collection which is the ultimate expression of our spectacular coastal vineyard. We have a delicious selection local cheeses and cured meats, which can be enjoyed while you enjoy a glass of wine, or head off on a complimentary, self-guided White Road tour. There are plenty of sheltered picnics areas where you can stop and enjoy the sights. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Reviewed By FortesNZ123

Thank you Billy and India for a thoroughly enjoyable experience at Yealands. My highlight for our trip to the South Island so far. Loved the wine, particularly the Rose, loved the people, loved the architecture, loved the sustainability, loved the white road tour.

4. Framingham Wines

19 Conders Bend Road, Renwick 7243 New Zealand +64 3-572 8884 [email protected] http://www.framingham.co.nz
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 180 reviews

Framingham Wines

Visit us...Our winery and cellar door is nestled in 17 hectares of vineyards and beautifully manicured gardens, with spectacular views of the Richmond Ranges. We are open everyday for complimentary wine tastings.Turn down Conders Bend Road from State Highway 6 between the Wairau River Bridge and Renwick to taste Framingham wines at their source. Just 10 minutes’ drive from Blenheim on the main road to Nelson, we’re open everyday from 10.30am until 4.30pm. Relax in the deco-style wooden panelled tasting room, or enjoy the sunshine and roses in our sheltered courtyard. Let us give you an insight into how our wines are crafted to make the most of the Wairau Valley climate as you savour our diverse range. Wander the vineyard or venture downstairs to explore the cellar, where we keep vintages past and present.

Reviewed By GrizzlyToaster - Wellington, New Zealand

I love Framingham wines and have always loved their riesling - so I chose all their rieslings and they even pulled out an amazing sticky from 2007. The staff were fantastic and really looked after that and even gave my wife a cap for her birthday. Really beautiful setting with cool art space below. A definite must on any wine tour

5. Huia

22 Boyces Road R.d.3, Rapaura, Blenheim 7273 New Zealand +64 3-572 8326 [email protected] http://Www.hunkydorywine.co.nz
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Huia

Reviewed By ericmK8735LG - Villeneuve d'Ascq, France

On a seriously rainy day, cycling through the Marlborough wine country (wine tours by bike !) we stopped at Huia cellar door to a brilliant welcome and the most informative and interactive tasting of the day. We even learnt that smelling coffee is the best way to clear your nose for wine tasting. Great wines, we particularly enjoyed Vanilla notes in the Chardonnay, a truly unique and complex Rose and the fabulous 2013 Pinot Noir

6. Wither Hills Cellar Door

211 New Renwick Road, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand +64 3-520 8284 [email protected] http://www.witherhills.co.nz
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 310 reviews

Wither Hills Cellar Door

Our Cellar Door allows you to appreciate the true beauty of Marlborough while enjoying a comprehensive tasting of the wines we are so passionate about. Open seven days a week, we also offer tours of our vine library and barrel hall. Our cellar door is a blend of contemporary design and character – the perfect location for a leisurely break with friends and family. We also serve lunch at the Wither Hills Restaurant - please see our other listing for more information.

Reviewed By themusketts - Auckland, New Zealand

My hubby and I decided to pop in to see the wines, we had a delightful wine tasting and enjoyed the amazing service, we loved it so much ended up having a delicious lunch - thank you

7. Spy Valley Wines

37 Lake Timara Road West, Blenheim 7276 New Zealand +64 3-572 6088 [email protected] http://www.spyvalleywine.co.nz/
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 107 reviews

Spy Valley Wines

Spy Valley is a New Zealand Family owned must-visit winery with a reputation for consistently producing great value, sustainable, award-winning wines. Come and experience complimentary tastings of our wines, see award winning architecture and learn the secrets behind the name, Spy Valley. Family friendly with a large picnic area overlooking the vines. We are the 2013 Winner of the "Best of Wine Tourism" award for Architecture and Landscapes. Summer Hours: Open daily 10.30am - 4.30pm October- April Winter Hours: Mon-Fri 10.30am-4.30pm May - October

Reviewed By morganicchemistry - Wisconsin, United States

I visited Spy Valley with my mom and overall we had a good experience. The tasting includes the more common varieties they produce (sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, gewurztraminer, riesling, chardonnay) so there's little introduction necessary, in my opinion. I found the space to be open and welcoming, and Della was pleasant and helpful as we planned our day.

8. Edwin Fox Maritime Museum

1 Auckland St, Picton 7220 New Zealand +64 3-573 6868 [email protected] http://www.edwinfoxsociety.com
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 393 reviews

Edwin Fox Maritime Museum

We are open! Every day from 9am! The Edwin Fox is a great example of NZ Maritime History, 161 years old this year and currently listed as the 9th oldest ship in the world, the oldest surviving merchant ship, last surviving convict ship that took convicts to Australia and last wooden NZ immigrant ship and was also used to transport troops to the Crimean war.Come step aboard, go into the hull of the ship and visit the dry dock to get a real feel of the size of the ship and indeed what voyages would of been like!Open everyday group bookings and guided tours by arrangement.

Reviewed By samifido

This was a last minute decision to do as we just got off our cruise ship to walk around Picton and found this marvellous museum. Extremely interesting and informative and loved walking around the actual ship to see and touch the original wood and imagine what life would have been like. For $15 it’s definitely worth a short visit.

9. Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen

13 Selmes Road Rd3, Blenheim 7273 New Zealand +64 3-570 5280 [email protected] http://www.saintclair.co.nz/vineyard-kitchen/
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 288 reviews

Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen

Come and visit Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen to relax, sit back and enjoy the Saint Clair experience. The newly renovated establishment is situated within a unique vineyard setting with views extending past the vines towards the ever changing and dramatic Richmond Range. The sunny courtyard offers outdoor dining with some dining options amongst the vines. On a cooler day an extended veranda section can ensure customers continue to have the vineyard feel while being sheltered from the elements through extensive floor to ceiling glass sliding doors. A cosy fire provides ambience and warmth during the New Zealand winter, an ideal settling to relax and enjoy Saint Clair's award winning wines. A perfect place for a visit for morning or afternoon tea with a selection of muffins and hot drinks available all day. The extensive menu constantly changes reflecting some of the best seasonal produce and finest delicacies Marlborough as to offer. There are a range of options available to meet any dietary requirements. The wine tasting counter is an area to discover the diversity of Saint Clair with a large selection of award winning wines available for tasting daily via an impressive wine preservation system. In addition to these wines there is an extensive range of craft beers from kiwi breweries including Pan Head, Parrot Dog and Marlborough's own Renaissance. A couple of different flavours of locally produced Adam and Eve Cider are also on offer and New Zealand owned brands make up the eclectic array of non-alcoholic beverages. The Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen is available for private functions and offers catering options to suit all budgets with flexibility to ensure a successful event. Please contact us to discuss further. When visiting the Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen make sure you cross the car park to Pātaka - a gourmet food store proudly specialising in New Zealand artisan food and offering uniquely New Zealand inspired gifts.

Reviewed By 007_Richard_E - Thame, United Kingdom

This was the first stop on our wine tour, we enjoyed a relaxed wine tasting session which included a wonderful lunch, in fact during the six weeks that we were in New Zealand this was definitely in the top five meals we had.

10. Clos Henri Vineyard

639 State Highway 63, Blenheim 7271 New Zealand +64 3-572 7923 http://www.clos-henri.com/
Excellent
76%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 55 reviews

Clos Henri Vineyard

Reviewed By comtois2570 - Besancon, France

I went here to discover the french touch in Marlborough's wines. It was an amazing experience. This place is very nice and their staff professional. She explains to me a lot about this property in New Zealand and their other one in France. I recommend it. A must to do in Blenheim for a wonderful tasting!

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