10 Tours in Marlborough Region That You Shouldn't Miss

August 22, 2021 Rosalyn Ihle

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. Bay of Many Coves Helicopter Tour with 3-Course Lunch from Wellington

19 Jervois Quay, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Deep in the Marlborough Sounds, Bay of Many Coves, a 5-star luxury resort, offers perfect seclusion in a pristine natural environment. Enjoy a helicopter journey to discover world-class cuisine, stunning scenery, adventure, romance and a sense of relaxation you could only dream of. Please allow 3-hours for this tour. 3-course meal and glass of wine included.

Inclusions: Helicopter scenic tour, 3-course meal and a glass of wine, Live commentary on board, Local taxes

Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable)

2. Progressive Wine and Gourmet Summer Trail of Marlborough

Your Local Chauffeur
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Marlborough's Wine and Gourmet experience is something you should not miss....Progressive Wine and Gourmet Trail with your menu tailor-made for your tastes with a matching wine taste. A complimentary glass of 'bubbly' at your first gourmet tasting and a glass of menu matching wine at your mid day stop. Summer Season produce is available to taste at roadside stalls and as part of your progressive menu through the day. Take in the breath-taking  scenic landscapes as you travel from place to place or relax at each winery venue. As the sun sets you will be able to relax back with your last course of the trail before heading back to your accommodation. Please note that the attractions listed are not limited to....Honey Company for tasting, Oils, liqueurs, craft beers and cheeses are all available. The tour includes an option for a mid town wine and tapas stop at the conclusion of your day.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Wine tasting, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Complimentary chocolates and gift, Lunch, Snacks

Exclusions: Beverages and food over and above the Inclusion value are available for purchase

Reviewed By 676nataliew

This tour was fantastic! Our guide was so informative, guide was approachable and taught us lots about wine! She has a fantastic connection with the wineries and with this we received special treatment and we went to the best locations. Such an enjoyable day and have great memories!

3. Early Bird Eco Cruise

Cougar Line - Queen Charlotte Track Cruises, London Quay, Picton 7220, New Zealand Cougar Line
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Cruise with us Oct-Apr to Motuara Island in the outer Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui, for a very special Marlborough Sounds experience. Disembark into the magic of morning birdsong, look for penguins on the shore or in nesting boxes, and spot some of the rare species that call this island sanctuary home, including the South Island saddleback and bush robin. Follow the well-formed track to the island’s summit to take in the sweeping views across the Sound to Cook Strait.
 You’ll have approximately 2 hours to explore this natural paradise before the relaxing return boat ride. 
Cruise with us back to Picton for a 1pm arrival, OR, at no extra cost, choose from one of the following free add-ons: Discover Ship Cove/Meretoto Cruise & Walk from Resolution Bay to Furneaux Lodge (3 hours walk) Cruise & Lunch at Furneaux Lodge Restaurant or Punga Cove’s Boatshed Café & Bar (Lunch at own cost)

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Food and drinks (available for purchase on some cruises)

Reviewed By GrizzlyToaster

Well almost - the weather was a little drizzly, but we decided to go for it anyway and so glad we did. Ended up doing a short walk from a drop off just before Furneaux and spent a nice afternoon there noshing some good food with a bottle of wine. Boat staff were super friendly and accommodating

4. Blenheim Half day Wine Tour

Jade Tours
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5.0 based on 45 reviews

Travel in a luxury minibus to the famous cellar doors of Marlborough on this approx. 5-hour tour. Compare the aromas of Marlborough's finest wines and taste the passion that goes into every bottle; then visit the barrel rooms and chat about viticulture and wine making. You will visit up to five wineries ranging from the internationally famous to boutique, family-run estates. Finish the day with a nibble of hand made gourmet chocolates at our chocolate factory.

Inclusions: Pick up and return to your Blenheim accommodation (Picton $50 per group), Expert local guides, Small group tours for that personal experience, All standard tasting fees, Snacks, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch at own cost, Any wine purchases

Reviewed By B3342BDcarolynp

Mike is a fantastic host - the first question he asked us is what type of wine we like and he tailored the tour to suit us. He has an enormous amount of local knowledge and made the tour interesting and informative.

5. Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.

The Vines Village, 193 Rapaura Road, Blenheim 7273, New Zealand Explore Marlborough Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 61 reviews

Discover the beauty of Marlborough your way. Rent a bike from us and enjoy your own self-guided wine tour. We’ll set you up with quality equipment and send you on your way with all the  recommendations, tips and hints you need to craft your own unforgettable Marlborough wine adventure. Your full day bike hire includes a bike, helmet, hi-viz vest wine map and pick up from your local accommodation. Pick up is at 9.30am and we have you back to your accommodation about 5pm.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Accommodation pickup and drop-off within Blenheim / Renwick region., Hire of bicycle, helmet, hi-viz vest and lock., Wine map with our recommendations on wineries, cycle trails and lunch spots

Exclusions: Winery tasting fees are not included., Lunch not included

Reviewed By Stay51071400175

Great enjoyable bike hire right in the heart of wine country. It was easy and they even picked our wine up for us directly so we didn’t have to carry it. 10/10

6. Full Day Winemaker's Tour in Marlborough

Hop n Grape Tours
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5.0 based on 82 reviews

With a winemaker as your guide; your tour starts with an informative vineyard stroll, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at a modern working winery where you can taste grape juice fresh from the press, sample a young Pinot Noir from the barrel, or try a freshly filtered Sauvignon Blanc. You can ask all those curly questions, and capture the best behind-the-scenes winery photos. Next, we’ll get up close and personal with the Marlborough wine region and you’ll taste any delight that isn’t tied down. In our full day tour you visit 4-6 wineries which can include local breweries, with over 40 cellar doors to choose from, if you’ve got a favourite we’ll do our best to get you there. Lunch at a vineyard restaurant is always a highlight. There is opportunity to do a Cheese tasting, Olive oil tasting or a visit to Makana Chocolate Shop. Visit 4-6 wineries.

Inclusions: All wine tasting fees, Air-conditioned vehicle, Free door-to-door collection and drop off from Blenheim/Renwick areas, Picton, Havelock, Rarangi transfers may be available with additional charge., Lunch stop during the tour - at your own cost

Exclusions: Lunch - at your own cost on the day, Note: Bring a pair of closed shoes (no heels) for our winery visit, Note: We encourage our guests to have a good breakfast before the wine tour.

Reviewed By Jo D

Absolutely recommend Cam! If your visiting the Blenheim region and want the nicest and most knowledgeable guy in town - Cam your man! Thank you for the the best day ever Cam!

7. Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tour Including Wine Tasting

Marlborough Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 204 reviews

Enjoy a relaxing day out around some of the beautiful wineries in Marlborough. Learn about the regions great wines and sample at least 4 wines at each cellar door. Our tour is door to door so you don't have to worry about driving, just relax and enjoy your tour. Outside of peak times we don't have preset cellar doors so if you have somewhere you would like to go please message us and we will do our best to schedule your visit. There are over 30 cellar doors to choose from on a daily basis so plenty of variety.

Inclusions: Wine tasting, Hotel pickup and drop-off from Picton 9.30am or Blenheim 10am. Times are approximate, Havelock Pick up may be available by prior arrangement before booking, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch Stop - at your expense on the day, Gratuities

Reviewed By MargaretG2064

The driver was really informed both about the wines and about the region. We had a lovely selection of wines followed by a superb meal. Highly recommended - even for people like us who are only very occasional wine drinkers and know very little about the subject.

8. Half-Day Marlborough Wine Region Tour from Picton or Blenheim

Marlborough Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 102 reviews

Explore New Zealand's premier wine region on this half-day tour from Picton or Blenheim. Visit four different wineries in the Marlborough wine region, stroll through the vineyards, and sample wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. This small-group tour is limited to 11 people and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. NOTE: please do not book this tour if you are on a cruise ship which departs Picton at 6pm or earlier.

Inclusions: Professional driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Visits to four wineries, Wine tasting

Exclusions: Lunch (optional; extra cost)

Reviewed By MargaretG2064

The driver was really informed both about the wines and about the region. We had a lovely selection of wines followed by a superb meal. Highly recommended - even for people like us who are only very occasional wine drinkers and know very little about the subject.

9. Full Day Queen Charlotte Kayak and Walking Tour from Picton

1 London Quay, Picton 7220, New Zealand Wilderness Guides - Day Tours
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4.9 based on 18 reviews

This adventure combo is without a doubt, one of the best ways to experience the Marlborough Sounds. On your full day kayak and walking tour you will experience some of the iconic activities of the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound. Spot rays and sea birds while learning about the lush native bush. You will encounter amazing beaches and spectacular views. We have small group sizes with 1 guide per 8 people kayaking

Inclusions: Local guide, Lunch, All necessary equipment included, boat ride back to Picton Waterfront after your walk

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By gordond898

Four of us did the three day , walk , bike and kayak trip . Everything was expertly organised , and we had an incredible time . Beautiful scenery and wildlife , and would thoroughly recommend

10. Full-Day Taste the Wines of Marlborough Tour

Jade Tours
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4.9 based on 50 reviews

Taste some of New Zealand's most vibrant and flavorful wines at the multi-award winning Marlborough cellar doors on this full-day small-group tour. During this scenic journey around the valley, you will encounter a range of fruity Sauvignon Blancs, lusty Aromatics and Pinot Noir to die for. Enjoy lunch (at your own cost) at a vineyard restaurant and finish your tour with a taste of hand-made gourmet chocolates. What an exceptional day!

Inclusions: All tasting fees, Bottled water and snacks on bus, Hotel pick up and drop off, Wine tasting

Exclusions: Lunch, Any purchases

Reviewed By Travelbug2309

Had a great day with Sue. It was just the 2 of us on the tour but she pulled out all the stops and made us feel extremely welcome. We covered 5 vineyards and had a great lunch. She had an excellent relationship with all the staff at the places we visited so we were treated very well. We liked that we went to both very familiar vineyards and others that we didn't know at all and had a very wide range of tastings.

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