The 7 Best Walking Tours in Marlborough Region, South Island

December 8, 2021 Nobuko Falco

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. Winery Express Tour

10 Malthouse Road, Riverlands, Blenheim 7274, New Zealand Hop n Grape Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

If you are just passing through Marlborough, and have a little time up your sleeve, you will love our express tour! We meet you at Mount Riley Winery where you can join the group for an informative vineyard stroll, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at a modern working winery, and finishing with a private tasting of the Mount Riley wine selection hosted by your wine-wise guide! You can ask all those curly questions, and capture the best behind-the-scenes winery photos before you continue on your merry way. Please note: Due to Health & Safety reasons full access into the working winery may not be available during the busy vintage season months March-April. During this time we stand at a safe distance to observe the winery at work. Tour running time: 10.30am to 12pm approx. Please arrive at least 5 minutes early as this is a group tour. We encourage sober driving – so if you are the driver you have the option to use the spittoon available which means you don’t have to miss out!

Inclusions: All wine tasting fees

Exclusions: Note: Bring a pair of closed shoes (no heels) for our behind-the-scenes winery visit, Note: We encourage our guests to have a good breakfast before the wine tour.

Reviewed By madeleinep884

A great day exploring the Blenheim wineries with Cameron as our tour guide and driver. Learnt a lot and tasted some delicious wine and food. He also suggested a dinner place to accommodate our group of 11 & even organised a taxi for transport to & from. He went above and beyond. Would recommend & would definitely be back again!

2. 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

3. Knights of the Sky - The Great War Exhibition in Blenheim

79 Aerodrome Road, Burleigh, Blenheim 7272, New Zealand Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
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4.7 based on 9 reviews

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre presents the outstanding Knights of the Sky exhibition, featuring Sir Peter Jackson's own collection of World War One aircraft and artifacts. This story of aviation in the Great War is brought to life in sensational sets created by the internationally acclaimed talent of WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Not just for aviation buffs, this world class exhibition has something for everyone.

Inclusions: Local taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Guided commentary unless requested

Reviewed By Sainty1

This was so much better than we ever imagined. The presentation, the stories and of course the planes. Great to see, can't recommend it highly enough. I had thought it would appeal to my husband more than me but that wasnt the case. Go and see it if you are in Blenheim.

4. Ecoworld New Zealand tour from Marlborough Sounds

Picton, Picton, Marlborough Region, South Island EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
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3.6 based on 13 reviews

Get close to  rare living fossil (Tuatara).  Get close to rescued Little Blue Penguin Have fun discovering amazing creatures that live in the Marlborough Sounds New Zealand ✓conservation in action     ✓nature     ✓heritage     ✓explore & learn     ✓family – friendly     ✓FUN EcoWorld’s knowledgeable staff share with you outstanding animal experiences.   You discover some of the amazing animals that live in our beautiful Marlborough Sounds.  All our animals have been rescued by us, donated to us or bred by us.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Drinks, Food and drinks, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By BelindaC1248

$76 for a family of 4. You can see everything in 15 mins. Pretty dark inside hard to read signs. Really not much there at all wouldn’t recommend.

5. Picton Self-Guided Audio Tour

Picton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, The Foreshore, Picton 7220, New Zealand Audio Tourist/Citywalksz Ltd
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3.5 based on 4 reviews

Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour. Enjoy a cultural self-guided audio tour of the serene seaside area of Picton. This tour will take you on a historical journey where you will learn about Picton’s Māori past and see sights such as the ancient Whaling Harpoon and postcard perfect Picton foreshore.

Inclusions: Zip folder of audio files and map, Self-Guided Audio Tour, Self-Paced, Downloadable link to download mp3 file and map

Exclusions: Audio device, Transportation, Food/drinks, Headphones

Reviewed By victoriapQ8059YG

Absolutely stunning scenery if the weather is right - and go to the loo before setting off on the trek! Also remember to download the audio prior to your visit so you don't have any connection issues and because it is far cheaper with no roaming charges. Brilliant commentary I thought and the Maori element was welcomed.

6. 5-Day New Zealand North and South Island Highlights Tour

Leisure Tours
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3.3 based on 8 reviews

Journey through the North Island of New Zealand and explore Waitomo, Rotorua and Lake Taupo, and discover the natural beauty of Kaikoura and Christchurch on this 5-day trip from Auckland to Christchurch or vice versa. See the glow worms at Waitomo Caves, relax at Rotorua's geothermal wonderland, see Giant Sperm Whales where mountains meet sea and be mesmerized by the natural beauty of New Zealand. This 5-day tour will have you travelling by coach, train and ferry with plenty of time at leisure to make this holiday truly magical.

Inclusions: Driver/Guides, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off, 4 nights accommodation, Waitomo Glow Worm Caves tour, Rotorua Activities, Ferry between Wellington and Picton, TranzCoastal train journey between Picton and Kaikoura (only from 01 October to 30 April), Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities (Optional)

Reviewed By ClosesOnTour

Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.

7. Breakfast in the Sounds

18 Wellington Street, Picton 7220, New Zealand Lochmara Lodge Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Recovery Centre

The best way to start your day - Breakfast in the Queen Charlotte Sound at the waterfront cafe at Lochmara. Depart from Picton at 9am and be back in Picton by 11.20am ready to continue on with your day. Choose from any delicious breakfast off the blackboard menu and includes a hot drink of your choice. Sit inside or outside on the deck and afterwards you will have time to have wonder around the grounds.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By 786Nicola

Wow what stunning views!! The staff in restaurant were great and food was fabulous, we were a group of 14 and loved all meals. Great views and atmosphere. Also worth paying the extra money to do the bush walk with some amazing cravings in the trees you can walk past them and not see them so look up in the trees.

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