Things to do in Marlborough Region, South Island: The Best Food Tours

An experienced local chauffeur/guide will take you on an exciting wine and gourmet experience on this private, full-day tour from Blenheim. You will enjoy stunning scenic views of the Marlborough wine region and taste the sensational wines and seriously delicious gourmet treats and cuisine. Your interests are the priority for the day and can also include the Heritage air museum, award winning gardens, local producers of crafts and talented artisans. Your tour is custom made especially for you.  Your chauffeur/guide is a professional local to ensure you receive the very best Marlborough has to offer. Your tour will be in a comfortable 6 seat vehicle with wide window view advantages. Tours depart from Blenheim with flexible tour times to suit your own schedule. Treat yourself to this tour of discovery and experience the very essence of Marlborough.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Gourmet treat tasting, Wine tasting, Chocolates, Local guide, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Lunch

A private winter wine and scenic tour departing Picton at 10:20am and returning at 4:30pm is the perfect option for discovering Marlborough which has the record for the longest sunshine hours in New Zealand. There are plenty of sensational wines, gourmet delights and stunning scenic landscapes all year round for you to enjoy. Indoor and outdoor itineraries are custom made to suit your day. Travel in comfort with your tour guide, a local owner with experience and knowledge to share. Relax and enjoy the sunshine with views of the snowy mountain tops in the distance. Your tour is custom-made to include any of your requests and your chauffeur/guide can recommend the very best highlights of Marlborough. Our local cuisine at our winery cafes and restaurants is a total experience where you could taste our local mussels and salmon. Lunch is at your cost, however all wine tasting fees are included.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Wine tasting

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch

A private winter wine and scenic tour departing Blenheim at 11:00 am and returning at 4:00 pm is the perfect option for discovering Marlborough which has the record for the longest sunshine hours in New Zealand. There are plenty of sensational wines, gourmet delights and stunning scenic landscapes all year round for you to enjoy. Indoor and outdoor itineraries are custom made to suit your day. Travel in comfort with your tour guide, a local owner with experience and knowledge to share. Relax and enjoy the sunshine with views of the snowy mountain tops in the distance.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Wine tasting, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch

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

JUST FOR SOLO travellers: wine, gourmet & scenic delights tour captures ‘The Essence’ of the Marlborough Wine Region.of sensational wines, stunning landscapes and seriously delicious gourmet. Most tours offer a private tour only, however with this local chauffeur guide a tour has been created just for you at a very special individual rate.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Wine tasting, Professional guide, Complimentary chocolates and gift

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Marlborough wines and Marlborough gourmet treats are the highlight of this tour.  When you want a small group and a comfy small mini van style for you and your friends this is the tour for you! No more than 9 seats  gives you a relaxed and personal experience tasting delicious wines and hearing about our great wine and food region that sets the amazing passion and memories for your visit. The scenic journey along the way will knock your socks off (astound you!) and you have the option of enjoying the beautiful water ways of the Marlborough Sounds and tasting our local seafood sensations with wine of course. If you are staying in Blenheim or Picton you are picked up from your accommodation and returned at the conclusion of your tour. 

Inclusions: Bottled water, Food tasting, Wine tasting, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch

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.

Let our winemaker tailor a Marlborough wine tour especially for you or your group’s needs… or let us surprise you with something special! You decide the start and finish time of the tour. Visit your favourite wineries without having to compromise with others in the group. You can get behind the scenes for a private tasting, or take a drive through the Awatere Valley and soak up Marlborough’s stunning scenery. We can focus on boutique, or organic wineries, breweries, combine fine wine and food… anything is possible with a private tour. This option is recommended for larger groups or families with children under the age of 12. We can visit wineries more suited to young families to keep everyone happy. If you are arriving on a cruise ship into Picton we can arrange a tour that works around your ship’s schedule. For larger groups, or to find out more about our Private Tour options please check out our website and contact us for a quote on 021 157 4094.

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

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

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

Afternoon cellar door tour with a lunch stop. A good option for people who are passing through with less time to spare who still desire the expert knowledge and connections that a winemaker tour guide can offer. On our half day tour you get up close and personal with the Marlborough wine region. You visit 3-4 wineries which can include a local brewery on request or a visit to Makana Chocolate Shop. Lunch at a vineyard restaurant is always a highlight for our half-day customers. Contact us to upgrade to a "Full-day Winemaker's Tour" which includes an informative vineyard stop, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at a modern working winery! 0800 478 868

Inclusions: All wine tasting fees, Air-conditioned vehicle, Free door-to-door collection and drop off from Blenheim/Renwick areas, Lunch stop during the tour - however at your own cost

Exclusions: Lunch - at your own cost on the day, Picton, Havelock, Rarangi Transfers NOT available on the half-day tour