Things to do in Marlborough Region, South Island: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

October 7, 2021 Major Galusha

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. Full-Day Omaka Aviation Heritage Center and Wine Tasting Tour

Your Local Chauffeur
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This full-day small-group tour from Blenheim or Picton takes you to the Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre (entry fees apply). This is a popular icon stop with Peter Jackson's collection of classic aircraft and his amazing heritage WW1 and WW2 displays.  Scheduled tours are available and also options for a personal guide (additional costs apply). It is recommended that 1 – 1.5 hours is set aside for you to wander among the life-like displays of the past heritage activities and the most generous collection of personal memorabilia. This heritage delights tour can be tailor-made for your group to mix and match with more heritage options and some wine tasting, visit some of the local artisans and enjoy the scenic aspect of the beautiful Wairau Valley and plains. A stop for lunch (additional costs apply) at one of the picturesque wineries is part of your day as well as a must stop at the Makana Chocolate Boutique confections. 

Inclusions: Wine tasting, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water, Local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks

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!

2. Kakapo 21 Day New Zealand Small Group Tour

Grand Mercure Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand MoaTrek
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5.0 based on 41 reviews

Small Groups - Maximum 18 travellers per tour. NZ Family Owned since 1971 - Many NZ tour companies are Australian owned. Off the Beaten Track Destinations - where big coaches can't go. Flexibility - Time to add as many (or few) activities around the country as you like. Walking - For those who would like to, there are lots of short walks all over the country, your guides will help you find them. Kiwi Guides - Our guides are all passionate Kiwis who know the country like the back of their hands.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Private transportation, 20 Included Activities as per itinerary

Exclusions: Flights from your home country to New Zealand, Single Accommodation Supplement for Sole Room Use.

Reviewed By Wander636823

Kudos to Moa Tours for organising such a great trip. Te Wai Poumanu is beautiful in April with all the autumn colours. This was my first trip with Moa and I have already booked a second one. Special mention must be made of our guide Andrew. His knowledge, passion and enthusiasm shone throughout and he has a great sense of humour, much appreciated when dealing with so many diverse customers. He always went the extra mile to make everyone’s journey enjoyable. I would highly recommend both Moa and Andrew for kiwis wanting to experience the beauty of their own country.

3. Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise

1 London Quay, Picton 7220, New Zealand
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4.7 based on 124 reviews

The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we are the only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service by water in the Queen Charlotte Sound making this a truly unique tour! Come along on the Mail Boat Cruise and share the excitement of Mail Day as the skipper delivers the Rural post bags, groceries and freight to the residents that call the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways home. If time allows the Mail Boat Cruise will take a short stop at one of the brilliant locations within the Queen Charlotte waterways, you route will shown upon check in. Available to purchase for $5 in the office before you depart are Beachcomber Cruises keep cups, we no longer use single use cups on board our vessels due the huge environmental impact. Upon purchase of a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup guests can enjoy tea and coffee onboard for the duration of the tour.

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Restroom on board

Exclusions: Food, Hotel pickup and drop-off

4. 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.

5. Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

1 London Quay, Picton 7220, New Zealand
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4.4 based on 68 reviews

Visit Ship Cove on a morning boat cruise that explores the Marlborough Sounds, a broad network of waterways that makes up 20 percent of New Zealand’s coastline. Enjoy time to disembark at Ship Cove where you can see a memorial to Captain Cook, Maori wood carvings and the sheltered beach. Throughout your journey, marvel at breathtaking scenery and hear informative commentary from your knowledgeable captain about the marine life, cultural history, and natural features of this beautiful region Please note that this tour departs sharply on schedule at 9:00am Tea and coffee is available to purchase prior to your departure for $5 with a complimentary Keep Cup to take away with you.

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Restroom on board

Exclusions: Food, Hotel pickup and drop-off

6. Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

1 London Quay, Picton 7220, New Zealand
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3.9 based on 18 reviews

Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove, learn from your expert captain about wildlife and cultural history, and take in the gorgeous scenery of Queen Charlotte Sound. Look for endangered native birds including the South Island saddleback, king shag, little blue penguin and kiwi as well as seals and rare dolphins. Please note that this tour departs sharply on schedule at 8:00am Tea and coffee is available to purchase prior to your departure for $5 with a complimentary Keep Cup to take away with you. Tea and Coffee facilities after the Motuara Island pick up

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Restroom on board

Exclusions: Food, Hotel pickup and drop-off

7. 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.

8. 11 day - South Island Tour (All inclusive)

Nomads Capital Hostel Wellington, 118/120 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand Kiwi Experience

Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time. This 10 day South Island tour is the ultimate South Island roadie visiting Kaikoura, Christchurch, Tekapo and back across to Christchurch via the famous Arthur’s Pass.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, Accommodation (17 nights), Dinner x2, All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By Dimitrisas100

I booked tickets from kiwi to return to my country because of covid. I went to airport and the airline told me that didn't find my name as a passenger there , and after when i called my airline they told me that it looked that i cancelled my flight and i have to call kiwi. I called kiwi and they told me that they couldn't do anything. It was unexeptable i stayed in the airport and kiwi didn't help me , i lost my flight in a condition such as covid. Only stress and anxiety. Kiwi is very bad.

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