What to do and see in Blenheim, South Island: The Best Wine Tours & Tastings

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

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

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

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

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region.  Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet treats.  Enjoy the wineries or mix and match the day with exciting options. From the Port of Picton your local chauffeur/guide will meet you at the Picton Visitors Centre near the vehicle to take you on a scenic journey through to Blenheim and the famous wine region. Savour our local cuisine in a winery garden café or enjoy a wine with a cheese, meat, seafood platter overlooking our stunning Wairau Valley. Later, visit a chocolate boutique. Ride with peace of mind with flexible drop off to suit your ships scheduled departure. This tour has been created due to the demand for larger but small personal groups of a maximum of 11. A comfortable 11 seat Mini Tour Van is provided for your pleasure.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Convenient complimentary bus shuttle to your tour vehicle and back to ship, Basic wine tasting fees, Complimentary chocolates, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Lunch at own cost due to varying appetites

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

Start the day with collection from your location at 12pm for the Blenheim area. 1/2 day wine tour with lunch lasting about 5 hours. Start with a beautiful winery lunch (at own cost) and tasting then visit another 3 or 4 wineries in the afternoon. All standard tasting fees included. A fun afternoon while being educated by our experienced guides. Enjoy the various grape varieties and wines that Marlborough has to offer while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Wairau Valley.   Learn about the history of the region and maybe challenge yourself on varieties of grapes and types of wines you may not be familiar with. During the tour your guide will introduce each of the wineries and give the history of the region. Time permitting a talk in the vineyard discussing the way Marlborough tends the vines. If you have any special requests please enter these during the booking process.

Inclusions: All standard tasting fees at wineries visited, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch is an extra cost to allow personal selection

Start the day with collection from your location at 1pm for the Blenheim area. 1/2 day wine tour without lunch lasting about 4 hours. Visit approximately 4 wineries in the afternoon. All standard tasting fees included. A fun afternoon while being educated by our experienced guides. Enjoy the various grape varieties and wines that Marlborough has to offer while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Wairau Valley.   Learn about the history of the region and maybe challenge yourself on varieties of grapes and types of wines you may not be familiar with. During the tour your guide will introduce each of the wineries and give the history of the region. Time permitting a talk in the vineyard discussing the way Marlborough tends the vines. If you have any special requests please enter these during the booking process.

Inclusions: All standard tasting fees at wineries visited

Exclusions: Any food you may wish to buy during the tour

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.