What to do and see in Marlborough Region, South Island: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

July 29, 2021 Russell Mellin

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. Marlborough Sounds

Picton New Zealand +64 3-577 5587 http://www.marlborough.co.nz/sounds.asp
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
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5.0 based on 688 reviews

Marlborough Sounds

Reviewed By paulohartson1 - Amersham, United Kingdom

Take the scenic route from Nelson and you'll find laybys at the side of the road that give you stunning views down the sounds

2. Marlborough Wine Tours

Excellent
94%
Good
6%
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5.0 based on 606 reviews

Marlborough Wine Tours

We provide tours around the Marlborough wineries. We make every effort to make them to individual needs where possible and include sightseeing and lots of information on the Marlborough region. We cater for all types of Wine Tour including Private Tours. Please enquire by emailing us for more information.

3. Wine Tours By Bike

Excellent
95%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
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5.0 based on 704 reviews

Wine Tours By Bike

A very warm welcome from Steve and Jo. "This is self-guided biking at its best!". Starting from our base in Renwick, where the highest concentration of cellar doors is found, you will have the freedom to set the pace & decide how far you want to bike, who you want to visit, & all without the pressure of having to keep up with others. FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE TO & FROM YOUR ACCOMMODATION (within 15km of our base in Renwick) so you don’t have to risk drinking & driving. Full emergency back-up service in case you have an issue with your bike (eg. puncture or chain falling off), hi-vis helmets & a detailed cellar door map, a briefing at the start to help you get orientated with the area & to tell you about the different cellar doors & what they offer. Up to date menus for lunch ideas & help to book a table. Free collection of any wines bought on the day. Range of step-thru bikes, tandems, trikes & 4 wheeled bikes (roadsters) & kids bikes. Tow-alongs & trailers (FOC) for families.

4. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

79 Aerodrome Road, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand +64 3-579 1305 [email protected] http://www.omaka.org.nz
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,533 reviews

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was established to provide a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft. Some of New Zealand's most respected cinematic and special effects craftsmen have created a dramatic aviation theatre in which original and full-scale replica WW1 and WW2 aircraft, both static and flyable, are presented in all their glory. The museum is home to two exhibitions, "Knights of the Sky" and "Dangerous Skies". The former is on long-term loan from film director Sir Peter Jackson and comprises one of the world's largest collections of World War One aircraft and rare memorabilia. Thanks to Sir Peter's generosity the aircraft have been brought to life in a series of dioramas created by Wingnut Films and enhanced with lifelike mannequins by Weta Workshop. "Dangerous Skies" utilised local talent and features stories from World War Two and takes visitors on a geographical as well as an historical journey.

Reviewed By Wander46757584245 - Dunedin, New Zealand

Amazing display of aircraft - highest level of detail we've encountered worldwide at an aviation museum. 100% recommend !

5. Bladen Wines

83 Conders Bend Road, Renwick 7275 New Zealand +64 3-572 9417 [email protected] http://www.bladen.co.nz
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
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Terrible
1%
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5.0 based on 106 reviews

Bladen Wines

Wine Tasting with the owners family. Small boutique wine producer in an small and friendly tasting facility. Christmas Closure: 23-26th December inclusive Closed: New Years Day

Reviewed By 367lyndals - Christchurch, New Zealand

We visited this boutique cellar door on our wine tour & were delighted with a lovely warm reception by the family dogs & owner who told us the lovely story of how their family became vintners & conception of the cellars name. We enjoyed some beautiful wines & ended up purchasing a bottle of Rose to enjoy later. A lovely way to spend an afternoon.

6. Hedgerows Hydroponic Strawberries

205 Old Renwick Road Entrance on Rene Street, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand +64 3-578 5268 [email protected] http://www.hedgerows.co.nz
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 62 reviews

Hedgerows Hydroponic Strawberries

Hedgerows is a boutique hydroponic farm specializing in providing premium grade hydroponic strawberries for everyone. Our shop and garden is situated in the heart of the our farm. Come sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh strawberries, strawberry preserves and real fruit ice-cream or frozen yogurt. Hedgerows is family owned and operated with a fresh and welcoming atmosphere. Open from September to January.

Reviewed By buckeyetravel - Ohio, United States

They make fruit ice cream in a unique way in NZ. They take fresh fruit and vanilla ice cream and put them into a device that is like an auger that crushes and mixes the berries and ice cream together. Very fresh way to add fruit instead of the typical way to add the fruit when making the ice cream not at the point of sale. I like this method as the fruit is fresh and mixed right in. The berries here are like perfect berries as they are bright red and have undamaged skin unlike fruit that grows in a field and may get moldy or dirty as they berries grow. The fruit tasted very good by itself as well as we bought a container of fruit along with our ice cream. I saw a review that said they were expensive but we bought two ice cream cones and small package of berries for $7 US so we thought that was a great deal! Nice place for a stop on the drive from Picton down the East Coast.

7. Yealands Estate

Corner of Seaview and Reserve Roads, Seddon 7285 New Zealand +64 3-575 7618 [email protected] http://www.yealands.co.nz/
Excellent
85%
Good
15%
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5.0 based on 149 reviews

Yealands Estate

After a beautiful winter makeover, our revamped, contemporary tasting room is the perfect place to relax while you sample a selection of our finest wines from Seaview Estate, including our Single Vineyard collection which is the ultimate expression of our spectacular coastal vineyard. We have a delicious selection local cheeses and cured meats, which can be enjoyed while you enjoy a glass of wine, or head off on a complimentary, self-guided White Road tour. There are plenty of sheltered picnics areas where you can stop and enjoy the sights. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Reviewed By FortesNZ123

Thank you Billy and India for a thoroughly enjoyable experience at Yealands. My highlight for our trip to the South Island so far. Loved the wine, particularly the Rose, loved the people, loved the architecture, loved the sustainability, loved the white road tour.

8. Framingham Wines

19 Conders Bend Road, Renwick 7243 New Zealand +64 3-572 8884 [email protected] http://www.framingham.co.nz
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 180 reviews

Framingham Wines

Visit us...Our winery and cellar door is nestled in 17 hectares of vineyards and beautifully manicured gardens, with spectacular views of the Richmond Ranges. We are open everyday for complimentary wine tastings.Turn down Conders Bend Road from State Highway 6 between the Wairau River Bridge and Renwick to taste Framingham wines at their source. Just 10 minutes’ drive from Blenheim on the main road to Nelson, we’re open everyday from 10.30am until 4.30pm. Relax in the deco-style wooden panelled tasting room, or enjoy the sunshine and roses in our sheltered courtyard. Let us give you an insight into how our wines are crafted to make the most of the Wairau Valley climate as you savour our diverse range. Wander the vineyard or venture downstairs to explore the cellar, where we keep vintages past and present.

Reviewed By GrizzlyToaster - Wellington, New Zealand

I love Framingham wines and have always loved their riesling - so I chose all their rieslings and they even pulled out an amazing sticky from 2007. The staff were fantastic and really looked after that and even gave my wife a cap for her birthday. Really beautiful setting with cool art space below. A definite must on any wine tour

9. Huia

22 Boyces Road R.d.3, Rapaura, Blenheim 7273 New Zealand +64 3-572 8326 [email protected] http://Www.hunkydorywine.co.nz
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

Huia

Reviewed By ericmK8735LG - Villeneuve d'Ascq, France

On a seriously rainy day, cycling through the Marlborough wine country (wine tours by bike !) we stopped at Huia cellar door to a brilliant welcome and the most informative and interactive tasting of the day. We even learnt that smelling coffee is the best way to clear your nose for wine tasting. Great wines, we particularly enjoyed Vanilla notes in the Chardonnay, a truly unique and complex Rose and the fabulous 2013 Pinot Noir

10. Wither Hills Mountainbike Park

Taylor Pass Road, Blenheim New Zealand http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/Recreation/Parks-and-Reserves/Reserves/Blenheim/Wither-Hills-Farm-Park.aspx
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

Wither Hills Mountainbike Park

Reviewed By 741sarahb741 - Tauranga, New Zealand

As far as walks go they really don’t get much better than this. We absolutely loved the walk up to Mt Vernon lookout which took about 1.5 hours (including stopping at top and a couple of breathers on way up) - total distance about 6.5kms. Parked at base and the scenery of surrounding hills, tussocks, kowhai and cabbage trees as we walked was outstanding. Not one piece of litter and evidence suggests a well respected walk which is extremely well cared for. Path is super easy and very safe so even if you’re not the fittest person in the world give it a go you’ll thank yourself for it - a must do in Blenheim

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