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Marlborough, New Zealand Food & drinks

Our most recommended Marlborough, New Zealand Food & drinks

Marlborough Full Day Wine Tour

1. Marlborough Full Day Wine Tour

You will be collected from your Blenheim hotel at 10.00 AM (collections from Picton are available at a small surcharge per group). Your guide will discuss the choice of vineyards and your wine preferences to enable him to plan the most suitable route through the winding vineyard roads. Relax in the luxury minibus as your guide describes the enigmatic history of Marlborough and it's world famous wines. Each cellar door in the Wairau Valley is unique, reflecting the rare conditions which make their wines special. The bright Sauvignon Blancs, delectable Pinot Noir and tropical Aromatics have won multiple international wine awards. Not even the French can match the quality of the Sauvignon Blanc. Your tour through the vineyards will visit a variety of famous internationally branded cellar doors to the boutique family-run winery, to illustrate the diversity of wines available.  Join your guide on a stroll through a vineyard to learn about the unique conditions which produce such stunning wines and the challenges that our wine makers must overcome to consistently produce award winning aromas and textures. Smell the wine in the barrel rooms as it matures in the oak casks. We stop for lunch at a stunning vineyard restaurant where you can savor Marlborough delicacies, from simple cheese platters to Royal salmon and Mussels or other regional specialties. Whilst your food is being prepared, you can move through to the tasting room to meet the cellar hosts as they discuss their range of wines on offer. Continue to enjoy the wines at other cellar doors after lunch. Our last stop is at the local Chocolate Factory to taste exquisite hand-made gourmet chocolates and watch the staff demonstrate their mastery of the chocolatier's skills. Your tour will end with your safe delivery back to your hotel in Blenheim or ship in Picton.

Marlborough Full-Day Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour

2. Marlborough Full-Day Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour

Discover the beauty of Marlborough your way and enjoy a self-guided wine tour. You will be set up with a bike, helmet, and a wine map before being sent on your way with all the insights you need to craft your own unforgettable Marlborough wine adventure. The terrain is flat, the biking is easy, and the scenery is stunning. Spending the day cycling between vineyards is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of Marlborough. The bike rental base is within 3 kilometers of over a dozen wineries. There are off-road parking and an on-site café where you can pick up a picnic lunch or a drink before your adventure begins. Free transport to the Vines Village from Blenheim and Renwick accommodation is included with all full day bike hire, meaning you can just relax and enjoy your day. Pick-up from Picton can be arranged for an additional cost. 

Onshore Highlights of Marlborough's Wine Region from Picton

3. Onshore Highlights of Marlborough's Wine Region from Picton

The Port of Picton in the Queen Charlotte Sound welcomes cruise ships throughout the season and it is a lovely seaside spot to explore. Just 25 minutes south of Picton, your tour takes you on a scenic journey to enjoy the famous Marlborough wine and gourmet region. The most popular highlights of the day are wine tasting, sampling local gourmet treats and the spectacular scenic routes of the vineyards, Wairau Plains, mountain ranges and farmlands while traveling to and from the most beautiful winery gardens and cellar doors. Experience gourmet treats of cheese tasting, manuka honey, oils, liqueurs, a refreshing gelato or decadent fudge. Seasonal produce is also available at roadside stalls from December through to February. You can take these aboard but must eat them before you disembark. Juicy strawberries, cherries, apricots and nectarines. Although your cruise ship caters well for you, a light tapas or cheese/meat/seafood platter with matching wines is a great way to experience the local cuisine. Your local chauffeur/guide arranges a picturesque winery garden or a chateau high on a hill with magnificent views for your pleasure. If time allows you can also request a stop at the Omaka Aviation Air Centre where you can view Peter Jackson’s amazing displays of his classic aircraft of WW1 and WW2.  The tour can continue and your chauffeur/guide will return for you to join the rest of the group within 1-2 hours. A fabulous memorabilia shop is also there for you along with delicious cafe treats. Generally tours last around 4-5 hours but flexibility is given for each ships schedule and the tour caters for passengers comfort and requirements.  Travel in comfortable small personal vehicles of 6, 9 or 11 seats and will return at least 2 hours prior to your ship's scheduled departure. Before leaving Blenheim you should visit the Makana Boutique Chocolate Confections – a treat not to be missed. For a highlight to end a wonderful day when you arrive back in Picton, why not take advantage of a short 15 minute return drive from the township to the Victoria Domain for high vantage views of Picton Port, Queen Charlotte Sound and your ship. Your local chauffeur/guide is a local owner who has great passion for the Marlborough region and looks forward to sharing it all with you. 

Picton: Marlborough Wineries & Hotspots Hop-on Hop-off Tour

4. Picton: Marlborough Wineries & Hotspots Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Enjoy the flexibility of exploring Marlborough at your own pace without the stress of wondering where to go. Spend more time exploring with the conveniently organized transportation of this hop-on hop-off tour.  Sit back and relax on a comfortable coach as your knowledgeable driver prepares you with all the information needed for a fantastic day out.  Visit popular attractions and local gems in Marlborough, including museums, breweries, restaurants, activity centers, shopping areas, and of course, some of the best breweries and wineries in the region.  Jump on and off as you please, visiting as many destinations as you like and choosing your duration of stay at each spot.

Marlborough: Wineries Visit and Tasting Session

5. Marlborough: Wineries Visit and Tasting Session

This half-day tour begins with pickup from the meeting points in Blenheim then heads out into the rolling countryside of Marlborough.  Sip is ideal for gaining an introduction to Marlborough’s incredible wine region in a fun and relaxed way. Visit some of the region’s top cellar doors, and sample a selection of the very best wines. While you taste, learn about each of the wines and how they’re made, as well as the people who make them and the history of the wineries. At the end of a beautiful afternoon, enjoy drop-off at around 5:30 PM.

From Picton: Marlborough Sounds Cruise with Seafood

6. From Picton: Marlborough Sounds Cruise with Seafood

Cruise the pristine waters of the Marlborough Sounds on a scenic tour from Picton and admire breathtaking views of nature. Indulge in fresh, locally-caught seafood, including Regal salmon and Greenshell mussels, perfectly paired with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Board the vessel at Picton Marina and set sail into the striking Queen Charlotte Sound. Become surrounded by forested hills and keep an eye out for local wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and birds. Learn about local history and the marine farming industry in the area. Enjoy the boat's indoor and outdoor areas for views of the hills from different perspectives and taste delicious seafood paired with a glass of wine. For an extra drink, take advantage of the onboard licensed bar, serving a good range of snacks and Marlborough wines, beers, juice, and bottled water. Finally, turn around and return to Picton Marina.

Blenheim: Progressive Wine & Gourmet Trail of Marlborough

7. Blenheim: Progressive Wine & Gourmet Trail of Marlborough

Marlborough's wine and gourmet experience is something you should not miss. Plus, you will have complimentary wine for couples and single travelers (One glass per person). Enjoy an all-inclusive tour with your own chauffeur/ guide. This is a small group tour for only up to six persons. Single travelers are welcome. As noted in this tour it say 'Full Meal' - this is spaced out through the day into 5 wine tastings and with a close food match, a special treat gives you sweet dessert wine/late harvest and a special ice-cream treat. If you do not drink wine, a substitute of your choice is welcome. Your Progressive Wine and Gourmet Trail has been designed for you to get the best Marlborough has to offer, departing from Blenheim or Picton. Marlborough provides a superb selection of winery restaurants and cafes that can offer the most amazing experiences and what better way to enjoy and taste your wine. A menu will be created for you to enjoy with the best Marlborough wine match. it is recommended that you book in advance so your chauffeur/ guide can plan the best selection for you and ensure catering is observed for any special requirements. Your perfect day will include up to five course selections for your gourmet and wine trail. Spend a little more time to relax over your main course and for your end of day stop, relax with a wine and tapas and a view of a beautiful Wairau Valley sunset.

Marlborough Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim

8. Marlborough Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim

Discover the flavors of Marlborough on a half-day small-group tour. Be picked up from your Blenheim accommodation and travel through the scenic beauty of the Marlborough vineyards. Collection from Picton is available at a small surcharge per group. Relax in a luxury minibus as your guide shares insight into the region’s history and world famous wines. You will visit five cellar doors on this tour from famous internationally branded cellar doors to boutique family-run wineries. Requests for particular wineries will be accommodated where possible.  Stroll through a vineyard with your guide. Learn about the region’s unique conditions and the challenges wine makers must overcome. A table for lunch at a cellar door restaurant can be booked for you for an additional cost. Sample hand-made chocolates at the local Chocolate Factory. Your tour will end with your safe delivery back to your hotel around 3 PM. 

Marlborough Half Guided & Half Self-Guided Bike Wine Tour

9. Marlborough Half Guided & Half Self-Guided Bike Wine Tour

Enjoy a morning guided tour and an afternoon self-guided tour as you bike among Marlborough's vines. Get the best of both worlds as you soak up the knowledge of your expert guide in the morning and do your own exploring in the afternoon. During the morning guided tour, you'll visit at least three wineries and take in the incredible views of the Richmond Range, Wither Hills, Wairau River. Wind along bike paths, quiet country roads, and through the vineyards while learning about Marlborough's wine-making history. Enjoy a small and personal tour with a maximum of eight people. Your guide will answer your questions and ensure you have the best possible experience. In the afternoon, take control of the adventure, armed with your winery map and expert advice from your guide on lunch spots, wineries, and routes. Taste some exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and a range of aromatics. Return to the Vines Village at 4:30 PM for return transport to your hotel.

Marlborough: Full-Day Wine and Seafood Tour with Cruise

10. Marlborough: Full-Day Wine and Seafood Tour with Cruise

Experience the best of beautiful Marlborough on this full-day tour. Get picked up from Blenheim in the morning and head straight to your first of two wineries. Taste award-winning reserve-grade Marlborough wine, talk with respected winemakers, and explore beautiful Marlborough vineyards at both locations. Afterward, drive to Picton to enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch prior to departure onboard our premium catamaran, then sit back for a relaxing seafood cruise for the afternoon, accompanied by fresh local seafood and Marlborough sauvignon blanc as you cruise the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound while cruising aboard a luxury boat, and learn about the local history. Visit a salmon and a mussel farm to experience the Marlborough marine farming industry first hand. Make use of the onboard licensed bar, serving a range of Marlborough wines, along with beers, juice, and bottled water. A range of light snacks, including chips and peanuts, are available to purchase. Enjoy the boat's indoor and outdoor areas for views of the forested hills and clear blue waters from different perspectives.

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What people are saying about Marlborough, New Zealand

Awesome day out, would absolutely recommend to anyone who appreciates good wine with a good story to welcome you to each winery. The cycling was very easy going and the advice and map made it simple to choose a route to find your favourite types of wine. Also being able to buy wine and have the bottles waiting for you on the bus home was handy

Sue was an awesome guide, very kind and interested in her participants. She had a perfect level of giving information, keeping us on schedule but giving the participant the feeling of being relaxed and having all the time you need at every winery.

A really excellent day out. Well organised and punctual - the bikes were great, the advice was great and the location stunning (the wine tasting wasn’t too shabby either ).

We had a great day. Panel went out of her way to create a unique set of experiences that showcased the best of the Marlborough region.

For a half day tour it was amazing taken to some fabulous vineyards even though it was a public holiday and lots were closed