Your Winter Guide to Marlborough

Accommodation Deals

Cosy up in a boutique cottage among the vines this Winter. Stay two nights or more between May & September 2025 and get a free full-day Explore Marlborough self-guided biking wine tour for two!

Escape Ordinary this Winter - experience the magic of Marlborough. Marlborough’s urban retreat, 14th Lane is a fully refurbished heritage building that combines elegant simplicity with the luxury of modern tactile materials. Enjoy 25% off using promo code WINTERBREAK25 when you book online.
01 June 25 - 30 Sept 25 - room only, min 2 night stay.

Overlooking Seymour Square Gardens, the Chateau Marlborough is a locally owned and operated 5-star hotel within a two-minute walk of Blenheim's town centre. Stay for the minimum 2 nights and enjoy 20% off your total stay plus $50.00 Food and Beverage credit to enjoy in our Quench Restaurant.

Indulge in a romantic escape with a touch of Europe in Marlborough. Stay for three nights and pay for two, with a bottle of Champagne included. To book: email stay@frenchfieldsnz.co.nz
Deal valid until 30 Sep 2025

Cosy fires to snuggle beside, delicious meals to savour, sumptuous rooms to unwind in and leisurely breakfasts to start the day. Stay 2 nights and receive 2 course dinner (2 guests) at our awarded restaurant Harvest on one night of your stay.
$2,550 - 1st June - 30th Sept 2025.

Spacious, modern, inviting and exclusively yours for the duration of your stay. The Nineteenth has been fitted out with all the necessary luxury items to make it your home away from home. Stay for a minimum of two nights and enjoy 20% off your total stay plus a bottle of Marlborough wine on arrival
Travel period: Deal valid until 30 September 2025
To book: email stay@thenineteenth.co.nz
Winter Must-Dos: Family Favourites

Jump aboard the iconic Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise this Winter. Spectacular bays, scenic views, wildlife encounters and insightful commentary.
Runs Monday, Wednesday, Fridays during Winter.

As a sea postie for the day, cruise through the most remote part of the Marlborough Sounds - Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere. Learn about local history, the mussel industry and stories of the people who and work in this fantastic area.
Runs Monday & Friday during Winter.

Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds with this awesome little one-day guided sea kayak trip. This tour takes in the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound with its sheltered coves, beautiful beaches, azure blue waters and lush native bush – stopping at a secluded beach for a yummy lunch. Learn about the history of the area from our knowledgeable, relaxed and friendly guides.

Paddle through the turquoise waters of the Kenepuru Sound – past sandy beaches, marine farms, and even a shipwreck, before returning to Portage Bay. The Kenepuru Sound is the smallest of the three major waterways that make up the Marlborough Sounds. Renowned for its turquoise water colour (due to its shallower waters) the Kenepuru Sound is surrounded by sandy beaches, and is a mix of native bush and farmland. A stunning way to explore this Sound - even in Winter!

Embark on the D’Urville heli-fishing tour with Helicopters Nelson for a luxurious blend of adventure and great food. Enjoy helicopter-assisted reef fishing, targeting species like blue cod. The fresh catch is then cooked on a nearby beach, paired with local wines and craft beers, for a relaxed dining experience amidst pristine beaches and native bush. The return flight offers breathtaking views of Mount Richmond Forest Park. With three landings and around 120 minutes of airtime, this tour combines the thrill of fishing with the serenity of Marlborough’s natural beauty, suitable for both adults and children alike.

Avoid the outdoor chill and step into history at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. This world-class museum showcases Sir Peter Jackson’s impressive WW1 collection in the dramatic Knights of the Sky exhibition. Marvel at life-size aircraft brought to life by top special effects artists. Then, journey into WWII with Dangerous Skies, featuring iconic planes like the Spitfire and immersive experiences like the Stalingrad display. An unforgettable, all-weather adventure for history and aviation lovers alike.
Kids go free 28 June - 13 July inclusive. Plus 2x tours for children per week of the school holidays.

Stretching from the foothills of the Kaikoura Ranges to undulating downs overlooking Cook Strait, Seaview Vineyard is the home of Yealands Wines. It is one of the most dramatic and exciting vineyards in Marlborough; a folded landscape that creates micro climates of growing conditions that provide thrilling variety across our varietals. The White Road is our self-guided 40-minute tour, which begins at the cellar door and winds through the uniquely folded landscape of our coastal vineyard.

While the adults can enjoy the wine.. the kids can feed the animals, explore Butterfly Gully, a local artisan picnic, enjoy a White Road treasure hunt AND even have their very own tasting flight! How good.
$85 for a family of four (2 adults + 2 children). For more details & to book: email cellardoor@yealands.co.nz
Winter Must-Dos: Wine & Food Lovers

Embrace the cooler season - with bikes, wines and a backup plan just incase. Enjoy Marlborough’s celebrated wine region at a relaxed winter pace. With crisp, sunny days often blessing the region in winter, our Winter Wine Wander invites you to explore charming cellar doors, boutique distilleries, artisan treats and scenic vineyards — all from the comfort of your own bike.

A one-stop shop - the team at The Wine Shed have handpicked 15 boutique wineries, hidden gems that produce outstanding wines .You’ll find a diverse range of flavors, from bright, zesty Sauvignon Blancs to rich, velvety Pinot Noirs. Take a moment to see where it all begins, with the people and vineyards that make Marlborough a world-class wine region. Open Friday to Tuesday, 12pm-5pm during Winter.

Escape into the heart of Marlborough for a delightful afternoon among the vines. Whether you're soaking up the sunshine or seeking warmth by a crackling fire inside the cellar door, this tour promises a memorable experience. This tour includes wine tasting at three renowned wineries & carefully curated nibbles at one of the wineries, thoughtfully paired with the wines you’ll be tasting. Led by a passionate and knowledgeable guide, your experience is as flexible as you’d like it to be. We’re happy to tailor the tour to your preferences, including special requests for your favourite wineries. Fireside tours run Wednesday – Sunday through the Winter months.

Celebrate the Winter Solstice on Saturday, June 21st at The Wine Shed & next door in the WineKitchen. Together with Rock Ferry we will try four unique red wines. End the tasting with a beautiful sparkling wine, all enjoyed besides the fireplace with matching snacks. The perfect way to enjoy the longest night with great wine and good company.
Bookings are essential. Email info.thewineshed@gmail.com to reserve your limited spot for $70 per person.

Stretching from the foothills of the Kaikoura Ranges to undulating downs overlooking Cook Strait, Seaview Vineyard is the home of Yealands Wines. Indulge in a lush wine tasting among incredible scenery in South Marlborough.
$150pp, min 2 people max 8.
Allow 1.5-2 hours. Ts &Cs apply.
To book: please email cellardoor@yealands.co.nz

Have a behind the scenes look at Yealands' impressive sustainability initiatives with an insightful guide, paired with a wine tasting.
$90pp min 2 people, max 8. Allow 1.5 hours,Ts & Cs apply.
To book: email 'cellardoor@yealands.co.nz
What's On this Winter?
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Alteration - Fafswag + Pride Wairau Exhibition Opening6 June
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Category - Pride Wairau Vogue Leather and Lace Ball13 - 14 June
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Cosy Sunday Sessions6 July - 7 September
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Devour - Pride Wairau Long Lunch8 June
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Enchanted Evenings6 - 28 June
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Eli Matthewson - Pride Wairau Stand-up Comedy Night10 June
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Euphoria - Pride Wairau Circuit Closing Night Party14 - 15 June
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French Wine Tasting13 June
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IDENTITY - Pride Wairau Short Film and Creative Showcase9 June
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Ignite - Pride Wairau Opening Night Party6 June
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Lego Club8 June - 21 December
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Matariki Night Market 202514 June
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Monthly Curated Tastings at Spy Valley4 June - 8 August
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Silent Book Club Session4 June - 3 December
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Winter Fireplace TrailWhen visiting Marlborough, why not take yourself on a foodie adventure and taste locally grown Greenshell™ Mussels. Seventy percent of New Zealand’s Greenshell™ Mussels are grown here in the Marlborough Sounds as this environment provides a perfect growing space for them.
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Cafes & RestaurantsWorld class Sauvignon Blanc, matched with the freshest seafood, crisp, flavour-filled local produce and a drizzle of Marlborough olive oil...
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10 Blenheim restaurants you need to eat at right nowFrom fine dining set in the vines to lively Brazilian-inspired fare and casual gastro-pub eats, no matter what you’re craving, there’s a place for you on this list.
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Discover Romance in MarlboroughPlan your trip with this list of unforgettable activities and exclusive accommodation options that are sure to put butterflies in your stomach, and have you reaching for those Do Not Disturb signs.