Guide

Suggested Trips

Check out these recommended trips in Marlborough. These are a few sample itineraries that are a great starter to planning your unforgettable trip in Marlborough.

Marlborough Highlights

This itinerary has been designed to fit into a shorter New Zealand itinerary featuring Marlborough's two most well-known assets, wine and the Marlborough Sounds.
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Taste Bud Sensation

This itinerary is for people who not only love food and wine, but also enjoy the journey from the farmer’s gate to the dinner plate.
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Walks, bike rides and kayaking

Get moving by foot, bike or kayak and experience both the Marlborough Sounds and the cellar doors.
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Family Fun

An itinerary for those looking for a brilliant family holiday in Marlborough with the kids.
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Marlborough Heritage

For those wanting a cultural experience, the following itinerary showcases the best of Marlborough’s art and heritage.
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Luxury Retreats & Wine Tours

Indulge in a five-star experience or romantic escape with premium food and wine, world-class restaurants and luxury accommodation.
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Stephanie McIntyre

“We are so spoilt in Marlborough when it comes to great food. We’ve got crayfish from the east coast and salmon, oysters and mussels grown in the Marlborough Sounds."

My insider guide to Marlborough

Read our guides

Marlborough Highlights

Taste Bud Sensation

Walks, bike rides and kayaking

Family Fun

Marlborough Heritage

Luxury Retreats & Wine Tours

Walks, bike rides and kayaking

**The Queen Charlotte Track is open however, access through the Kenepuru Road and DOC campsites on the Kenepuru side past Te Mahia are closed. Please head herefor road updates.**

Experience the many walks, bike rides and kayaking trips in Marlborough, from the winding waters of the Marlborough Sounds, to the 30+ winery cellar doors.

DAY 1

The Queen Charlotte Track

Arrive in Marlborough, and head out to Ship Cove by watertaxi, the start of the 72km Queen Charlotte Track. Walk, bike or kayak the track, or opt to complete a half or full day section with the aid of watertaxi transfers, and admire the stunning views from the skyline ridges. Enjoy a packed lunch on a remote beach and have your luggage transported to your accommodation by watertaxi. Stay the night at one of the many seaside lodges, B&Bs and holiday houses along the track, or for the really active people, carry your tent and sleep under the stars!

Tip: Most people bike the track over three days, or walk it in four days. There are numerous walks in Marlborough if this one isn't for you.

DAY 2 (..3 or 4)

The Marlborough Sounds

Continue your journey along the Queen Charlotte Track by foot, bike or kayak, or for something different, swim with dolphins in the sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds on a wildlife cruise. Stay overnight in Picton or a waterside lodge in the Marlborough Sounds....or that tent.

LAST DAY..or two

Wine Tour

Transfer to Blenheim, the biggest town in the Marlborough region. Take a wine tour by bike or hire a bike and do a self-guided tour around the cellar doors in the region. Have lunch at one of the many award-winning winery restaurants along the way.

If you’re feeling particularly active, finish the day with a walk or mountain bike up the Wither Hills and check out the outstanding views across to Wellington from the top.

Overnight in a local hotel or motel, or one of the many boutique B&Bs or vineyard cottages dotted throughout the wine region.

These are just ideas to get you started, you can easily spend a week or two here in sunny Marlborough.