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

Indulge in a five-star experience at many luxury retreats offering premium food, wine and brilliant views, whether it be in a secluded bay in the Marlborough Sounds, or among the vines in Marlborough. Wine tours are plentiful with group or private tours available by bike or luxury van.

DAY 1

Private Wine Tours

Enjoy a private tour of Marlborough’s famous wine trail and sample New Zealand’s internationally-acclaimed Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals on one of many wine tours. Relax and unwind over a leisurely lunch at one of the many award-winning winery restaurants, and match fresh local produce with the wine to create the ultimate ocean-to-plate, vine-to-glass experience.

Finish the day off in style at one of many luxury retreats among the vines, or get a head start on your next day and indulge in a romantic stay at a resort in the Marlborough Sounds.

DAY 2

The Marlborough Sounds

Relax in the morning or for the ultimate indulgence enjoy a massage at a day spa, followed by a private transfer to Picton and exploration of the Marlborough Sounds by boat.

Catch a fish from the pristine waters of the Marlborough Sounds, for the onboard chef to prepare along with other local delicacies – King Salmon, oysters and Greenshell™ mussels. Match it with a glass of your favourite Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc or other wine.

If you are wanting something more active, enjoy a guided walking, biking or kayaking tour along Marlborough’s iconic Queen Charlotte Track, stopping at a luxury lodge along the way for lunch. Stay the night at a luxury lodge in the Marlborough Sounds and enjoy watching the sun go down over a glass of local wine.

DAY 3

Options Galore

Depart your accommodation by boat or helicopter and head back to the wine region for more wining and dining.

Alternatively, visit local gardens and artists’ studios, or be inspired by the heroes of World War One aviation at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre made possible by Sir Peter Jackson’s Wingnut Films and Weta Workshop.

These are just ideas to get you started, you can easily spend a few weeks here in sunny Marlborough.