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

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.

DAY 1

Wine Country

Arrive in Marlborough in the morning ready to start your wine tour late morning. Join a guided van or bike tour, or hire a bike, and choose from more than 30 cellar doors, tasting award winning wines along the way. Indulge in a leisurely lunch at a vineyard restaurant, and pair the wine with local produce to create the ultimate match made in Marlborough.

Stay the night in your choice of Marlborough accommodation whether it be in the heart of Blenheim, amongst the vines or in the seaside town of Picton.

Arriving early? Full day wine touring options are also available or make time for a visit to the internationally acclaimed Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, with its theatrical displays of WWI and WWII aircraft and memorabilia.

Fun Fact: Omaka's WW1 exhibition is a collection of Peter Jackson's (the man behind The Lord of The Rings movies) aircraft, and the scenes have been helped come to life by Weta Workshop.

DAY 2

The Marlborough Sounds

Make your way to Picton or Havelock – two scenic seaside towns and gateways to the Marlborough Sounds. Spend some time in Picton and Havelock exploring boutique shops and galleries, relaxing at cafes with brilliant views, or exploring the surrounding walking and biking trails.

Explore the Marlborough Sounds, where 1500km of winding coastline is home to secluded bays, historic sites, marine reserves and precious island sanctuaries, which foster kiwi and other native species. Cruise or kayak your way through the Marlborough Sounds, home to dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds. Walk or cycle over bush clad ridgelines of the 72km Queen Charlotte Track (A to B on the Map) starting at Ship Cove, Captain Cook’s favourite NZ landing site. If you're short on time, you can also walk just a section of the track, with watertaxis providing return transfers from Picton. The watertaxis also come into their own with the option of having your heavy packs transfered to your accommodation each night, allowing to walk with just a day pack.

If you're looking for an unforgettable drive out of Havelock, head out towards the iconic Pelorus Bridge, before heading into the Marlborough Sounds and out to French Pass for one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. Another scenic drive is to travel between Picton and Havelock via Queen Charlotte Drive, offering stunning views out to the sounds.

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