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

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Marlborough Highlights

Taste Bud Sensation

Walks, bike rides and kayaking

Family Fun

Marlborough Heritage

Luxury Retreats & Wine Tours

Taste Bud Sensation

This itinerary is for people who love food and wine. Pair world famous Marlborough wine with fresh local seafood for the ultimate vine-to-glass, ocean-to-plate, wine and food experience.

DAY 1

Wine Country

Start your day exploring a selection of over 30 cellar doors on a tour of Marlborough’s wine trail. Compare wines from throughout the region, learn about the history of wine in Marlborough and visit boutique family producers as well as recognised international brands.

Indulge in a leisurely lunch at a vineyard restaurant, and pair the wine with fresh local produce to create the ultimate match made in Marlborough.

For those who are wanting something more active, join a wine tour by bike and cycle your way around the Marlborough wine region.

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

DAY 2

Hidden Surprises

Spend the morning visiting some of Marlborough’s boutique food producers. Sample their delicious products, whether it be olive oil, hazelnuts, herbs, award-winning cheeses or summer fruits – there is sure to be something to delight. Enjoy lunch at your choice of vineyard restaurants, or a cafe or restaurant in Blenheim before spending the afternoon learning how to blend a fine wine… the choices are endless.

Alternatively, explore the Marlborough Sounds on a seafood cruise. Visit a King Salmon farm, learn about mussel farming and sample the freshest of salmon and mussels matched with a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Opt to stay in a watersedge resort or holiday house in the Marlborough Sounds, or relax at one of many accommodations in Picton or Havelock.

NOTE: Seafood cruises are available from Picton or Havelock.

DAY 3

Options Galore

Continuing on the food and wine theme and explore more of Marlborough’s wineries, comparing flavours of the same varietal from across the region. If you're in Marlborough on a Sunday, don’t miss the Farmers’ Market for a collection of produce from throughout the region. In the heart of the wine region you'll also discover a luxurious chocolate factory, with the most amazing selection of sweet treats. Further on, be sure to stop at The Vines Village, home to a collection of boutique stores and family friendly acticvities. If a break from food and wine is needed, visit local gardens and artists’ studiosm, or be inspired by the heroes of WWI and WW2 aviation at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre made possible by film director 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.