Marlborough – Bespoke New Zealand Itineraries

Just across the Cook Straight from Wellington, Marlborough shares its climate and winemaking prowess with New Zealand's capital city.

The picturesque town of Blenheim is the perfect base to set out on wine tours throughout the region. With a backdrop of mountains and high-quality cafes, restaurants, and bars from which to choose, sit back, relax and enjoy; or opt for a more hands-on approach with any number of the cooking classes in the region. Of course, be sure to pair the good food with good wine.

Neat rows of grapevines line a valley road with green hills and a waterway beyond in Marlborough.

A gravel road flanked by vine rows stretches toward misty hills under low cloud in Marlborough.

Wildflowers and native grasses grow in the foreground of a rural New Zealand hillside scene.

Why visit Marlborough?

Explore the Marlborough Sounds from the seaport of Picton. Somewhat kitschy but nonetheless lovely, Picton consists of cafes, galleries, and a floating maritime museum. Mainly though, Picton is the prime location in Marlborough from which to venture out for a boat cruise, fishing, sea kayaking or dolphin watching. Take a Seafood Odyssea cruise to taste the local Cloudy Bay clams and Greenshell mussels, sip sauvignon, and take in the scenery. If you are staying out in the Sounds, it’s a bit more fun than a standard water taxi.

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Explore the Marlborough Sounds from the seaport of Picton. Somewhat kitschy but nonetheless lovely, Picton consists of cafes, galleries, and a floating maritime museum. Mainly though, Picton is the prime location in Marlborough from which to venture out for a boat cruise, fishing, sea kayaking or dolphin watching. Take a Seafood Odyssea cruise to taste the local Cloudy Bay clams and Greenshell mussels, sip sauvignon, and take in the scenery. If you are staying out in the Sounds, it’s a bit more fun than a standard water taxi.
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From Picton, you can also reach the Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds. One of the country’s leading hiking tracks, the Queen Charlotte Track is renowned for its breathtaking views and coastal beauty. Tip: You need a pass to hike or bike along the 70km stretch from historic Ship Cove through to Anakiwa in the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. Trust us, it’s worth it!
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Consider taking the ferry from Picton to Wellington (or vice versa) to connect the North and South Island across the Cook Straight. It’s one of the most beautiful ferry rides you’ll ever take and a great way to take in the majesty of the Sound.

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Other areas to explore

A visit to Marlborough puts you within easy reach of many other beautiful and fascinating parts of New Zealand.

Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and home to the largest Polynesian population in the world.

Bay of Islands

Escape to a serene corner of New Zealand’s far northern coast

Turquoise water laps a golden sandy beach framed by green bush in Abel Tasman National Park.

Abel Tasman and Nelson

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park, but its most-visited, and for good reason.

Two hikers stand on golden tussock above Lake Wakatipu, with rugged peaks and dramatic clouds overhead.

Queenstown

Perfectly situated on the crystalline Lake Wakatipu with mountains on either side, Queenstown, also known as New Zealand’s “adventure capital”, brims with experiences for the intrepid traveler.

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There will undoubtedly be extraordinary unscripted moments: hippos emerging at sunset, the impossible blue of Arctic ice. We know that meaningful memories often live in personalized details.