Marlborough Travel Guides & Itineraries

Marlborough is one of New Zealand’s best regions for combining wine, coastal scenery, outdoor adventure and maritime history. Base yourself in Blenheim for vineyards and food, or Picton for the Marlborough Sounds, ferries, cruises and walking trails.

Best things to do in Marlborough

1. Explore the Marlborough wine country

Marlborough’s principal wine area lies around Blenheim and Renwick, where more than 30 wineries can be explored by bicycle, car or guided tour. The region is internationally associated with Sauvignon Blanc, but cellar doors also commonly feature Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and sparkling wines.

Good ways to experience the wine region include:

• Join a guided wine tour from Blenheim or Picton—best for visiting several wineries without driving.
• Cycle the wine trail on a standard or electric bicycle; the relatively flat Wairau Plains make cycling practical for many visitors.
• Drive between cellar doors, arranging a designated driver and checking opening hours in advance.
• Combine tastings with a vineyard lunch, local produce, craft beer or a distillery visit.
• Explore the Renwick circuit, which has more than 30 wineries within approximately 24 kilometres.

Many cellar doors require or strongly recommend advance bookings, particularly for tours, tastings and restaurants.

2. Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Near Blenheim, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre presents theatrical exhibitions focused on aircraft, artefacts and stories from the First and Second World Wars. It is a particularly good alternative for a rainy day or for visitors who want more than wine and scenery.

3. Cruise or kayak the Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds contain roughly 1,500 kilometres of winding coastline, with secluded bays, historic sites, marine reserves and island sanctuaries. Cruises and kayaking trips depart mainly from Picton and Havelock and may include opportunities to see dolphins, seals, seabirds and—on suitable excursions—whales.

Options include:

• Half-day or full-day scenic cruises
• Guided sea-kayaking trips
• Wildlife and eco-cruises
• Water-taxi transfers to walking tracks and remote accommodation
• Private boat charters
• Trips to wildlife sanctuaries such as Kaipūpū

Picton is the most convenient base for exploring Queen Charlotte Sound, while Havelock provides access to the Pelorus Sound area and scenic drives toward French Pass.

4. Walk or cycle the Queen Charlotte Track

The Queen Charlotte Track is approximately 72–73.5 kilometres long, depending on the measurement used by the operator, and follows forested ridgelines, coves and coastal viewpoints between Ship Cove and Anakiwa.

It can be experienced in several ways:

• Walk the full route over roughly three to five days.
• Complete only a one-day section.
• Mountain-bike permitted sections.
• Use water taxis to reach the trailhead or return to Picton.
• Arrange luggage transfers so that only a day pack is carried.

The track begins at Ship Cove, a historically significant landing place associated with Captain James Cook. Water taxis are central to the experience: they connect Picton with trail sections and can transfer bags between accommodation providers.

5. Discover Picton’s waterfront and history

Picton is the region’s principal seaside town and the gateway to the Sounds. Its compact centre is well suited to exploring on foot, with cafés, galleries, shops and access to cruises and water taxis.

Notable Picton activities include:

• Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, where the preserved Edwin Fox—described as the world’s ninth-oldest ship on display—is located in dry dock.
• Picton Museum, covering local maritime, Māori, colonial and whaling history.
• The Snout Track, which provides elevated views over Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton Harbour.
• Waterfront dining and short walks around the harbour.
• Boat trips to bays, islands and walking-track access points.

6. Enjoy Blenheim’s parks, trails and local culture

Blenheim is Marlborough’s main town and the practical base for wineries, restaurants, museums, galleries and gardens. Outdoor options close to town include:

• Wither Hills Farm Park, a 1,100-hectare working sheep and cattle farm with walking and mountain-biking tracks.
• Taylor River reserve walks and cycling.
• Wither Hills mountain-bike trails.
• The Wairau Lagoon, a significant wetland and bird habitat with approximately 90 recorded bird species.
• Local gardens, public art, museums and food-focused restaurants.