Marlborough, Picton & Blenheim

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Marlborough, Picton and Blenheim offer an exciting mix of indulgence and adventure. Wherever you choose to base yourself, you’ll find top quality accommodation and dining. A gourmet’s paradise, wash down the local cuisine with fine local wines.

Main Centres

Blenheim – main regional town and centre of the Marlborough wine industry.
Picton – gateway to Queen Charlotte Sound and the North Island.
Havelock – gateway to Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds.

Getting There

By Air – Blenheim Airport is the main airport, servicing Marlborough with domestic flights. Sounds Air offers daily flights between Wellington and Picton.
By Road – 4 hours, 35 minutes from Christchurch to Blenheim. 25 minutes from Picton to Blenheim. Several coach companies provide regular services.
By Ferry – The Interislander and Bluebridge link North and South Islands between Wellington and Picton.
By Rail – Tranz Rail operates a service from Christchurch.

Getting Around

There is a good choice of rental car companies in this region if you’re in the mood for a road trip. Coaches and shuttles service the area – take a wine tour for the ultimate insight into this region’s most renowned industry. You can even take a wine tour by bicycle. Around the Marlborough Sounds, water taxis provide an efficient and enjoyable transport option – essential for some isolated lodges and resorts.

Eating Out

Exclusive

HERZOG Winery & Luxury Restaurant (81 Jeffries Rd, Blenheim, t +64 3 572 8770) – an exceptional, exclusive dining experience.

Casual

Allan Scott Winery ‘Twelve Trees Restaurant’ (Jacksons Rd, RD3, Blenheim, t +64 3 572 7123) – local and international favorites in true provincial vineyard style.
Gibb’s Vineyard Restaurant (258 Jacksons Rd, Blenheim, t +64 3 572 8048 – great food and wine with rural charm. Open for lunch and dinner.
Highfield Estate Winery (Brookby Rd, Omaka Valley, Blenheim, t +64 3 572 9244) – delicious local produce and Highfield wines. Great vineyard views. Open for lunch.
Hotel d’Urville (52 Queen St, Blenheim, t +64 3 577 9945) – original and magical dining experience.
Bay of Many Coves Resort (Queen Charlotte Sound, t +64 3 579 9771) – all-day licensed café and bakery serving breakfast, brunch and lunch in a relaxed atmosphere, plus luxurious restaurant dining with world-class views.
Oak Tree Cottage (Lintons Rd, Redwood Pass Rd, Awatere, t +64 3 575 7070) – set in a 130-year-old heritage cobb cottage nestled amongst cottage gardens and oak trees.
Wairau River Wines (Cnr SH6 & Rapaura Rd, Blenheim, t +64 3 572 9800) – innovative blackboard lunch menu. Al fresco dining in summer and large open fire in winter. Open 7 days 10am – 5pm.

Sights

A view over rows of green vines nestled between sun-bleached hills is the perfect accompaniment to a glass of the region’s famed Sauvignon Blanc wine.

Tranquil coves nestled amongst native bush in the breathtakingly beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

The spectacular rugged hills of the Awatere Valley – get an inside look with a guided 4WD tour of historic Molesworth Station.

Action

Hiking the Queen Charlotte Track – at certain times of the year the trail is also open to mountain bikers.

Scuba diving in the clear waters of Long Island Marine Reserve – the sea life is abundant, but it’s strictly protected.

Relax

Feast on the local specialties: Green-lipped Mussels and Sauvignon Blanc. At last count there were 70 wineries in the Blenheim region – the local Sauvignon Blanc is said to be the world’s best.
Explore the galleries and studios of the many artists and craftspeople drawn to this tranquil and inspiring region.

THE experience

Catch a water taxi – watching dolphins ride the bow-wave as you cruise the sheltered waterways – to one of Marlborough’s wonderful wilderness retreats. From down-to-earth to luxurious, many of them accessible only by water, all of them guarantee the ultimate relaxation.