Marlborough (Picton/Blenheim)

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
View of Picton Harbour from the ferry, Marlborough Region, New Zealand
Krzysztof Golik, Wikimedia Commons

Marlborough offers a unique blend of stunning coastal landscapes and a celebrated wine region. The Marlborough Sounds provide opportunities for scenic cruises, kayaking, and multi-day hikes, while Blenheim is recognized as the heart of New Zealand's wine industry, with numerous wineries to explore.

For those looking to connect with other travelers, both Picton and Blenheim feature backpacker hostels, offering communal spaces and amenities. Wine tours provide an inherent social setting, especially those structured for small groups. Picton hostels are noted for their friendly atmospheres and common areas, sometimes including gardens or BBQ facilities, facilitating interaction among guests.

Top 5 Things to do in Marlborough (Picton/Blenheim)

Visitors to Marlborough can immerse themselves in premium wine and culinary experiences, or actively explore the stunning waterways and diverse landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds.

1. Marlborough Wine Tour

Discover why Marlborough is celebrated as New Zealand's premier wine region by visiting various cellar doors. Here, you can taste world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc, along with Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Pinot Noir, directly from the vineyards. Tours often provide insights into the winemaking process and allow guests to enjoy the picturesque vineyard scenery. Many tours are flexible, adapting to group preferences.

Cost: Guided full-day wine tours typically range from $165 to $230 NZD per person, often including tastings. Half-day tours can be around $165 NZD. Self-guided biking wine tours are a more affordable option, with bike hire costing around $50 NZD for a full day. Some hop-on hop-off bus services also operate, with a full-day ticket at approximately $129.50 NZD.

Transport: Most wine tours offer pick-up and drop-off from accommodation in central Blenheim or Picton. For self-guided tours, many bike rental companies are located in Blenheim and provide maps. Taxis or rideshares would be an option for individual travel between wineries, but costs can accumulate. A bus service between Picton and Blenheim operates a couple of times per week.

2. Marlborough Sounds Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to witness its breathtaking beauty, characterized by winding waterways, sheltered inlets, and lush forested hills. These cruises offer opportunities for wildlife spotting, including dolphins, seabirds, and sometimes even orcas. Many tours visit historical sites like Ship Cove or offer mussel tasting experiences.

Cost: Half-day cruises typically cost around $106-$140 NZD per person. Options like the Mail Boat Cruise can be about $122 NZD. Dolphin-watching cruises often range from $149 NZD, with options to swim with dolphins for an additional cost. Multi-day luxury cruises are also available, with prices significantly higher, often including meals and excursions.

Transport: Most cruises depart from Picton Harbour, which is easily accessible on foot from Picton's town centre.

3. Kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds

Experience the tranquil waters and secluded bays of the Marlborough Sounds by sea kayak. This allows for an intimate connection with nature, paddling along bush-clad shorelines and exploring areas only accessible by water. It's an excellent way to spot local birdlife and marine animals in their natural habitat.

Cost: Half-day kayak rentals can be around $50 NZD per person, while full-day rentals are approximately $80 NZD. Multi-day hire is also available, for example, 2 days for $120 NZD or 3 days for $165 NZD (based on double kayaks). Guided half-day tours from Picton often cost around $120 NZD and include equipment, a safety briefing, and a professional guide.

Transport: Kayak rental and guided tours typically depart from the Picton foreshore. This location is within walking distance for most visitors staying in central Picton.

4. Queen Charlotte Track (Day Walk/Cycle)

The Queen Charlotte Track is a 73-kilometer track renowned for its stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds, native bush, and diverse birdlife. While it can be a multi-day hike or bike ride, visitors can opt for shorter day sections. Water taxis provide access to various points along the track, allowing for flexible exploration and diverse walking or cycling experiences tailored to different fitness levels.

Cost: Water taxi transport to and from sections of the track varies, with prices ranging from $60 to $125 NZD for adults, depending on the route. A Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (QCTLC) pass is required for sections crossing private land, costing $12 NZD for a single day or $25 NZD for a multi-day pass. Mountain bike transport costs an additional $5-10 NZD each way. Bike rentals for a full day can be around $95 NZD.

Transport: Water taxis, the primary means of transport to and from the track, depart from Picton.

5. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Located near Blenheim, this world-class museum brings aviation history to life with dramatic displays of World War I and World War II aircraft. The exhibits feature Sir Peter Jackson's private collection and impressive set designs by Weta Workshop, providing a highly immersive and theatrical experience. It offers a fascinating look into the stories of the pilots and the evolution of aviation.

Cost: Admission for adults (15 years+) is $30 NZD for one exhibition or $40 NZD for both. Children (5-14 years) cost $12 NZD per exhibition. Family concessions are available. Private guided tours are also offered at an additional cost, usually around $15 NZD per person for a minimum of 5 people.

Transport: The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is located near Blenheim Airport. From Blenheim, it's a short drive or bike ride. From Picton, it can be reached by bus, which takes approximately 27 minutes and costs between $30-$70 NZD, or by taxi, taking about 27 minutes and costing $9-$14 NZD to drive. Some hop-on hop-off wine tours also include a stop at the centre.

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