Marlborough’s stunning wine region beckons visitors to explore its onshore highlights. From the picturesque town of Picton, travelers embark on a captivating 5-hour tour that seamlessly blends scenic drives through rolling hills and vineyards with exquisite wine tastings. This immersive experience promises to delight the senses, offering a chance to savor renowned Marlborough vintages paired with gourmet treats against the backdrop of breathtaking vistas. For history enthusiasts, an optional visit to the Omaka Aviation Air Centre adds an exciting twist to the journey.
Key Points
- Scenic drives through Marlborough’s rolling hills and vineyards, showcasing the region’s picturesque landscapes.
- Tasting Marlborough’s renowned wines accompanied by gourmet local treats like cheese, chocolate, and liqueurs.
- Optional visit to the Omaka Aviation Air Centre to explore a collection of classic World War aircraft.
- Small-group transportation in wheelchair-accessible vehicles for an intimate and inclusive experience.
- Timely return to ships, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Tour Overview
The tour lasts 5 hours and costs from $140.36 per person. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay-later option.
Passengers meet at the Picton I Site Bus Stop 30 minutes before the tour starts. This tour showcases the Marlborough wine region, allowing visitors to taste the area’s renowned wines, indulge in gourmet treats, and admire the stunning natural scenery.
Optionally, guests can stop at the Omaka Aviation Air Centre to view classic World War aircraft. The small-group transportation is wheelchair accessible, and passengers will return at least 2 hours before their ship’s scheduled departure.
Ready for another glass? Here are more wine experiences we've reviewed in Picton
Experience Highlights
Scenic drives from Picton to Blenheim in the Marlborough wine region allow visitors to take in the breathtaking views of vineyards, Wairau Plains, mountain ranges, and Marlborough Sound.
Guests can savor Marlborough’s sensational wines through tastings, complemented by gourmet treats including cheese, chocolate, oils, and liqueurs.
An optional stop at the Omaka Aviation Air Centre lets travelers view classic World War I and World War II aircraft.
With personalized transportation in small vehicles, the tour offers an immersive experience of the region’s natural beauty and culinary delights.
Transportation and Accessibility
Visitors travel in small personal vehicles, such as 6, 9, or 11-seat options, during the tour.
The transportation is wheelchair accessible, allowing all guests to participate.
The tour ensures guests return to their ships at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure time, providing ample time to board.
Key transportation highlights:
-
Small personal vehicles for an intimate experience.
-
Wheelchair accessibility for inclusive participation.
-
Timely return to ships before scheduled departure.
Picton to Blenheim Scenic Drive
One travels from the coastal town of Picton to the heart of Marlborough’s wine region, Blenheim, on a captivating scenic drive.
The route winds through rolling hills, past sprawling vineyards, and provides breathtaking views of the Wairau Plains and distant mountain ranges.
Along the way, glimpses of the serene Marlborough Sound are visible.
The journey allows visitors to enjoy the picturesque countryside before arriving at the quaint town of Blenheim, the perfect starting point to explore the renowned Marlborough wine region and its world-class vintages.
More Great Tours NearbyMarlborough Wine Tasting
After the scenic drive from Picton, visitors explore the heart of Marlborough’s renowned wine region by embarking on a delightful wine tasting experience.
The tour includes:
-
Sampling a variety of Marlborough’s sensational wines, showcasing the region’s exceptional vintages.
-
Indulging in gourmet treats, such as local cheese, chocolate, oils, and liqueurs, to complement the wine tasting.
-
Enjoying breathtaking views of the vineyards, Wairau Plains, mountain ranges, and the stunning Marlborough Sound, providing a picturesque backdrop to the tasting.
Gourmet Treats and Local Cuisine
Alongside the wine tasting, the tour provides visitors with the opportunity to indulge in a variety of gourmet treats and local cuisine.
Guests can sample artisanal cheeses, high-quality chocolates, and specialty oils and liqueurs.
The tour also offers a chance to taste the region’s renowned local cuisine, showcasing the freshness and flavors of Marlborough’s produce.
These culinary delights complement the exceptional wines, creating a harmonious and memorable experience for the senses.
Whether savoring a creamy brie or a velvety dark chocolate, the tour’s gourmet offerings elevate the overall wine tasting adventure.
Optional Omaka Aviation Air Centre
The tour also offers an optional stop at the Omaka Aviation Air Centre, where visitors can view a remarkable collection of classic World War I and World War II aircraft.
This aviation museum showcases:
-
A comprehensive display of vintage planes, including fighters, bombers, and trainers.
-
Immersive dioramas and interactive exhibits that bring the wartime aviation history to life.
-
The Sir Peter Jackson Collection, featuring meticulously restored aircraft and vehicles from the renowned filmmaker’s private collection.
This optional addition to the wine tour promises to delight history buffs and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Additional Tour Details
What else should travelers know about this Marlborough wine region tour? The tour includes bottled water, basic wine tasting fees, complimentary chocolates, and a gift.
Travelers should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. The minimum drinking age is 18+, so those under 18 can still enjoy the gourmet treats and scenic views.
Travelers with special dietary requirements should advise the tour provider in advance. The tour returns at least 2 hours prior to the ship’s scheduled departure, ensuring hassle-free transport back to the port.
The Sum Up
The Onshore Highlights of Marlborough’s Wine Region from Picton offers an immersive experience, blending scenic drives through rolling hills and vineyards with exquisite wine tastings and gourmet treats. Accessibility is ensured, and the optional Omaka Aviation Air Centre adds an exciting twist for history enthusiasts. This intimate tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Marlborough’s renowned winemaking and natural beauty.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in Picton
- Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE)
- Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels
- Private Yacht Cruise in the Marlborough Sounds New Zealand
- Private Excursion: Scenic and Seascape Delights from Picton
- Private Marlborough Winery Tour
- Private Guided Marlborough Wine Tour From Picton NZ
More Tours in Picton
More Tour Reviews in Picton
Still browsing? Here are more Picton experiences we've covered recently
- Shore Excursion Wine Tour including Lunch from Picton
- Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE)
- Early Bird Eco Cruise
- Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels
- Marlborough Sounds Day Visit to Lochmara
- Bays and Bush Flight Scenic Tour
- Private Excursion: Scenic and Seascape Delights from Picton
- Private Shore Excursion: Explore Marlborough from Picton
- Private One Way Transfer Tour between Picton & Christchurch
- Discover Picton: Self-Guided Audio Tour
- Half-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton
- 2 hour Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton