Marlborough put New Zealand on the global wine map with Sauvignon Blanc, but visiting isn’t as straightforward as other nearby wine regions. It lacks the tourism infrastructure of popular areas like Hawke’s Bay, Waiheke Island or Central Otago. And without the obvious wine tasting routes and high-profile luxury estates you might find in Napa or Burgundy, knowing where to go takes some planning.

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region, with nearly 30,000 hectares of vineyards—about two-thirds of the country’s total. ​Sauvignon Blanc dominates, comprising 72 percent of national wine production and 85 percent of exports. ​Blenheim is the main gateway to Marlborough, offering boutique hotels and motor lodges as well as a few local pubs where you can imbibe something other than vino. 

But wine is just part of the draw. The waterways and coastline provide some of New Zealand’s best seafood, including the region’s famed green-lipped mussels.. Visitors can tour by car, bike or guided shuttle, moving between tasting rooms (many of which are referred to as “cellar doors” here) that range from well-known producers to small, appointment-only operations.

Picton, just a 30-minute drive from Blenheim, makes for an easy day trip and offers a chance to see the region from the water. The small port town is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, where visitors can take a scenic ferry ride through calm, island-dotted waterways. Summer is the best time to go, with long daylight hours and warm breezes on the water. (Don’t forget: summer typically falls between the months of December and February in the Southern Hemisphere.)

While in the area, it’s worth visiting the real Cloudy Bay—the stretch of coastline that inspired the famous local winery’s name—where the shifting light on the Pacific Ocean and its endless horizon make you feel like you’re on the edge of the world. 

This guide breaks down where to go, what to drink, and how to make the most of a visit to New Zealand’s most important wine region.

How to Get There

Marlborough is located on the tip top of the northeast of New Zealand’s South Island. For visitors, the best way to reach the area is by airplane. Woodbourne Airport (BHE) is just minutes from the nearest wineries—when you’re on approach, it actually looks like you’re going to land right in the middle of the vineyards—making it easy to start tasting not long after arrival. 

Air New Zealand operates direct flights between Marlborough and New Zealand’s three largest cities: Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. You can also try Sounds Air, a local domestic carrier based in Marlborough, which has a number of small-seater aircraft with destinations around New Zealand. (To get an idea of how small: the propeller goes in the front of the plane.)

Visitors interested in slow travel with more time to see the sights can choose to arrive by ferry from the North Island at Picton, which is also the closest cruise port.. 

There are also multiple scenic train options, including a coastal journey from Picton to Christchurch (plan a full day for this one-way trip), and a new heritage steam train with a scenic tour of Marlborough between Blenheim and Seddon, lasting about two hours each way.  

There’s not much by way of public transportation, so the easiest way to get around is by car. But it is fairly easy to reserve a taxi (you can call yourself or ask your hotel concierge to do so) with Blenheim Cabs.

Where to Sip

Arguably Marlborough’s most famous winery, a visit to Cloudy Bay’s massive estate is worth the hype. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the LVMH-owned company offers a range of tastings and experiences beyond the typical cellar door visit. The Shack (which really isn’t a “shack” at all, but an uber-luxury accommodation) offers a private vineyard stay for two to five adults with guided tastings and a chef-prepared dinner. Jack’s Raw Bar, the onsite restaurant, operates during the warmer months, serving fresh oysters, Cloudy Bay clams and locally sourced dishes alongside a wine pairing menu on a sun-drenched patio. (There is plenty of shade under the trees on the great lawn behind the winery.) 

Guests looking for something more immersive can book a full-day experience that starts with a guided vineyard tour, before heading to Picton for a private trip on a 54-foot sailing yacht through the Marlborough Sounds. Lunch is served onboard with a selection of Cloudy Bay wines. While at the winery, visitors from the U.S. should prioritize sampling Cloudy Bay’s Pelorus and Pelorus Rosé sparkling wines, both of which are very difficult to find stateside.

With a relaxed, family-friendly setting, the cellar at Forrest Wines encourages visitors to explore wines at their own pace, whether through a tasting tray or a single glass. The spacious outdoor area, referred to as “the backyard,” includes lawn games, making it a welcoming stop for groups. Cheese platters are available to complement the wines, though there’s no full restaurant on-site. Walk-ins are welcome, with no booking required for smaller groups. Open seven days a week, it’s only closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day. 

Marlborough is best known for Sauvignon Blanc, but sometimes you just want something else. Producing wines from some of Marlborough’s oldest Riesling vines, Framingham Wines offers tastings in a wood-paneled room and a courtyard surrounded by roses. Guests can explore the underground cellar, where past and present vintages are stored, or take a walk through the surrounding vineyards. Open daily, it’s an easy stop just outside Renwick and Blenheim.

Blending European tradition with New Zealand winemaking, Fromm Winery produces organic, terroir-driven wines. Founded in the early 1990s by Swiss winemaker Georg Fromm, the winery is known for its Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Marlborough’s oldest single-vineyard Malbec. The cellar offers a variety of tasting experiences, from casual walk-in flights to private guided sessions. Visitors can book a Pinot Noir-focused tasting, a vertical tasting of older vintages, or a blind tasting designed to challenge the palate. Each session includes a short vineyard and cellar tour. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended for private experiences.

Jackson Estate balances old and new, with a rustic cellar door built from reclaimed materials alongside a modern production facility. Designed by Brian Massey, art director of The Hobbit trilogy, the space reflects the winery’s pioneering approach. The tasting room offers flights and cheese platters, while an underground cave holds exclusive vintage selections for private events. Hidden from the main road but just minutes from Blenheim Airport, it’s a unique stop for those looking for something beyond the usual vineyard experience.

This one is more of a trek from Blenheim but worth it for oenophiles who might want to get in some long walks or cycle through the vineyards. Set on a remote coastal stretch with sweeping views of the Cook Strait, visitors can opt to take a self-guided tour along The White Road, a 40-minute route through the vineyard’s rolling hills and wetlands. Then, follow it up with a tasting of some award-winning tipples at Yealands Wines, which produces Pinot Noir and Rosé in addition to its white varietals. The estate is home to Babydoll sheep, Kunekune pigs, and other wildlife as part of its sustainability initiatives.

Where to Stay

Sometimes a hotel really is just a place to sleep. This motor lodge is affectionately referred to as “The Woody” by locals. The Woodbourne Tavern hosts six double units and three studios, each accommodating up to five guests with super king beds and full amenities. Rooms are serviced daily, and long-stay or corporate rates are available. An on-site restaurant and bar provide dining options, with full room service available. Guests have access to secure parking, a BBQ for rent, and courtesy transport to major hubs by arrangement. The location is practical for travelers, with Blenheim Airport a 10-minute drive away, central Blenheim 15 minutes away and the Picton Ferry Terminal reachable in 30 minutes.

The word “château” is used generously here, but the Château Marlborough is a perfectly fine hotel that oozes pure business travel vibes. Rooms are spacious, many with balconies overlooking the outdoor pool. Suites include kitchenettes, and the bathrooms have been recently renovated. The hotel has an on-site bar and restaurant, with a breakfast buffet in the morning. There’s also a small gym with a treadmill, stationary bike, and some weightlifting equipment. For those staying in Blenheim, the location is ideal—within easy walking distance of local restaurants. Situated in the CBD (Central Business District, the Down Under term for downtown), it’s just a five-minute drive from the airport.

This five-star boutique hotel offers a modern, upscale stay in a repurposed 1940s heritage building in central Blenheim. While the exterior remains understated, the interior of 14th Lane features contemporary design. Its location is one of its strongest assets—within walking distance of cafes, bars and shops—yet it is intended to be a quiet retreat. Unlike most hotels in the area, guests have complimentary access to the extensive fitness facilities at Stadium 2000 just a few steps away. The entire property can also be reserved for private events, making it a flexible option for conferences and weddings.

Set on 16 acres of gardens and a working vineyard, The Marlborough Boutique Hotel offers a more secluded stay just minutes from Blenheim. Originally built in 1901 as a Victorian convent, the carefully restored property’s ten spacious rooms each feature private balconies with vineyard or garden views. The onsite restaurant, Harvest, highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with dishes prepared in a Mibrasa charcoal oven for added depth of flavor.

Where to Eat

This is where you want to go for a splashy tasting menu. Arbour offers a refined, intimate dining experience with a focus on local ingredients. The ever-changing tasting menu highlights the work of regional producers, hunters, and fishers, crafted by a sole chef in an open kitchen. Service is welcoming, and the setting is designed for a relaxed but precise approach to fine dining. Dinner is available three nights a week, with an early “Foodie Hour” offering the full menu at a lower price. Reservations are essential, and the experience is designed for diners aged ten and up.

This versatile spot blends casual and formal dining, with a menu designed for gathering over good food and drinks. The Marlborough Public House consists of a bar, a more refined dining area, and two patios outside, both dog-friendly. The menu features pub-style favorites with fresh local ingredients, and reservations are recommended. Ideal for groups, the restaurant also accommodates private events. Located in Blenheim, it’s a local go-to for relaxed dining in a social setting.

Set among the vines with sweeping views of the Richmond Range, the restaurant at the Saint Clair Family Estate combines vineyard charm with a focus on seasonal food. The lunch menu shifts regularly to highlight regional ingredients, and guests can enjoy a variety of tastings and wine flights. Exterior seating extends into the vineyard, while a covered veranda and fireplace provide a warm retreat in cooler months. A rotating selection of craft beers and non-alcoholic drinks ensures a range of choices beyond wine. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months.

This French-influenced bistro, curiously named Scotch Wine Bar, delivers a balance of tradition and creativity, from its menu to its cocktail program. The kitchen offers globally inspired dishes with a focus on classic techniques and surprising flavor combinations. The wine selection is curated by an in-house winemaker, featuring both French classics and New World discoveries. A separate cocktail bar serves handcrafted drinks in this thoughtfully executed and effortlessly stylish spot in Blenheim.

For those times when you just need a burger and a beer, this pub keeps things easy with hearty food, cold drinks, and a casual atmosphere. Comfort food is at the heart of the menu at The Goodhome. The space is designed for lingering—whether it’s lunch with no plans after, an after-sightseeing cocktail, or a laid-back dinner. The bar serves a wide range of drinks (including local wines, of course). It’s an easy choice for a low-key meal or a round with friends.