Marlborough, New Zealand, is famous for its world-class wines, breathtaking scenery, and fresh local seafood. This region offers more than just tasting; it’s about enjoying the land and sea that produce some of the most renowned food and drink in the country. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a seafood lover, or someone eager to explore craft beers and spirits, Marlborough has a tour tailored for you. We’ve selected the top options based on reviews, value, and unique experiences. Notably, the Marlborough Full Day Wine Tour (see details) is a favorite for its comprehensive wine tasting and scenic stops, while the Marlborough: Full-Day Wine and Seafood Tour with Cruise (see details) combines wine, seafood, and stunning boat rides for a full taste of Marlborough’s coastal bounty.
If you’re trying to decide which tour best fits your style, consider if you want a relaxed day focused solely on wine, or a more adventurous experience with seafood and marine views. Here’s a detailed look at the seven best tours in Marlborough to help you make an informed choice.
1. Marlborough Full Day Wine Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Marlborough Full Day Wine Tour is perfect for those who want to explore the region’s top vineyards in one day. This 6-hour tour takes you through renowned wineries, where you’ll sample award-winning Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, fruity Pinot Noir, and aromatic whites. The tour is praised for its luxury minibus transport and knowledgeable guides who share insights into the winemaking process.
What sets this tour apart is its balance of wine tasting and relaxation. You’ll stop for lunch at a vineyard restaurant, soaking in the stunning scenery, and learn from experts passionate about their craft. The reviews consistently praise the tour’s value—“a fantastic way to taste Marlborough’s best wines without feeling rushed,” one reviewer notes. The small group size enhances the intimate experience, making it ideal for couples or wine enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of Marlborough’s viticulture.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a comprehensive, well-organized day with top wines and beautiful scenery, this full-day wine tour offers excellent value.
2. Marlborough: Full-Day Wine and Seafood Tour with Cruise
Number 2 is the Marlborough: Full-Day Wine and Seafood Tour with Cruise. For $187 per person, this 7-hour excursion combines wine tasting with a scenic cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, making it a standout for lovers of both land and sea. You begin with visits to two vineyards, sampling some of the region’s best wines. Then, you transition to a boat cruise that highlights Marlborough’s marine environment.
This tour is unique because it combines culinary delights—local seafood and wine—with relaxing views of the Sounds. During the cruise, you’ll learn about the marine farming industry and enjoy fresh seafood tastings, which many reviews describe as “the highlight of the trip.” The contrast of vineyards and ocean makes it a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a full day of diverse experiences, from vineyard to sea, all packed into 7 hours.
3. Marlborough: Wineries Visit and Tasting Session
At number 3, the Marlborough: Wineries Visit and Tasting Session offers an afternoon immersion into local wines for just $76 per person. This 4-hour tour is ideal if your focus is on learning directly from winemakers and sampling a carefully curated selection of wines.
This tour is praised for its intimate setting and the chance to visit some of Marlborough’s most iconic wineries, known for their history and quality. Guests often comment on how the guides share detailed stories about each winery’s unique approach and flagship wines. It’s a shorter, more budget-friendly option that still delivers a meaningful tasting experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers short on time who want to focus on Marlborough’s most famous wineries and their stories.
4. Marlborough: Wineries Visit with Tastings and 2-Course Lunch
Number 4 on our list is the Marlborough: Wineries Visit with Tastings and 2-Course Lunch. This full-day, $173 per person experience offers a full day of exploring four top wineries with tastings and an indulgent 2-course meal. The tour emphasizes stunning vineyard vistas and learning directly from winemakers about their craft.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of wine education and culinary pleasure. Guests rave about the quality of the lunch and the chance to sample a variety of local wines in a relaxed setting. The itinerary is flexible enough to include visits to some of Marlborough’s best-known wineries, such as Cloudy Bay and Villa Maria, known for their consistent high quality.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine lovers who want a comprehensive day, combining tastings with a delicious meal and scenic views.
5. Marlborough: Craft Beer, Roots Gin, and Whisky & Wine Tour
Number 5 offers a quite different experience — the Marlborough: Craft Beer, Roots Gin, and Whisky & Wine Tour. For $498 per group (up to 2 people), this 7-hour journey explores Marlborough’s craft beer, gin, and whisky scene, making it perfect for spirits enthusiasts.
Highlights include flights at Moa Brewery, sampling the latest Roots Gin releases, and tasting premium whiskies at the Whiskey Tasting Room. It also includes a visit to the Larder & Giftware shop for local foods and crafts, giving a taste of Marlborough beyond wine. Reviews mention that this tour offers an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the region’s emerging distilling industry.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a diverse tasting experience beyond wine, especially fans of craft spirits.
$498 per group up to 2
6. Marlborough Private Classic Wine Tour
Number 6 is the Marlborough Private Classic Wine Tour, which offers privacy, flexibility, and access to the region’s most celebrated wineries like Cloudy Bay, Saint Clair, and Villa Maria. It’s a tailored, 6-hour experience that’s perfect for those who prefer a more personalized approach.
This private tour is praised for its ability to customize visits based on your preferences, and the guides’ extensive knowledge about Marlborough’s pioneering wineries. The tour is ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a more exclusive experience away from larger groups. Prices are higher, but the personalized service and access to the “pioneers” of Marlborough wine make it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: If you want a semi-private, in-depth wine experience with tailored visits, this private classic wine tour is an excellent choice.
$290 per person
7. Nelson: Marlborough Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch
Finally, the Nelson: Marlborough Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch is an 8.5-hour journey departing from Nelson. It combines visits to boutique wineries with scenic vineyard views, topped off with a vineyard lunch. At $275 per person, it’s a full-day immersion focused on discovering Marlborough’s unique terroir and tasting a variety of wines from sauvignon blanc to pinot noir.
This tour is especially suited for travelers based in Nelson who want to explore the region’s hidden gems and gain insights from passionate local guides. The emphasis on boutique wineries means you’ll see smaller, family-run establishments that often produce more distinctive wines. Guests often comment on the exceptional scenic lunch spots and the chance to learn winemaking secrets.
Bottom Line: Ideal for Nelson visitors wanting an in-depth and scenic tour, combining wine, food, and local stories.
$275 per person
How to Choose the Best Marlborough Tour for You
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, interests, and the kind of experience you want. If you’re focused solely on wine tasting, the Full Day Wine Tour or Wineries Visit and Tasting are excellent options. For those who want a multi-sensory experience—combining wine with seafood or spirits—tours #2 and #5 fit the bill. Budget travelers might prefer the shorter Wineries Visit and Tasting, while those seeking privacy or a personalized touch should consider the Private Classic Wine Tour.
Timing can influence your choice. Summer (December-February) is perfect for outdoor vineyard visits and boat cruises, while shoulder seasons like spring and fall often provide quieter, more intimate experiences. Book early, especially for popular tours and private options, to secure your preferred dates.
Marlborough offers a diverse range of tours catering to all interests—whether it’s world-class wine, fresh seafood, craft spirits, or scenic boat cruises. For a full day of wine, the Marlborough Full Day Wine Tour is hard to beat, but if your passion extends to exploring Marlborough’s marine side or craft distilling, options #2 and #5 will give you extra flavor. For a personalized experience, the Private Classic Wine Tour promises exclusivity and tailored visits.
Whatever your choice, early planning and booking are key to ensuring you get the experience that best matches your interests. Marlborough isn’t just about drinking wine; it’s about tasting the land, sea, and spirit of this remarkable region.