Marlborough Icons Tour: Wine Tasting and Seafood Cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound
Taste Marlborough’s famed Sauvignon Blanc in the morning and spend a relaxed afternoon cruising Queen Charlotte Sound with local seafood tastings. This full-day combo packs wine, landscape history, and seafaring culture into a single, well-paced itinerary.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring layered clothing
The morning among the vines can be warm while afternoons on the water are cooler—pack a light fleece and a windproof shell.
Reserve bottle space
If you fall for a bottle at a cellar door, bring a soft bag or leave space in your luggage—many wineries will ship but it’s handy to carry one home.
Protect your skin
Sun reflects strongly off water and vines—sunscreen and a hat are must-haves even on overcast days.
Hydrate between tastings
Alternate wine samples with water to keep your palate and energy steady through the day.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk the short loop at Omaka Aviation Heritage Park en route to Blenheim for unexpected history displays
- •Ask cellar staff for a vineyard viewpoint—some estates open a small hilltop for short views across the valley
Wildlife
- •red-billed gull
- •New Zealand fur seal
Conservation Note
Vineyards and operators increasingly practice sustainable viticulture and marine stewardship; choose operators who support local fisheries and minimize waste on board.
Marlborough transformed from pastoral farmland to premier wine region in the 1970s; Sauvignon Blanc quickly became the area’s dominant export and shaped its global reputation.
Photographer's Notes
- • Along the vineyard rows overlooking the Wairau Valley
- • Aft deck of the cruise boat facing the Sound
- • Small headland viewpoints accessed during the cruise
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Support for gravel paths at cellar doors and brief vineyard walks.
Windproof jacketEssential
Protects against cool afternoon breezes on the Queen Charlotte Sound.
Sunscreen and hatEssential
Protects skin during exposed vineyard visits and on-deck time.
Compact camera or smartphone with polarizer
Helps capture glossy water and sunlit vine rows without glare.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The full day runs about 6–7 hours, including winery visits, lunch, and a 2–3 hour afternoon cruise.
Do I need to be an experienced boater?
No—passengers do not need boating experience; safety briefings and crew support are provided on board.
Are tastings included?
Yes—tastings at two wineries are included along with a light lunch and seafood tastings on the cruise.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; note that the cruise and tastings are designed for adults and require supervision for minors.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The operator may cancel the cruise portion for safety; full refunds are available if cancellation occurs at least 24 hours prior per the policy.
Can wineries accommodate dietary restrictions?
Notify the operator during booking so they can arrange a suitable light lunch and accommodate common dietary needs.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6–7 hours
Location
Blenheim, Marlborough
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short, easy walks at wineries and seated time on the cruise.
Topics
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