22 best things to do in Blenheim & Marlborough, NZ

ByAlexx Posted

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Beautiful Blenheim and the surrounding Marlborough region are best known for their record sunshine hours and world-class sauvignon blanc, but this corner of the South Island has more to offer than warm weather and delicious wines.

Sure, sipping your way around the cellar doors is an absolute must-do for any vino-loving visitors, but beyond the grapes you’ll find wildlife encounters, active adventures, ultra-scenic journeys (on multiple forms of transport!) and a farm-to-table culinary scene so good that it’ll tempt foodies to cancel their flight or ferry home.

I’ve been lucky enough to swing through Marlborough on a handful of visits back home to NZ, most recently on my two week Top of the South Island road trip, and I fall harder for it each time. It genuinely pains me to think of how many travellers disembark the ferry and immediately hit the highway without so much as a long lunch or a scenic lookout, with no idea what they’re passing by.

That won’t be you though!

If you’re reading this then you’ve clearly already made the (correct) decision to spend some time in Marlborough, and I promise you’re in for a real treat.

This guide pulls together the very best things to do in Blenheim and Marlborough, from divine wineries and gourmet eateries to spectacular scenery to bucket list experiences on land, water and in the air, plus practical tips on where to stay for different budgets, when to visit, how to get around and more.

My most recent trip was sponsored by Destination Marlborough, but as always, all opinions are entirely based on my own experience. Thank you for supporting me, these partnerships allow me to keep creating super detailed travel guides to help you plan better trips.

The best things to do in Blenheim & the Marlborough wine region

Taste your way around the wineries

The Marlborough wine region accounts for 75% of all wine produced in New Zealand, so if you fancy yourself as a bit of a wine connoisseur then you could easily fill a few days with vineyard visits.

There are more than 150 wineries and 30+ cellar doors open for tastings, mostly centred around the Renwick and nearby Wairau River (15 mins from Blenheim), with many of them conveniently linked by dedicated cycling paths.

So it should be no surprise that my top recommendation for seeing the area is to…

🚲 Explore by bike

Sip, cycle, repeat! A pedal-powered wine tour is the perfect way to experience the best of the Marlborough wineries, thanks to safe and flat bike paths that run alongside the quiet country roads.

Explore Marlborough are your go-to for all things bike-related, they’re based right in the heart of the vines with more than a dozen wineries reachable within a 10-minute ride. Join one of their guided tours between boutique wineries (half day or full day), you can rent a bike and go it alone if you have specific vineyards on your list, or combine the two with a guided tour to three vineyards in the morning and then spend the afternoon cycling around at your leisure.

Found your favourite vintage but don’t want bottles clinking around in your bag? No stress, let the Explore Marlborough team know and they’ll pick up your purchases and have them ready for you at the end of the day when you drop the bike off.

🚌 Take a driving tour or the hop-on hop-off bus

If you can’t be trusted to keep your balance after a few wine tastings, or if your idea of a holiday excludes any form of exercise, you could opt for a driving tour or bus tour instead.

Some of the top-rated tours available are:

There’s also the Marlborough hop-on hop-off bus, which connects 26 venues (including 13 wineries) so you can pick and choose the stops that suit you best.

🚗 Self-drive with a designated driver

Those of you with a designated driver tagging along on your Marlborough trip can tailor the perfect combo of cellar doors, grazing platters and a long lunch without being constrained by timetables. The dream!

🍷 The best wineries in Marlborough

The best vineyards, restaurants and tasting rooms to include on your itinerary will totally depend on your palate and preferences, but I’ve made a decent dent in the Marlborough cellar door list so I’ve got some personal recommendations to share!

You can see all the cellar doors and their opening hours here.

Try craft beer & spirits too

If wine isn’t your tipple of choice, there are also some boutique breweries and small-batch distilleries that serve up tastings and snacks.

Drive the White Road at Yealands Estate

About 25 minutes from Blenheim (a perfect stop on the way out if you’re heading down to Kaikōura) you’ll find Yealands Estate, one of New Zealand’s most sustainable wineries.

They’ve got one of New Zealand’s largest solar panel installations, they harness the coastal winds with on-site turbines for extra energy, and they use sheep for weeding to reduce tractor work. Kiwi ingenuity at its finest!

But this isn’t your usual cellar door stop, Yealands actually has their own self-drive route called the White Road that winds through the vines to reach a panoramic viewpoint looking over black sand beaches down to the Kaikōura Ranges, and on a clear day you can even make out the North Island topography across the Cook Strait.

Opening hours: The White Road is open Friday to Monday from 10.30am to 4pm, and the cellar door is open Friday to Monday from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Indulge in local cuisine at award-winning restaurants

There’s no better match for a Marlborough vino than seasonal produce from nearby farms and gardens served up by creative chefs in standout settings.

From casual brunch spots to divine long lunches to multi-course fine dining experiences, these eateries show off the best of Marlborough’s culinary scene.

  • Arbour is top tier if you’re looking for a gastronomic treat, with a seven-course set menu that puts local ingredients centre stage. Book an early table for their ‘Foodie Hour’ at 5.30pm to save a bit of $$$ off the usual price.
  • Harvest @ The Marlborough finds the perfect balance between sophisticated estate restaurant and relaxed vineyard dining, with daily aperitivo hour and dinner as well as a surprisingly affordable Sunday lunch. Much of their menu features ingredients from their own gardens, it changes with the seasons but if the mushroom risotto’s available I hiiighly recommend it.
  • Frank’s Oyster Bar is your go-to for oysters (obviously), flavour-packed small plates and heartier dishes designed for sharing, with an extensive wine list and cocktail menu to match.
  • Come to Small Town Winery for the small-batch wine flights, stay for the seven different bruschetta options (yes, seven!) and seriously good range of cheeses and cured meats.
  • If you’re looking for a brunch stop before hitting the wineries, or if you desperately need a caffeine fix the morning after, Ritual Cafe is my favourite place for a morning meal.
  • There are many long lunch options amongst the vines, but the ones I love the most are Allan Scott Bistro, Number 11 at Wairau River and Wither Hills.
  • For some greasy goodness, Burleigh Gourmet Pies will satisfy your cravings.

Hit the Marlborough Farmers’ Market

If your trip happens to include a Sunday then you can’t miss the weekly Marlborough Farmers’ Market, a much-loved institution where farmers, growers, bakers and food trucks park up at the A&P Showgrounds from 9am to 12pm to sell their specialities.

New Zealand is very card-friendly, I use cash maybe once a month when I’m at home (if that), but farmers’ markets are one place where it’s handy to have some notes with you. Many stalls will accept card but some might not!

If you have a Wise card (my go-to travel card), you get two free ATM withdrawals per month and it’s super easy to convert currency on the go with transparent rates and low fees.

Learn about WWI and WWII history at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

If you’re a plane nerd, a history buff or just want a wet weather or non-wine activity, head to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre to see WWI and WWII aircraft, memorabilia and detailed film-set-style displays.

Fun fact: Loads of the artifacts on display are part of Sir Peter Jackson’s private collection, and his production company helped create the dramatic dioramas.

The best things to do in the Marlborough Sounds

Swim with wild dolphins (ethically)

I’ll be honest, I’ve probably said “it’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever done” about 100 different bucket list experiences around the world, but genuinely swimming with wild dolphins is in my top five hands down.

E-Ko Tours are the local legends that run dolphin swimming tours from Picton, where you’ll cruise around the calm, sheltered Marlborough Sounds for 2-4 hours keeping an eye out for any of the Common, Bottlenose, Dusky or Hector’s dolphins that call these waters their home.

swimming with dolphins picton

Once you find a pod, the expert guides will make sure all the rules and regulations are met for an ethical encounter, and you’ll slip off the back of the boat into the water to watch these playful creatures in their natural habitat.

Don’t be alarmed if you spot a seal trying to join in the fun, they suffer from severe FOMO!

The conditions in Marlborough are perfect for dolphin swimming, it’s so flat that E-Ko actually has a no seasickness guarantee, so if you’re prone to not feeling great on boats then your stomach will thank you for doing it here rather than in the open ocean off Kaikōura or Akaroa.

Is it ethical to swim with wild dolphins? If you go with the right operator then yep, and New Zealand has very strict regulations for marine wildlife encounters so you can be confident that any accredited providers here (like E-Ko) are doing things the right way.

There’s no feeding, no chasing, no swimming with babies, and time limits with each pod. It’s totally up to the dolphins if they want to interact with you, the ones that aren’t interested will just glide on past, while the social butterflies often put on a show with jumps, spins and zoomies around the swimmers.

If you’re short on time or would just prefer to enjoy the wildlife from the warmth and comfort of the boat, E-Ko also has a 1-2 hour dolphin watching tour with a 100% dolphin guarantee.

Bird-watch on predator-free islands

This half-day trip ticks off two of Marlborough’s best wildlife experiences in one go: a dolphin watching cruise and a wander around the predator-free Motuara Island.

Out on the water you’ve got a 90% chance of spotting dolphins (we saw a few different pods!) along with NZ fur seals and seabirds. Next you’ll pull up to the jetty at Motuara to spend an hour walking to the most insane panoramic viewpoint, keeping an eye (and ear) out for native birds along the way.

Back on the boat you can warm up with a hot drink and bikkies while scouring the water for any final dolphin sightings before returning to Picton.

See the Marlborough Sounds from a scenic flight

This wild and rugged region covers just 2.7% of the South Island’s land area but encompasses more than 25% of its coastline 🤯 and the best way to wrap your head around those figures is to see it from the sky.

When you’re soaring over it in a Cessna, you’ll finally understand the scale. The landscape looks like someone dropped a bunch of forest-covered puzzle pieces into flooded river valleys and never put them back together, with thin ribbons of land zigzagging out into the Sounds and hiding untouched bays, abandoned boat houses and luxury lodges amongst the wilderness.

Pelorus Air run a variety of flights depending on your budget and time frame.

Their cheapest option is a 20 minute Inner Marlborough Sound flyover, there’s a mid-range 45 minute flight with a 20 minute beach stop on a remote island (which is absolutely worth it), or go all out with the Water, Wine & Wilderness 1h 15m tour that stretches all the way to Nelson & Tasman Bay before coming back over the Sounds.

Hike, bike or kayak around Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui

The full Queen Charlotte Track is 73.5km and most hikers do it in 3-5 days, but there are a handful of shorter sections that make for brilliant day hikes or bike rides and can be accessed by kayak or boats from Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui.

Water taxis from Picton frequently service different points along the track, or you can join a guided (or semi-guided) hike, bike or kayak trip if you’d prefer someone else to handle the logistics.

Marlborough Sounds Adventure Co. are your experts on all things Queen Charlotte (I mean the Sound/Track, not the Bridgerton spinoff), I did an epic kayak/walk combo with them and it was one of the highlights of my Top of the South Island road trip.

We drove from Picton to Ngakuta Bay, kayaked across Grove Arm and around the glassiest bays before parking up at a secluded beach, walked along the Queen Charlotte Track through thick native forest up to the most spectacular viewpoint for our packed lunch and a hot drink, then headed back to our trusty vessel for the crossing back to the van. We spotted penguins, stingrays, giant starfish, loads of singing birds and even a wild goat along the way.

My legendary guide Andy taught me so much as we paddled, sharing Māori pūrākau (stories) about the Sounds’ history and the conservation efforts to protect native wildlife in the region. An outdoor adventure like kayaking is always fun in beautiful places, but having the added layers of education and culture thrown in as well are what really takes an experience to the next level.

Tēnā koe (thank you) Andy for such an unforgettable Queen Charlotte day.

Marlborough Sounds Adventure Co. have a huge range of options for different travellers, from bike and kayak rental to explore at your own pace, to guided day hikes, bike rides and kayak trips, to multi-day combos that mix all three and include overnight stays at campsites or lodges along the track.

Drive the Queen Charlotte Drive

The Queen Charlotte Drive is a 40km coastal road that winds along the twists and turns of Grove Arm and Mahakipawa Arm, offering scenic lookout after scenic lookout.

Give yourself enough time to stop off on the way for photos, here are some places you could pull over:

  • Wedge Point Ridge seems unassuming at first glance, but the vantage point looking down into the Sounds is magic
  • Governors Bay Picnic Bench is perfect for a snack stop with a view
  • Cullen Point Lookout is a short walk from the roadside up to an elevated panoramic viewpoint that looks down Pelorus Sound and over the Motuweka Estuary in front of Havelock

Tick off one of the many short walks around Picton

If you’ve only got a few hours spare in Picton pre- or post-ferry, lace up your boots and hit one of the short trails easily reached from town.

You can see a map of all the options here, but these are some standouts to consider:

  • The Tirohanga Track is short and steep, taking you up through the forest to a hilltop viewpoint that looks down on Picton and Waikawa Bay
  • Bob’s Bay Track is a gentler option to a lush little swimming beach, take your togs (swimwear) for a dip on a hot day!
  • The Snout Track leads you along a well-maintained mostly shaded path to reach a panoramic lookout up and down Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui. In total it’s 9km return so 3-4 hours, but if you want something shorter you could just walk to the first Queen Charlotte View Lookout (4.7km, 1.5-2h return) and turn around from there.

Take a seafood-tasting cruise through the Sounds

For the ultimate foodie experience on the water, jump aboard a top-rated three-hour Seafood Odyssea Cruise from Picton.

Board the comfortable catamaran and cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui, learning about the wildlife you might spot along the way, as the crew cooks up a seafood feast fresh salmon and Greenshell mussels perfectly paired with local wine.

Sun, seafood and sauv, the dream Marlborough afternoon!

Check prices on
getyourguide Check prices
on Viator

Join the iconic Pelorus Mail Boat Cruise

The Pelorus Mail Boat has been delivering letters, packages and groceries to remote residents tucked deep inside the Marlborough Sounds for more than 100 years, and you can jump aboard to see the posties in action.

As the boat makes its rounds to locals who are effectively cut off from the roading network (either only accessible by water or reached by long, winding, unsealed roads) you can keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and seabirds, or just chill out and get a taste of what life is like when you swap modern conveniences for total isolation in paradise.

Save $$$ on your trip: Book your Mail Boat Cruise through Klook and save 10% with the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK 💰

Treat yourself to a lodge stay

From cheap and cheerful to ultra-luxe, Marlborough Sounds has an impressive selection of boat-access lodge accommodation if you’re looking to stay amongst the wilderness.

Most of them sit along the Queen Charlotte Track, where hikers can rest their bodies or non-hikers can get a taste of the trial without too much physical exertion. A handful of others are tucked even further off grid, surrounded by untouched forests and the most picture-perfect bays you’ll ever see.

Some of the top-rated ones are:

  • Bay of Many Coves: The only 5* lodge in the area, with stylish apartments, a fine dining restaurant and a day spa.
  • Furneaux Lodge: A popular first overnight stop for QCT hikers starting at Ship Cove. Choose from backpacker dorms, affordable cabins, cosy suites or their larger cottages.
  • Punga Cove: A classic trail lodge with rooms ranging from cheap and cheerful to premium apartments.
  • Lochmara Lodge: Designed for active relaxers, with its own sculpture trail, an underwater observatory and kayaks for guests to explore the coast.
  • Hopewell Lodge: A homely self-catering lodge on the shores of Kenepuru Sound, accessible by driving a windy and partly unsealed road (2h 15m from Havelock, 2h 30m from Picton) but much quicker by water taxi (30m from Havelock, 45m from Picton).
  • Te Mahia Bay Resort: Simple but comfortable self-catering lodge that feels like a classic Kiwi bach. The easiest option if you want to drive, just an hour from Picton.
  • Ngahere Hou Glamping: This one’s on my New Zealand glamping bucket list, they have an off-grid yurt with eccentric décor, a wood-fired hot tub and a shared kitchen.
  • Tawa Cove Cabins: Rustic wooden huts with beautiful interiors, BBQs, kayaks, paddleboards and fishing gear to try your luck at catching dinner.

Eat mussels in Havelock, the Green-lipped Mussel Capital of the World

Famous for its juicy locally-farmed Greenshell mussels, Havelock is worth at least a lunch stop.

Mills Bay Mussels Tasting Room, the Mussel Pot Restaurant and MPR Eatery are the best-rated spots in town, and all of them serve classic kai (food) like fish & chips, burgers and sausage rolls for anyone not so shellfish-inclined.

If you reeeally love mussels and want to make a day of it, this afternoon Havelock & Marlborough Sounds Mussel Cruise includes a cruise through Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds with steamed mussels, a glass of local sauv and a visit to the mussel farm.

One of the coolest things to do in Marlborough for seafoodies! (That’s a word now).

Explore Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve

Whether you’ve got ten minutes or a few hours, Pelorus Bridge is an essential stop if you’re driving from Picton through to the Nelson-Tasman region.

A short two-minute stroll takes you to the river’s edge, one of my favourite easy-access photo spots, or there are a bunch of other walks from 30 minute forest loops to 2-4 hour trails through more rugged terrain.

Think the landscape looks familiar? Pelorus River was a filming location in The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, where the hobbits floated down the Forest River in barrels, and you can even book a Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour to immerse yourself in the film location.

Marvel at bioluminescence after dark

On my last trip to Marlborough I was lucky enough to experience the magical phenomenon of bioluminescence, where the water flashes neon blue when it moves. The colour actually comes from tiny organisms called dinoflagellates, a type of plankton!

This one can’t be planned for unfortunately because it’s completely at the mercy of nature, sightings depend on the perfect mix of conditions, but if you’re staying near the water it’s worth finding a spot with no light pollution and checking if the waves or ripples are glowing.

Travel tip: If you notice a reddish or rusty tint on the water during the day (like the photos below) it could a plankton bloom, which miiiight result in bioluminescent activity at night.

It’s never guaranteed, but if you spot it during the daytime on a kayak, boat trip or scenic flight then definitely head to an easy access beach or jetty once it’s properly dark.

Enjoy some delicious cheap eats

Not every meal in Marlborough has to be a wine-matched lunch or seafood splurge, Picton punches above its weight for quick and casual dining to refuel between adventures.

The one stop you absolutely cannot miss is Toastie Lords, a cult-classic sandwich shop that grills up the most divine oozing cheese toasted sandwiches with a variety of fillings and delicious milkshakes. I’m also low key obsessed with their branding, they sell super cute toastie-related merch in-store and online, and their core values spell out BUTTER which is marketing genius. 10/10 to the Toastie Lords team 👏🏼

Other wallet-friendly eateries are Asphyxia BBQ Smoked Street Food for hearty ribs, rolls and loaded fries, M&Ms Takeaways for a classic Kiwi fish & chips feed, and Picton Village Bakery for pies, pastries and doughy goodness.

Where to stay in Blenheim, Picton & the Marlborough Sounds

Where to stay in Blenheim

Budget

Mid-range

Luxury

  • 14th Lane Urban Hotel, a divine 5* boutique hotel in the centre of Blenheim. Decent hotels are few and far between in NZ outside of the big cities so staying here was such a treat! (9.6/10 on booking.com from 270+ reviews)
  • The Marlborough, where you’ll find the aforementioned Harvest Restaurant (4.8/5 on Google from 70+ reviews and 10/10 on booking.com from 5 reviews)
  • The Nineteenth, an elegant two-bedroom home on a private vineyard (5/5 on Airbnb from 240+ reviews)
  • The 14th Lane Urban Hotel

Where to stay in Picton

Budget

Mid-range

Luxury

Where to stay in the Marlborough Sounds

Budget

  • Momorangi Bay DOC Campground, 25 mins from Picton (9.8/10 on Rankers from 70+ reviews, this is where I saw the bioluminescence)
  • Furneaux Lodge has shared bunk cabins and cheap double rooms (9.2/10 on booking.com from 190+ reviews)
  • Punga Cove Resort has affordable single, twin and double rooms at their Basecamp ((8.7/10 on booking.com from 170+ reviews)
  • Hopewell Lodge (a very impressive 9.9/10 on booking.com from 100+ reviews)

Mid-range

Luxury

What to know before visiting Blenheim & Marlborough

How to get to Blenheim & Marlborough

Either:

  • Fly direct into Marlborough Airport in Blenheim (BHE) from Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North, Kapiti Coast and Christchurch
  • Catch the Cook Strait ferry from Wellington to Picton in 3h 30m, Bluebridge is my go-to but the Interislander services the same route, then it’s 25-30m from Picton to Blenheim
  • If you’re already doing a South Island road trip then Blenheim is just under 2h from Nelson, 1h 40m from Kaikōura and 4h from Christchurch

How to get around the Marlborough region

A car is the most efficient way to explore for sure, but book your rental in advance because last minute prices can skyrocket during peak travel periods.

Campervans are great too if you’re up for a van life adventure, there are some fantastic campgrounds dotted throughout the region (Momorangi Bay Campground is my faaave) and a fair few freedom camping spots for self-contained vehicles.

Campervan travel tip: Download the Rankers Camping NZ app to check reviews for freedom camping spots, DOC campgrounds and holiday parks.

Some Marlborough Sounds lodges are only accessible by boat or a very longggg walk or bike ride. If you book one of these you’ll need to take a water taxi or organise a private transfer, so don’t forget to factor these costs into your budget.

Within Blenheim and the Marlborough wine region you can cover some decent ground on two wheels, rent a bike from Explore Marlborough if you’re keen to pedal around the vineyards.

Public transport in the region is pretty limited and is tailored to locals rather than tourists. If you’re not keen to drive then your best way of seeing the area would be to book organised tours, you can find lots of Marlborough small group or private tours on GetYourGuide and Viator.

When to visit the Marlborough region

Marlborough is a true year-round destination that always gets a podium finish for the sunniest region of New Zealand, but the vibe does change with the seasons.

  • ☀️ Summer (Dec-Feb): Long sunny days perfect for water activities, but it’s peak season so it’s essential to book accommodation, transport and activities in advance.
  • 🍂 Autumn (Mar-May): Harvest season! Buzzing cellar doors, fiery foliage, fewer crowds than the warmer months without the winter chill.
  • 🐬 Winter (Jun-Aug): Temps cool down but the blue skies stick around, just rug up for any outdoor adventures and enjoy a glass of vino by the fire to round off your day. Some tours run less frequently in the off season, though it’s the perfect time for dolphin swimming because the Dusky dolphins spend their winter holidays up this way.
  • 🌷 Spring (Sep-Nov): Gardens start to bloom, days get longer and warmer, fresh vintages being poured, just the classic Marlborough goodness before the summer rush.

FAQs: Visiting Blenheim & Marlborough

Is Blenheim worth visiting?

Absolutely! It’s the heart of NZ’s biggest wine region, packed with cellar doors, a thriving culinary scene and year-round sunshine.

Should you stay in Blenheim or Picton for the Marlborough Sounds?

If wine is your priority then Blenheim is the best base, but for easy access to water adventures and hiking trails in the Marlborough Sounds then Picton is more convenient.

Can you do wine tasting in Blenheim without a car?

You sure can. Rent a bike or join a guided bike tour with Explore Marlborough, jump on the hop-on hop-off bus, or book a small group or private driving tour.

What wine is Marlborough famous for?

Sauvignon Blanc is what put Marlborough on the worldwide wine map, but the region’s Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other Aromatics are gaining recognition too.

How far is Blenheim from Picton?

28km, about 25 minutes by car without traffic.

Is Marlborough worth visiting in winter?

For sure, my most recent trip was in August and it was dreamy! Crisp blue sky days, candy floss sunsets, wine tasting by the fireplace and loads of dolphins, seals and seabirds to spot with fewer boats on the water.

Can you swim in the Marlborough Sounds?

Yep, there are lots of safe beaches and bays in the Marlborough Sounds where you can take a dip, but be aware of boats and jet skis.

Is Marlborough expensive to visit?

It can be if you’re sticking to winery meals and fancy lodges, but there are cheap eats, holiday parks and an infinite number of stunning picnic spots for you to keep it budget-friendly.

What can you do in Blenheim if you don’t drink wine?

Eat your way around town, go for a bike ride, wander the beautiful gardens, visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, or pop over to the Marlborough Sounds for a day on the water.

How many days should you spend in Blenheim & Marlborough?

A day for the wineries and a day for the Sounds would be the absolute bare minimum, but you could easily spend more without getting bored. Keen foodies should aim for 2-3 days in Blenheim to do it justice, and outdoor adventurers will be able to fill 3-4 days in the Marlborough Sounds with hiking, biking, kayaking and wildlife spotting.

And there you have it, a full round up of the best things to do in Blenheim and Marlborough, from sipping world-renowned sauv to swimming with wild dolphins to working up a sweat while hiking, biking or kayaking.

Whether you’re here for a quick stop pre- or post-ferry or you’re visiting as part of a wider South Island roadie, this region is the ultimate New Zealand destination for a slower-paced trip where you truly savour the scenery (and the Sauvignon Blanc…).

This guide covers all the best bucket list experiences, scenic viewpoints, outdoor adventures, worthwhile food stops, vibey cellar doors and places to stay for travellers on any budget. I hope it’s helped you plan your ultimate Blenheim & Marlborough itinerary!

If you’ve got any other tips, favourite wineries or hidden gems in Marlborough then drop them in the comments, and feel free to bookmark this blog post to come back to and let me know your trip highlights once you get home.

MY GO-TO TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES

Flights ✈️ I use Skyscanner to find the best flights for my trip and then I’ll always book direct with the airline to protect myself from having to deal with dodgy third parties if anything goes wrong.

Trains 🚂 If I’m travelling through Europe, I try to travel by train wherever possible! For an extended trip (2+ weeks) I’ll calculate if a Eurail Pass is worth it, or I’ll book point-to-point tickets through RailEurope or the local train operator.

Accommodation 🛎️ I book almost all of my accommodation through booking.com, they have a user-friendly website + app and many of their options are free cancellation, easily cancelled with a simple click of a button.

Activities 🗽I use GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator to look for activities in the places I visit, or I just Google ‘things to do in [city]’! P.S. If you book anything on Klook you can use the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK to get 10% off

Travel cards 💳 I’m a Wise gal through and through, they’ve been my chosen travel card for more than five years now. You can easily top up your card from your bank account or through Apple Pay, convert your money to local currency, and spend money with minimal fees and the best exchange rates around.

Travel insurance 🩺 I use Cover-More NZ travel insurance for my own trips, I have a comprehensive policy and I’ve only had good experiences with them. Cover-More also has an Australian company, but if you’re from elsewhere then two popular insurance options for global travellers are SafetyWing (cheaper policy, lower coverage) and World Nomads (more expensive but significantly better coverage).

Luggage 💼 I travel with Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases, one 75cm check in bag and a 55cm carry on bag, and I absolutely adore them and will never travel with anything else! They are SUPER lightweight (2.8kg and 1.9kg respectively) so I have much more space for my actual stuff.

Camera gear 📸 I use a iPhone 15 Pro Max for phone photos/videos, and my camera kit includes a Lumix S9 (incredible lightweight full-frame camera, a game changer for travel creators!) with a 20-60mm lens, a Lumix G9 with an 8-18mm and 12-60mm lens, a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and a GoPro Hero 10. I do all my writing and editing on my ASUS Zenbook 14, it’s lightweight but powerful enough for photo editing and intense blogging sessions.

Alexx is the full-time solo traveller behind Finding Alexx, a travel blog all about helping you make the most of your time and money on the road.

She quit her desk job in 2019 and has since visited more than 60 countries across six continents, armed with a couple of cameras, a suitcase that's way too heavy, and a mission to find the best travel experiences around the globe without blowing the budget. With a background in travel marketing, she blends storytelling and strategy to bring you ultra-detailed itineraries, honest travel guides and behind-the-scenes chaos from her adventures (and misadventures).

From scuba diving with sea turtles in Borneo to train-hopping in Switzerland to solo campervanning through her home country of New Zealand, she's here to help you plan smarter and travel better.

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