Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Marlborough Region, South Island

January 19, 2022 Toi Mattera

The fertile soil and temperate climate of the Wairau River Valley provide the perfect conditions for a wine lover's paradise. Marlborough's thousands of acres of vineyards and dozens of wineries create delectable wines of diverse varietals, from full-bodied Pinot Noir to herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. The countryside boasts unsurpassed beauty, with its majestic mountains, verdant vineyards and the labyrinth of waterways that make up the Marlborough Sounds.
Restaurants in Marlborough Region

1. Marlborough Sounds

Picton New Zealand +64 3-577 5587 http://www.marlborough.co.nz/sounds.asp
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 688 reviews

Marlborough Sounds

Reviewed By paulohartson1 - Amersham, United Kingdom

Take the scenic route from Nelson and you'll find laybys at the side of the road that give you stunning views down the sounds

2. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

79 Aerodrome Road, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand +64 3-579 1305 [email protected] http://www.omaka.org.nz
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,533 reviews

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was established to provide a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft. Some of New Zealand's most respected cinematic and special effects craftsmen have created a dramatic aviation theatre in which original and full-scale replica WW1 and WW2 aircraft, both static and flyable, are presented in all their glory. The museum is home to two exhibitions, "Knights of the Sky" and "Dangerous Skies". The former is on long-term loan from film director Sir Peter Jackson and comprises one of the world's largest collections of World War One aircraft and rare memorabilia. Thanks to Sir Peter's generosity the aircraft have been brought to life in a series of dioramas created by Wingnut Films and enhanced with lifelike mannequins by Weta Workshop. "Dangerous Skies" utilised local talent and features stories from World War Two and takes visitors on a geographical as well as an historical journey.

Reviewed By Wander46757584245 - Dunedin, New Zealand

Amazing display of aircraft - highest level of detail we've encountered worldwide at an aviation museum. 100% recommend !

3. Bladen Wines

83 Conders Bend Road, Renwick 7275 New Zealand +64 3-572 9417 [email protected] http://www.bladen.co.nz
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 106 reviews

Bladen Wines

Wine Tasting with the owners family. Small boutique wine producer in an small and friendly tasting facility. Christmas Closure: 23-26th December inclusive Closed: New Years Day

Reviewed By 367lyndals - Christchurch, New Zealand

We visited this boutique cellar door on our wine tour & were delighted with a lovely warm reception by the family dogs & owner who told us the lovely story of how their family became vintners & conception of the cellars name. We enjoyed some beautiful wines & ended up purchasing a bottle of Rose to enjoy later. A lovely way to spend an afternoon.

4. Hedgerows Hydroponic Strawberries

205 Old Renwick Road Entrance on Rene Street, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand +64 3-578 5268 [email protected] http://www.hedgerows.co.nz
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 62 reviews

Hedgerows Hydroponic Strawberries

Hedgerows is a boutique hydroponic farm specializing in providing premium grade hydroponic strawberries for everyone. Our shop and garden is situated in the heart of the our farm. Come sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh strawberries, strawberry preserves and real fruit ice-cream or frozen yogurt. Hedgerows is family owned and operated with a fresh and welcoming atmosphere. Open from September to January.

Reviewed By buckeyetravel - Ohio, United States

They make fruit ice cream in a unique way in NZ. They take fresh fruit and vanilla ice cream and put them into a device that is like an auger that crushes and mixes the berries and ice cream together. Very fresh way to add fruit instead of the typical way to add the fruit when making the ice cream not at the point of sale. I like this method as the fruit is fresh and mixed right in. The berries here are like perfect berries as they are bright red and have undamaged skin unlike fruit that grows in a field and may get moldy or dirty as they berries grow. The fruit tasted very good by itself as well as we bought a container of fruit along with our ice cream. I saw a review that said they were expensive but we bought two ice cream cones and small package of berries for $7 US so we thought that was a great deal! Nice place for a stop on the drive from Picton down the East Coast.

5. Yealands Estate

Corner of Seaview and Reserve Roads, Seddon 7285 New Zealand +64 3-575 7618 [email protected] http://www.yealands.co.nz/
Excellent
85%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 149 reviews

Yealands Estate

After a beautiful winter makeover, our revamped, contemporary tasting room is the perfect place to relax while you sample a selection of our finest wines from Seaview Estate, including our Single Vineyard collection which is the ultimate expression of our spectacular coastal vineyard. We have a delicious selection local cheeses and cured meats, which can be enjoyed while you enjoy a glass of wine, or head off on a complimentary, self-guided White Road tour. There are plenty of sheltered picnics areas where you can stop and enjoy the sights. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Reviewed By FortesNZ123

Thank you Billy and India for a thoroughly enjoyable experience at Yealands. My highlight for our trip to the South Island so far. Loved the wine, particularly the Rose, loved the people, loved the architecture, loved the sustainability, loved the white road tour.

6. Framingham Wines

19 Conders Bend Road, Renwick 7243 New Zealand +64 3-572 8884 [email protected] http://www.framingham.co.nz
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 180 reviews

Framingham Wines

Visit us...Our winery and cellar door is nestled in 17 hectares of vineyards and beautifully manicured gardens, with spectacular views of the Richmond Ranges. We are open everyday for complimentary wine tastings.Turn down Conders Bend Road from State Highway 6 between the Wairau River Bridge and Renwick to taste Framingham wines at their source. Just 10 minutes’ drive from Blenheim on the main road to Nelson, we’re open everyday from 10.30am until 4.30pm. Relax in the deco-style wooden panelled tasting room, or enjoy the sunshine and roses in our sheltered courtyard. Let us give you an insight into how our wines are crafted to make the most of the Wairau Valley climate as you savour our diverse range. Wander the vineyard or venture downstairs to explore the cellar, where we keep vintages past and present.

Reviewed By GrizzlyToaster - Wellington, New Zealand

I love Framingham wines and have always loved their riesling - so I chose all their rieslings and they even pulled out an amazing sticky from 2007. The staff were fantastic and really looked after that and even gave my wife a cap for her birthday. Really beautiful setting with cool art space below. A definite must on any wine tour

7. Queen Charlotte Sound

Queen Charlotte Walk, Picton New Zealand +64 3-573 6175 http://www.beachcombercruises.co.nz
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 335 reviews

Queen Charlotte Sound

Reviewed By Resort829690 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Great tramp Beautiful scenery Comfortable lodges Carry only a day pack Organised by Adventure Tours Picton Track can easily done independently-no guide required Lodges along route comfortable with restaurants providing great food

8. Picton Sound

Picton New Zealand +64 3-573 8994
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 282 reviews

Picton Sound

Reviewed By Sandy817 - Phoenix, United States

It was beautiful coming into Picton on the Celebrity Solstice and we were glad we got up to see the ship dock here. It is a lovely small town & there was an outdoor market the day we were there.

9. Queen Charlotte Track

Marlborough Sounds, Picton 7220 New Zealand +64 3-573 5432 [email protected] http://www.qctrack.co.nz/
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 878 reviews

Queen Charlotte Track

Reviewed By TravelDudes555

From the dolphins on the boat ride to Ship cove, to the glow worms at Punga cove, the curious Wekas, the amazing kauri trees and many beautiful views of the Marlborough Sounds - the Queen Charlotte track offers a bit of everything. Staying at the Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove added some unexpected luxury to the hike - highly recommended.! The track itself is very good (mainly forest covered) but not exceptional - however the combined experience of the hike, the accommodation, and enjoying the beautiful Marlborough sounds made for an excellent long weekend!

10. Spy Valley Wines

37 Lake Timara Road West, Blenheim 7276 New Zealand +64 3-572 6088 [email protected] http://www.spyvalleywine.co.nz/
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 107 reviews

Spy Valley Wines

Spy Valley is a New Zealand Family owned must-visit winery with a reputation for consistently producing great value, sustainable, award-winning wines. Come and experience complimentary tastings of our wines, see award winning architecture and learn the secrets behind the name, Spy Valley. Family friendly with a large picnic area overlooking the vines. We are the 2013 Winner of the "Best of Wine Tourism" award for Architecture and Landscapes. Summer Hours: Open daily 10.30am - 4.30pm October- April Winter Hours: Mon-Fri 10.30am-4.30pm May - October

Reviewed By morganicchemistry - Wisconsin, United States

I visited Spy Valley with my mom and overall we had a good experience. The tasting includes the more common varieties they produce (sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, gewurztraminer, riesling, chardonnay) so there's little introduction necessary, in my opinion. I found the space to be open and welcoming, and Della was pleasant and helpful as we planned our day.

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