Visiting Marlborough? 9 Things to Do

You’ll find Marlborough’s reputation as New Zealand’s wine capital only scratches the surface of what this region offers. While most visitors come for the world-class Sauvignon Blanc, you’re missing out if that’s where your adventure ends. From swimming alongside dolphins in crystal-clear sounds to walking ancient coastal tracks, Marlborough delivers experiences that’ll challenge your assumptions about this corner of the South Island. Here’s what you need to know before you pack your bags.

Cruise the Queen Charlotte Sound to Motuara Island

When you cruise Queen Charlotte Sound to Motuara Island, you’ll glide through some of New Zealand’s most sheltered waters on a journey that combines wildlife encounters, conservation success, and maritime history. Departing from Picton, these cruises range from 4.5-hour sightseeing trips to multi-day expeditions.

You’ll spot dolphins, seals, penguins, and rare seabirds while enjoying onboard wine and refreshments.

Motuara Island itself is a 150-acre predator-free sanctuary where you can observe saddleback, yellow-crowned parakeets, kererū, and tūī through guided or self-paced walking tracks. The island offers spectacular lookout views and connects you to Captain Cook’s Ship Cove nearby. This historic location holds particular significance as the site where Captain Cook proclaimed British sovereignty in 1770.

Tours operate October through April, featuring expert guides who share insights about Māori heritage, including Kupe’s arrival site, and the region’s conservation achievements.

Cycle Between Wineries in the Wairau Plains

After exploring Marlborough’s waters, you’ll discover the region’s renowned wine country spreads across the flat, cyclist-friendly terrain of the Wairau Plains.

Choose from guided half-day tours ($20 USD bike rentals) visiting three wineries with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir tastings, or full-day experiences combining guided and self-guided segments.

Popular routes include the 21km Blenheim-Ben Morven loop and 50km Blenheim-Renwick circuit, connecting vineyard-dense areas with scenic views of Richmond Range and Wither Hills.

Book winery visits in advance and grab maps from visitor centers. For a more personalized experience, several operators offer small group tours with a maximum of eight cyclists per group.

You’ll cycle mostly on narrow roads without dedicated bike lanes, so wear helmets and stay alert.

The Wine Trail Cycle Route provides access to both established wineries and boutique vineyards, often featuring local food and art exhibits.

Walk the Queen Charlotte Track (or Just the Best Bits)

Why tackle the entire 73.5km Queen Charlotte Track when you can experience its most spectacular sections in a day or two? Start at Ship Cove, where Captain Cook once anchored, and walk to Endeavour Inlet for stunning coastal views over Queen Charlotte Sound. This five-hour section showcases native forests filled with tree ferns and nikau palms without requiring multi-day commitment.

For maximum impact, tackle the Kenepuru Saddle section for panoramic vistas across the Sounds. You’ll need good fitness and sturdy footwear since clay surfaces become slippery when wet. The track features undulating terrain with hills reaching up to 400 meters elevation.

Book lodge accommodation with luggage transfers to carry only day packs, and arrange boat transfers through cruise operators.

Purchase a Land Cooperative Pass for sections crossing private land between Kenepuru Saddle and Davies Bay.

Swim With Dolphins in Pelorus Sound

Beyond the scenic walking tracks, Marlborough’s marine playground offers an extraordinary wildlife encounter that ranks among New Zealand’s most memorable experiences.

You’ll find multiple dolphin species in Pelorus Sound’s sheltered waters, including Dusky, Bottlenose, Common, Orca, and rare Hector’s dolphins swimming alongside New Zealand Fur Seals and seabirds.

Tours depart from Picton for 2-4 hours with small groups maintaining 1:15 participant-to-guide ratios.

You’ll receive free binoculars and species identification cards while expert guides ensure safety under Department of Conservation permits.

Swimming operates June to December during Dusky dolphin season when they’re most playful and acrobatic.

December to June restricts swimming but offers viewing tours.

This seasonal approach protects marine mammals while delivering unforgettable encounters in calm, flat waters. Participants must be at least 12 years old to join these marine wildlife adventures.

Explore the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

While most aviation museums display aircraft behind ropes, you’ll discover something extraordinary at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre where Sir Peter Jackson’s world-class WWI collection comes alive through cinematic storytelling.

Located just 5km from Blenheim at Omaka Aerodrome, the centre features two main exhibitions: “Knights of the Sky” showcasing WWI aircraft with life-like dioramas created by Wētā Workshop, and “Dangerous Skies” focusing on WWII aviation stories. The WWII exhibition includes The Stalingrad Experience as part of its immersive displays.

You’ll see iconic aircraft including Spitfires, P40 Kittyhawks, and a Curtiss Flying Boat presented through immersive battlefield scenes and detailed historical narratives.

Open daily 9am-5pm, the centre also hosts the biennial Classic Fighters airshow and offers an on-site café for your convenience.

Sample Greenshell Mussels in Havelock

Where else can you taste New Zealand’s most famous shellfish at its absolute source than in Havelock, the self-proclaimed “Green Shell Mussel Capital” of the country? You’ll find local operators offering tours and tastings featuring fresh-caught Greenshell Mussels straight from Marlborough Sounds.

These nutrient-rich shellfish provide exceptional protein content—six medium mussels deliver 25% of your daily protein needs, plus essential Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin B12.

During your visit, you can enjoy mussels steamed, grilled, or prepared with local ingredients while learning about sustainable farming practices. The industry supports two-thirds of Havelock’s population, making this experience both authentic and economically crucial. The mussels are grown on long-line systems suspended in the pristine waters of the Sounds, where they naturally filter nutrients from the sea.

Mussels are harvested at peak condition and shipped quickly, ensuring you’ll taste them at prime freshness and quality.

Spot Fur Seals at Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary

Just a 10-minute boat ride from Picton will transport you to Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary, where New Zealand fur seals gather along rocky shorelines in their natural habitat. You’ll find these impressive marine mammals year-round, with peak activity during winter months when they use haul-out sites for resting and breeding.

Walk the 2.7-kilometer circular track through native bush to spot adult males weighing up to 120 kilograms alongside smaller females. You’ll witness their playful behavior and excellent swimming abilities as they dive beyond 100 meters depth.

The predator-free sanctuary also hosts endemic birds like tui, bellbird, and little blue penguins. These seals are distinguished by their thick fur and long whiskers, which help them navigate their marine environment.

Guided wildlife tours provide educational context about seal ecology and conservation efforts. The calm, sheltered waters create ideal conditions for observing seal pups practicing their swimming and hunting skills.

Take the Underground Wine Tour at Marlborough Museum

After exploring Marlborough’s natural wildlife, shift your focus to the region’s renowned winemaking heritage at the Marlborough Museum’s Underground Wine Tour. Located in Brayshaw Heritage Park, this unique experience combines wine education with historical context, showcasing how Marlborough became New Zealand’s premier wine region.

You’ll taste boutique Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals while learning about the region’s microclimates and terroir. The tour includes access to barrel rooms and underground cellars, demonstrating traditional winemaking methods alongside the Jim Eyles Collection‘s geological insights.

Book ahead—groups are limited to eight people. The museum operates Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11am-3pm, with entry by donation (suggested $10). For those seeking more extensive wine exploration, consider the nearby self-guided biking tours that allow you to discover additional Marlborough wineries at your own pace.

Combine your visit with other heritage park attractions for a thorough cultural experience.

Kayak the Hidden Coves of Kenepuru Sound

While Queen Charlotte Sound draws most visitors, Kenepuru Sound offers a more intimate kayaking experience through its shallow turquoise waters and secluded coves. You’ll paddle past native bush, farmland, and sandy beaches while exploring marine farms where you can taste fresh mussels during guided tours.

Full-day trips depart Portage Hotel at 9:30 am, returning by 3:30 pm, with water taxi transfers from Picton costing $115 return. Providers supply all safety equipment and follow strict SKOANZ codes, making tours suitable for beginners.

You can also rent kayaks for 4-5 day self-guided adventures using remote DOC campsites.

Pack waterproof layers for variable weather. The sound’s sheltered nature and professional guides ensure you’ll safely discover shipwrecks, encounter native wildlife, and access pristine areas away from crowds. As the smallest waterway of the three Marlborough Sounds, Kenepuru Sound provides an exclusive setting perfect for those seeking tranquility away from busier tourist areas.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Marlborough’s diverse attractions cater to every interest. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures like dolphin swimming and coastal kayaking, or prefer cultural experiences at aviation museums and underground wine tours, you’ll discover something memorable. Don’t overlook the practical activities—cycling between wineries, sampling local mussels, and walking select track sections maximize your time. Plan ahead for wildlife encounters and book accommodations early during peak season. Marlborough delivers unforgettable experiences across adventure, nature, and culture.