Marlborough Wine Tour from Picton: Tastings & Gourmet Stops

Wine, chocolate and aircraft: a custom day built around what you want to see

A private, full-day wine and gourmet tour from Picton through the Marlborough region with an experienced local guide, wine tastings, chocolate and gourmet food samples, and optional stops at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre or Marlborough Sounds scenic drive. The itinerary is customized to your interests, and the guide shapes the day around what matters to you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Marlborough Sounds45m
2. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre1h

Wine, gourmet, and scenic Marlborough tour

• Depart from Picton
• Optional scenic drive around Marlborough Sounds
• Taste boutique chocolates in Blenheim
• Visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

The experience

What makes this tour different is the flexibility. You start at 9:30 am from Picton (or at a time that suits your schedule), and your local guide builds the route around what you want to do. Wine tasting is the anchor (the Marlborough region is the reason you came), but the stops after that are yours to choose. The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre holds Peter Jackson's meticulously restored World War II aircraft and film memorabilia; the Marlborough Sounds offer a scenic drive with high vantage points over the bays and rolling hills; local artisans and craft producers are on the table if that appeals to you. Your guide knows the region deeply and steers you toward what will matter most to your day.

The vehicle is a comfortable 6-seat van with wide windows, so you see the landscape as you move through it. Wine tastings happen at stops you choose. Chocolate comes from a boutique confectioner in Blenheim, and the gourmet treats, the operator calls them "seriously delicious", are part of the route. Bottled water is included. The tour runs about six hours, which gives you time to linger at the places that catch your interest without feeling rushed. Alcoholic drinks beyond the wine tastings are available to purchase if you want them.

Your guide is English-speaking and local, which means the commentary comes from someone who actually lives here and can answer questions that go beyond the standard script. Children from age 15 can join. Younger children can ride along but won't participate in wine tastings. The van is wheelchair accessible, and the operator confirms the tour suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Local English-speaking guide.
• private vehicle transport for up to six passengers.
• wine tastings at Marlborough producers.
• boutique chocolate samples.
• gourmet treats tasting.
• bottled water.
• optional Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre entry or Marlborough Sounds scenic drive, depending on your interests.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Pamela March Trading As Your Local Chauffeur

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and shapes the day around what you want to see, so if you know which stops matter to you (wine, aviation history, scenic views, or a mix). You can steer the route toward them. If you prefer a set itinerary and don't want to make choices on the day, a fixed-schedule group tour would suit you better.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years). Children under 15 can't be included in the booking.

Can I customize the stops on this tour, or is the itinerary fixed?

The itinerary is built around your interests. Your guide will take you to wine tastings in Marlborough, and you choose whether to add the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, a scenic drive through the Marlborough Sounds, or visits to local artisans and craft producers. The day is custom-made for you.

What is the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre like?

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre holds meticulously restored World War II aircraft and film memorabilia created by Peter Jackson's Weta Works studio. The displays are detailed and lifelike, and the site includes a café. Even if you're not an aviation enthusiast, the craftsmanship and historical detail hold most visitors' attention.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included, though gourmet treats and chocolate tastings are part of the tour. You can arrange a meal stop with your guide if you'd like one during the day.

What time does the tour start, and can I choose a different time?

Tours depart from Picton at 9:30 am, but the operator is flexible and can adjust the start time to suit your schedule. Let them know your preferred departure time when you book.

How many people will be on this tour?

This is a private tour, so it's just you and your group in the 6-seat vehicle with your guide. No other travelers are added to your booking.