Short Breaks: Wellington & Marlborough

Within an hour of leaving your office in Wellington you can be sipping wine at a cellar door in Marlborough – a world away from the hustle and bustle of New Zealand’s ‘coolest little capital’. And the ease of a quick flight from Wellington also makes Marlborough a top getaway spot for visitors from across the Tasman.

People walking through vineyard
Cloudy Bay Winery

The qualities that make Marlborough one of New Zealand’s top wine-producing regions is the same reason it is also one of the most popular holiday spots in the country - year-round sunshine, fabulous food and wine, beautiful scenery, luxury accommodation and exceptional outdoor activities on land and sea. 

As well as a wine lover’s dream, Marlborough is also a magnet for nature-lovers, including hikers and seafarers keen to explore Marlborough  Sounds or Queen Charlotte Track, and the coastline's many secluded waterways.

Don’t miss:

  • ‘Sip and cycle’ – there are more than 30 cellar doors located within a 10km radius of the main town centre of Blenheim and plenty of places to hire bikes or join a hosted wine tour.
  • No trip to Marlborough is complete without indulging in a long lunch at one of the many outstanding winery restaurants in the region. 
  • Famous movie director Sir Peter Jackson’s rare collection of World War 1 memorabilia and aircraft at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre near Blenheim airport.
  • Drive to Picton and get out on the water in Marlborough Sounds – choose from a mailboat cruise, dolphin safari or sea kayaking adventure.
  • Sample and shop for local produce from the farm gate or the Sunday Farmers Market.
  • Take a walk in Wither Hills Farm Park - for great views over Marlborough and the Wairau Plains.

Getting there:

Marlborough is a 30 minute flight from Wellington and approximately 20 minute drive from Picton if you’re arriving by ferry. It’s also just 1.5 hours’ drive from Nelson and a scenic 4 hour drive from Christchurch.

For more New Zealand Short Breaks...

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