Shore Excursion: Highlights of Marlborough Wine Region from Picton

TOUR SUMMARY

Enjoy a 4-5 hour fun-filled tour with Your Local Chauffeur departing from the
Port of Picton on a short scenic journey to the Marlborough Wine region.
Taste award winning local wines, delicious gourmet treats and view stunning
landscapes as you travel through the vineyards, the farmlands, see the horticulture
and the local community at work.

Each cellar door offers unique styles and of course some famous
Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Marlborough wine is so popular 
and we will visit 3 wineries and stop for a light lunch or picnic option.

The special delicacies known to Marlborough are of course the Green-lip mussels
and the Aoraki Salmon. Hopefully you will want to savour some of these local treats. 

Cheese platters while you are tasting your wine are also superb to find new taste buds. 

Returning to Picton in plenty of
time for your ships scheduled departure you might like to include a short
return drive to see spectacular high vantage point views from a great cultural look-out of 
your ship and the sparkling Queen Charlotte Sound.

TOUR DETAILS

The Port of Picton in the Queen Charlotte Sound welcomes cruise
ships throughout the season and it is a lovely seaside spot to explore.
Just 25 minutes south of Picton, your tour takes you on a scenic journey
to enjoy the famous Marlborough wine region.

The most popular highlights of the day are wine tasting, sampling
local gourmet treats and the spectacular scenic routes of the Wairau Plains
while travelling to and from the selected spots of the day.

Experience gourmet treats of cheese tasting, manuka honey,
oils, liqueurs, a refreshing gelato or decadent fudge.
If time allows you can also request a stop at the Omaka Air
Centre where you can view Peter Jackson’s amazing displays of his classic
aircraft.  The tour can continue and Your Local Chauffeur will return in
approximately one hour to pick you up from the Air Centre. You then join the group for the next stop.

Seasonal produce can be available at roadside stalls from
December through to February. You can take these aboard but must eat them
before you disembark. Juicy strawberries, cherries, apricots, and nectarines.

Although your cruise ship caters well for you, a light tapas
or cheese/meat/seafood platter with matching wines is a great way to experience
the local cuisine. Your Local Chauffeur arranges a picturesque winery garden or
a local wine and beer garden for your pleasure. Tempting food trucks - with local fare
such as pulled pork, chicken tacos, vegetarian items and glasses of wine or pots of beer.
 
Generally tours are from 4-5 hours but we keep flexibility
in schedules for each ship and cater for passengers comfort and
requirements. 

You travel in comfortable small personal vehicles of 1-5 seats or 6-8 seats

You will return at least 2 hours prior to your ship's scheduled departure.
Children's rates from 7 - 12 years.

Before leaving Blenheim you may love a visit the Makana Boutique Chocolate
Confections – a treat not to be missed.

For a highlight to end a wonderful day when we arrive back
in Picton, why not take advantage of a short 15 minute return drive from the
township to the Victoria Domain for high vantage views of Picton Port,
Queen Charlotte Sound and your ship.