FAQs
Frequently asked question
If you have specific questions please contact us.
FAQs
About Tours
Do you visit the same wineries each day?
No we don’t visit the same cellar doors every day. There are plenty to choose from so we are able to mix it up and keep it fresh everyday. We aim to visit a mix of wineries from a larger corporate to a small family vineyard and boutique ones in between. This means we are supporting the whole region and giving our guests a full range of experiences in our lovely Marlborough region.
If you have somewhere you would like to visit, you can let us know when you book and we will see if we can make it work with that days schedule.
Will we visit Cloudy Bay Vineyard on the tour?
At present Cloudy Bay have set a maximum number of people who can visit in a group to 6. So if this policy continues we will not be able to visit Cloudy Bay on our group tours during the peak season. Outside of the busy summer season when numbers are lower then we may be able to visit.
There are over 20 cellar doors that we can visit on a daily basis in Marlborough and although Cloudy Bay is very famous, there are many other cellar doors with great wine that we can visit.
Where should we stay in Blenheim or Picton?
We are always being asked for ideas on where to stay, so we have set up a page with some ideas and links to different accommodation options available in both Blenheim and Picton. Click on the link below: LINK
Why should I choose a tour with Marlborough Wine Tours?
Firstly we have great reviews and people not only have fun with us they get a bit of education as well and our company has been successfully running for 20 years!
But most importantly we are fully compliant with NZ transport and tourism regulations including our tour guides having the proper driver endorsements, our company has the required transport licence as well as liability insurance and Health and Safety Compliance. You can trust that when you get in our vehicles they are fully road worthy.
I’m trying to book a tour for today of early tomorrow and the website won’t let me?
We have cut off times for online bookings. We may still have availability so give us a call and on +64 3 574 2889 and if we have availability we will do our best to get you on a tour.
Can I choose the wineries we go to on tour?
Most of the year we don’t have preset schedules so we can change our visits to the tastes of our clients. If you are visiting on a cruise ship day or through the busy summer season there are no guarantees as we need to pre book our visits – tourism is booming in Marlborough. If you have places you really want to go please let us know on your booking form or prior to the day of the tour so we can see if it will fit into the plan. Outside of summer we do our best to customise our tours but of course there are up to 10 people in our vans so we have to consider the tastes of all our clients. Please let us know any requests when you book.
If you have specific tastes and really want to visit certain places you are best to book a private tour with us.
Is there a dress code for joining wine tours?
We are often asked this question and there is no right or wrong answer. People wear a range of clothing on wine tours. On our tours you will be travelling in air conditioned comfort , you probably do want sensible shoes for getting in and out and maybe walking in a bit of vineyard, but other than that there is no strict code. We recommend tidy and comfortable to the weather conditions.
I want to book for just one person but the website won’t let me?
The minimum number to run a tour is 2 people. So the first booking needs to be for 2 people and after that the website should allow bookings for 1 passenger. If the website won’t let you book, get in touch with us as we may have other options available or be able to confirm we can manage your booking for just one person as if we already have another tour running we may be able to transfer you.
Do you pick up from my accommodation?
When you book a tour you have the option of being picked up at a location such as an I Site (information site at Picton, Blenheim of Havelock) or your accommodation. To make it easier we have listed a lot of motels that we generally pick up from, but if your accommodation isn’t listed you can type it in at the check out and we will pick you up there. All central town pick ups are free – but if you are outside of the usual route we may charge a small pick up fee and have to arrange a pick up time so that we can make the tour work – our aim is to get you to the cellar doors as quick as we can so you aren’t driving all around the place. Most tour operators charge a surcharge for pick up in Picton, Waikawa and Havelock. We have recently decided to change from a surcharge on the day to a price inclusive pick up fee to make it easier for both you and our staff.
I want to buy a tour for friends or family – do you do vouchers?
Yes you can buy a gift card from our shopping cart. Choose your value and the recipient will be able to use it to book and manage their tour online.
Accommodation
Where should we stay in Blenheim or Picton?
We are always being asked for ideas on where to stay, so we have set up a page with some ideas and links to different accommodation options available in both Blenheim and Picton. Click on the link below: Accommodation Suggestions
I’m in a Campervan, where should I stay?
There are lots of options for campervans in the Marlborough region such as your standard holiday camp sites such as and Picton T0p 10 or Spring Creek Holiday park and Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park. There are also other apps such as Camper Mate. If you are a member of NZMCA they have great options too including being able to stay at the Blenheim Racecourse.
Most of the freedom camping spots in Marlborough have been shut down however there is freedom camping available in the evening at the Wynen St Carpark in Blenheim and the Renwick Domain Carpark in Renwick.
Do make sure that your pick up location is not too far out of town so that we can pick you up for your wine tour.
Do you pick up from my accommodation?
When you book a tour you have the option of being picked up at a location such as an I Site (information site at Picton, Blenheim of Havelock) or your accommodation. To make it easier we have listed a lot of motels that we generally pick up from, but if your accommodation isn’t listed you can type it in at the check out and we will pick you up there. All central town pick ups are free – but if you are outside of the usual route we may charge a small pick up fee and have to arrange a pick up time so that we can make the tour work – our aim is to get you to the cellar doors as quick as we can so you aren’t driving all around the place. Most tour operators charge a surcharge for pick up in Picton, Waikawa and Havelock. We have recently decided to change from a surcharge on the day to a price inclusive pick up fee to make it easier for both you and our staff.
Do you pick up from Air BnB’s?
Yes usually this isn’t a problem – do check the location of your BnB before you book as the site only gives you a general location – some people have found themselves booked into accommodation that is 40mins drive from Blenheim and definitely not in the tour pick up zone. Our general pick up area is on the main road from Picton to Blenheim and out to Renwick, if you are staying outside of the main route there may be a pick up fee, and we will need to check with us for a more accurate pick up time.
Can I bring my luggage with me?
We now have a luggage option particularly to suit those coming off the Train/Bus in Blenheim and the Picton Ferries. You do need to let us know when booking by ticking the luggage box so we have appropriate luggage capacity on the day.
Arriving in Marlborough
Where should we stay in Blenheim or Picton?
We are always being asked for ideas on where to stay, so we have set up a page with some ideas and links to different accommodation options available in both Blenheim and Picton. Click on the link below: Accommodation Suggestions
Do you pick up from my accommodation?
When you book a tour you have the option of being picked up at a location such as an I Site (information site at Picton, Blenheim of Havelock) or your accommodation. To make it easier we have listed a lot of motels that we generally pick up from, but if your accommodation isn’t listed you can type it in at the check out and we will pick you up there. All central town pick ups are free – but if you are outside of the usual route we may charge a small pick up fee and have to arrange a pick up time so that we can make the tour work – our aim is to get you to the cellar doors as quick as we can so you aren’t driving all around the place. Most tour operators charge a surcharge for pick up in Picton, Waikawa and Havelock. We have recently decided to change from a surcharge on the day to a price inclusive pick up fee to make it easier for both you and our staff.
Can you pick me up form the ferry terminal?
From 2023 there is going to be delays getting off the Interislander ferry which usually arrives at 12.15 Due to road works and closures happening this year with the building of a new ferry terminal there may be significant delays coming into and out of Picton.
If you are arriving on the Interislander ferry that arrives into Picton at 12.15 – it is unlikely that you will be able to get your luggage in time/ or drive off in time for our 12.30pm pick up from Picton. You definiely won’t have time to drive down to Blenheim for the 12.45-1pm pick up either.
Bluebridge 11.30 arrival into Picton – As long as the ferry is on time you will be able to be picked up for the afternoon tour at 12.30 in Picton or at the Ferry Terminal – this is at your risk though as we are not able to wait.
We recommend that you book your tour for the following day so as not to run into issues and miss your tour.
Can I fly to Blenheim for the day and do a Wine Tour?
Yes absolutely. You can fly direct from Auckland and Wellington everyday and we are happy to pick you up at the airport and drop you back there after your tour. From Auckland you can fly with Air NZ and from Wellington you can fly using Air NZ or Sounds Air. Feel free to check with us first to ensure you pick flights that will be compatible with our tour start and finish times.
If you are flying into Blenheim and want to be dropped off at a different location such as Picton, you must tell us if you have luggage and we may charge an additional fee on the day if we have to do a special drop off in that location.
NOTE : post Covid, the flight schedule is changing regularly so you need to check availability for a flight out of Blenheim as they aren’t as frequent as they were.
Shore Excursions
I’m coming to Picton on a cruise ship, do you pick up at the ship?
We have been running shore excursions for cruise ship passengers for years and know that sometimes things don’t go to plan. If you ship doesn’t berth in Picton for any reason we will refund you in full. If your ship does berth but is an hour or two late then of course we will run the tour as best we can so you can enjoy your time in Marlborough.
What if my Cruise Ship doesn’t berth in Picton on the day?
The larger cruise ships berth in the commercial port and we cannot enter the port so we pick up at the Picton I Site carpark. The cruise company provide shuttle buses from the ship to the I Site – which is a 5-10 minute journey where we will be waiting to pick you up. For the larger ships particularly it can take quite a while to get off the ship and into Picton due to the numbers of people /buses on the day. Allow plenty of time as we are on tight schedules so can’t wait for people who haven’t allowed time to get off the ship.
Marlborough is experiencing a tourism boom and we recommend you book with an operator to ensure you do not get turned away at the door on the day.
Can I take Children on Shore Excursions tours?
You can’t take children on our scheduled cruise ship tours. However, get in touch we may be able to do a private family group tour for you or a couple of families together.
Children
Can I take children on tour?
In the off season when numbers are lower you may be able to take your children on a standard tour however, in the summer when tour bookings are at a premium we won’t be able to have children on the standard tours. Teeanagers may be able to come along, but they won’t be able to consume alchohol and will have to pay full price for a seat during the height of summer. Do drop us a line though as we may be able to arrange a private tour for your group or multiple families as we try and be family friendly. With younger children we recommend only a half day tour rather than the full day and a private tour. The Ultimate Day Out is a family friendly tour.
Do you provide child restraints?
If you have arranged for children to come on our tours then we will provide the appropriate child restraints.
They are not legally required for short term tours but we are driving on open road ( highways) and we wouldn’t take our own children without proper child restraints so we won’t risk it with your children either.
As we provide the restraints we are legally required to make sure they are used and fitted correctly. We do charge a small hireage fee for the child seats.
Cancellations
What is your cancellation policy?
Our standard retail cancellation policy is if we are given 24 hrs notice you recieve a full refund. For group bookings of 6 or more we have a 7 day cancellation policy.
Post Covid of course we don’t want people to travel with us who are sick for everyone’s health. If you need to cancel on the day of the tour due to illness please let us know as early as you can that you are unable to tour with us. We are happy to reschedule your tour to another date if that helps otherwise we will refund you minus a 10% administration fee. Check out our full cancellation policy here: LINK TO PAGE