Local Food & Drink

Marlborough is renowned around the world as a producer of ultra-premium wines and it’s fast gaining a reputation as a foodie haven too.

Brimming with delicious gourmet produce sourced from land and sea, including goat’s cheese, clams, wild game meats, charcuterie, strawberries, chocolate, pine nuts, artisan breads and world-famous Greenshell Mussels and Marlborough King Salmon, there’s no better way to get a taste for the region than through its cafes, restaurants, cellar doors, fruit stalls and local Farmers’ Market.

With more than 120 wineries and 30 cellar doors, a wine tour is an absolute must-do when in Marlborough. And be sure to swing by one of the beer gardens and distilleries for a relaxed taste of the region’s award-winning craft beers and boutique gins.

Marlborough Tour Company

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds with the afternoon Seafood Odyssea Cruise, departing Picton. As you cruise through Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound, take in the natural beauty of the area and sample local seafood such as Regal salmon, Greenshell mussels, paired beautifully with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Marlborough Tour Company

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Frank’s Oyster Bar

The newest eatery in downtown Blenheim is Frank’s which opened its doors to much acclaim in 2022. Led by chef and local lad Sam, who has travelled the world, cooking up a storm, Frank’s offers an interesting and unique menu designed for sharing - highlighting the best local, seasonal fare on offer

Frank’s Oyster Bar

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Arbour Restaurant

Tucked among the vines in the heart of wine country, no trip to Marlborough is complete without dining at the darling of Marlborough’s food scene, Arbour. Established in 2015, by chef Bradley Hornby and hospitality superstar Liz Buttimore, Arbour offers innovative cuisine, an extensive wine list and warm, friendly service in a modern and relaxed environment.

Arbour

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Yealands Wines

Enjoy a wine tasting and learn about Yealands Wines commitment to sustainability at their cellar door near Seddon. Set among their stunning vineyards, take the 40-minute self-guided tour along The White Road, with wetlands, chickens, classical music in the vines, miniature babydoll sheep, kunekune pigs and plenty of beautiful picnic spots along the way.

Yealands

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Harvest Restaurant

For a relaxed gastronomical experience in a unique location, head to Harvest Restaurant. Located on the ‘Golden Mile’ of Marlborough’s winegrowing area and set among 16 acres of secluded park gardens and vineyards, guests can enjoy an ever-changing menu, featuring the best seasonal local produce, with attention to sustainable practices.

Harvest restaurant

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Marlborough Wine Tours

If you are looking for the perfect way to explore and experience the very best of New Zealand wine, Marlborough Wine Tours’ half day tour is the ideal starting point. Tour four different wineries with an opportunity to taste a variety of the region’s best wines, including Marlborough’s flagship Sauvignon Blanc and world-class Pinot Noir.

Marlborough Wine Tours

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Roots Gin Shack + Tasting Room

Located in the Vines Village, Roots Gin Shack is Marlborough's home of award-winning gin. Enjoy tasting rare boutique NZ Gin and our very own Roots Marlborough Dry Gin produced on site – awarded ‘NZs best gin’ at the 2021 NZ Spirit Awards and ‘World’s Best Gin’ at the 2023 World Gin Awards. From signature G&T or negroni on tap, and a menu of seasonal cocktails to exquisite wines and curated selection beers – there is something for everyone. Paired with an elegant menu from the team behind Franks Oyster Bar & Eatery, you can enjoy mouthwatering skewers, and other irresistible bites designed to complement our gin creations.

Roots Gin Shack + Tasting Room

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Cloudy Bay

Experience the iconic Marlborough wine label at the Cloudy Bay cellar door. Discover their award-winning wines with a tasting menu, or enjoy a unique lunch at Jack’s Raw Bar, renowned for its freshly shucked oysters and vibrant sharing dishes. To delve deeper into Marlborough’s unique environment and its amazing produce, book a private tour.

Cloudy Bay

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Toastie Lords

They may be simple, but there’s a reason why the toasted sandwiches from Toastie Picton have become an instant classic since opening in 2021- they’re mind blowingly delicious! The ultimate in comfort food and the best thing to warm yourself up with after a day on the water, Toastie is a definite Picton must-do!

Toastie Lords

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Tūpari Wines

On your way to Blenheim, stop in at Tūpari Wines cellar door for a taste of their unique wines, which are grown in the Awatere Valley sub-region of Marlborough. The Tūpari range is a true reflection of the varietals that grow best in the Upper Awatere Valley and comprises Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rosé and more.

Tūpari Wines

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Lawson’s Dry Hills

Lawson’s Dry Hills has been making award-winning wine in Marlborough for more than 30 years, with a philosophy based on authenticity, enjoyment and sustainability. Pop in for a warm welcome, a tasting of their reserve wines and maybe even something a little bit special, such as one of their limited release wines.

Lawson’s Dry Hills

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Dodson Street Beer Garden

The home of locally brewed beer Renaissance, the Dodson Street Beer Garden is a family-friendly restaurant with a great selection of craft beers on tap and arguably the best beer garden in Blenheim! A brew and hearty pub feed in the sunny garden tops the must-do list for many locals.

Dodson Street

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14th Lane Boutique Hotel

Live like a local in Marlborough’s newest urban retreat, 14th lane. Designed and operated by some local legends in the Marlborough food scene, 14th Lane is a fully refurbished heritage building that combines elegant simplicity with luxury. Your restful stay is complemented with delicious breakfast options and a host of other services.

14th Lane Boutique Hotel

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Explore Marlborough

With its warm, sunny climate, flat terrain and large number of cellar doors, Marlborough is the ideal place to experience a wine tour by bike. With a wide range of bikes and e-bikes and located close to a dozen cellar doors, Explore Marlborough offers a range of guided and unguided cycle wine tours.

Explore Marlborough

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Learn more about Marlborough

at the official tourism website

Visit Marlborough

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Explore more of the Top of the South

Hurunui

From the rolling hills and wineries of Waiparato the rugged limestone cliffs along the east coast, the incredible vistas, relaxed vibe and warm Kiwi hospitality in Hurunui offers an opportunity to slowdown and make the most of your visit.

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Kaikoura

From the thrill of whale spotting by plane, trekking with llamas and visiting with seals, there are so many exciting opportunities to explore this unique area by land, sea or air. The waters in this part of the world are home to a vast array of marine mammals and birdlife which can be viewed from above and below the waves.

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Nelson Tasman

Nelson Tasman has an incredible arts and events scene, an exciting and diverse range of food and beverage producers and an indelible connection with the outdoors. Along with a vibrant array of fresh produce and artisan products, boutique wineries, craft breweries and award winning cider makers can all be found in this part of the world.

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West Coast

From its stunning coastline to the epic peaks of the Southern Alps, the West Coast is a place of stunning natural beauty and the ideal spot for a getaway. Whether the hills are calling your name, or you prefer a more laid-back approach to taking some time out, there is no better place to re-set, recharge and reconnect.

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