Marlborough Wine and Beer Tour

Full Day Tour: Winter hours April 24th 2023 Until October 1st 2023 – Friday to Sunday.

Start Time Picton: 10.00am
Start Times Blenheim: 10.25am and 11.10am
Duration of the Tour: 4-7 hours approximately

Afternoon Tour

Start Time Blenheim: 12.35pm
Duration: 3-4 hours approximately

Please note that we cannot accommodate backpacks, luggage, wheelchairs and large prams on board our buses.

STOPS

Have a close look at all the stops below as a lot of them require bookings in advance. We have attached all their contact details for you. We always recommend pre booking lunch. We would also recommend pre booking some tastings if touring with us on the weekend.

Groups of 8 or more are welcome on our tours but please call us on 0800 6937 2273 and let us know which wineries you have booked. This is due to logistics and numbers in our buses. We advise larger groups to pre book tastings in order to avoid disappointment.

 

1. Fidelio Cafe and Wine bar (021 190 6299)

Open 7 days 10am – 10pm

An European-style café & wine bar featuring a comprehensive wine list, quality coffee, live music and French pastries.

 

2. Blue Penguin Gifts (+64 3 577 9927) (sales@bluepenguingifts.co.nz)

Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (except Sundays they open at 10am)

A proudly locally owned and operated store, Blue Penguin New Zealand Gifts is based in Blenheim. They stock a wide range of quality gifts including New Zealand-made jewellery, hand-crafted right here in the shop studio. They also sell superb bone and New Zealand Greenstone (Jade) carvings, clothing, knitwear, luxurious NZ possum-merino woollen garments, natural beauty products, organic foods, art and much more.

 

3. Town Stop – Seymour Square

Only two minutes walk from Blenheim’s town centre, the premier park, Seymour Square, is a picturesque park of carefully tended floral gardens, a 16.5 m high historic stone clock tower and a memorial fountain, which offers a spectacular multi-coloured display at night. Whether strolling or taking time out, Seymour Square offers an ideal setting. The Stop is outside the Council Building.

 

4a. Marlborough Museum; including a wine exhibit (+64 3 578 1712)

Open 7 days: 10am – 4pm. Free admission on Saturdays.

Located in Brayshaw Heritage Park, the Marlborough Museum is known for its wine exhibition and Wairau Boulder Bank including the famous Jim Eyles Collection.

HoHo Special! – $8 entry for adults SAVE $2.

 

4b. Brayshaw Heritage Park (+64 3 578 1712) or (brayshawheritagepark@gmail.com)

Opening times vary for each exhibit. 

Established in 1968, Brayshaw Heritage Park is home to a number of organisations including the Marlborough Historical Society, Marlborough Vintage Farm Machinery, The Vintage Car Club of NZ and many more. It is dedicated to the preservation of Marlborough.

 

5. Omaka Classic Cars (+64 3 577 9419) or (info@omakaclassiccars.co.nz)

Open Friday – Sunday: 11am – 3:30pm.

Omaka Classic Cars hosts a unique collection of New Zealand vehicles that were popular during the 1950-1980 period, along with some special additions. See over 100 vintage vehicles.

 

6. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (+64 3 579 1305)

Open 7 days: 9am – 4pm.

Two fascinating collections of rare aircraft brought to life in powerful displays featuring memorabilia and lifelike mannequins created by internationally famous Weta Workshop at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Includes a cafe.

 

7. Wither Hills Cellar Door and Restaurant  (+64 3 520 8284) or (cellardoor@witherhills.co.nz)

Open 7 days a week – opening times vary based on appointments. Bookings required.

They take their name from the landmark Wither Hills range that borders the vineyards and produce under the philosophy that the finest wines are always created from exceptional vineyards. Excellent lunch stop in their restaurant. They offer tastings, lunch, blendings and private group sessions.

Tastings: $10 – $14 

 

8. Rimapere Cellar Door & Vineyards  (0272861221) or (cellardoor@rimapere.com)

 Open Monday – Friday: 10am – 4pm. 

Only 8 passenger may hop off at one time.

Baron Benjamin de Rothschild has created his own Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyard is ideally situated in the heart of the Marlborough region named Rimapere, meaning “five arrows” in Māori, and simultaneously honours the Rothschild’s family coat of arms and traditional New Zealand culture. Come and enjoy a tasting of the Edmond de Rothschild range in our lovely garden setting amongst the vines.

 

9. The Fancy Cow Restaurant/Winery/Brewery (+64 3 242 6260) or (enquiries@thefancycow.nz)

Open Wednesday – Sunday 12pm – 5pm

Delicious Italian food, great views of Marlborough and an energetic atmosphere, The Fancy Cow restaurant and pizza oven has something for everyone.

• Sample Ant Moore Wines at their Marlborough Vintners Cellar Door. Using a combination of traditional techniques and modern winemaking practices Ant Moore has crafted a range of wines with balance and character are great for everyone to drink. Tastings: $10 for five wines of the Collection Choice
• DNA Brewery & Taproom.  Challenged to make the ultimate craft beer, master brewer Dave Nicholls has ‘nailed it’. Grab a tasting paddle and check out our brews for yourself.

 

10. Hunters Wines (+64 3 572 8803) or (wine@hunters.co.nz)

Open Wednesday – Sunday: 10am – 4pm. Bookings preferred.

No more than 8 clients may hop off at one time. 

Hunters Wines is located in the original farmhouse and with renovations in 2017, has retained the farmhouse, villa characteristics. They offer wine tastings inside as well as in the picturesque gardens. Wander through the native garden, to visit the resident artist studio or linger in the Cellar Door garden with a glass or bottle of wine and light lunch.

Tasting: $15 for 6 wines

 

11. Saint Clair Family Estate (+64 3 570 5280) or (cellardoor@saintclair.co.nz)

Open Wednesday – Sunday: 11am – 4pm.  Bookings required

Full Kitchen Menu Available: 11:30am – 2:45pm, Light Options Available: 2:45pm onwards. 

Enjoy a locally sourced lunch in the middle of the vines and some of the best wine Marlborough has to offer. St. Clair’s mission is to create world-class wines that exceed their customers every expectation. They achieved this mission by combining extensive viticultural expertise, the unique mix of Marlborough’s climate and soils, and the talent of one of New Zealand’s leading winemaking teams. St. Clair is now one of Marlborough’s most awarded family owned wineries, and will not disappoint.

Tastings: $7 for flight of 3 wines.

$10 for a hosted experience of Saint Clair’s best and most awarded wines.

HoHo Special! – 10% OFF when dining for lunch, or for wine purchases

 

 

12. Moa Brewery (+64 3 572 5149) or (mark@moabeer.com)

Open Thursday – Sunday 12pm – 6pm 

Visit the award winning Moa Brewery and enjoy the view from the patio along with a tasting from their range of craft beers. Founded in 2003, Moa is one of the pioneers of craft beer in NZ and continues to produce a broad range of beers and ciders.

HOHO Special! 20% discount on tastings and flights

 

13. Cloudy Bay (+64 3 520 9147) or (info@cloudybay.co.nz) 

Open 7 Days 10am to 4pm. Bookings essential.

A stunning  prestige vineyard with delightful wines. Famous for its Cloudy Bay Pelorus Methode Traditionelle. Perfect for a tasting and soaking up the sun in their gardens. Hosts a Raw Bar where you can sample local oysters.

Tastings: $20

Bookings Only – please use the following link to book in your tasting HERE * Cut off time is 8:30am day of.

 

14. Allan Scott Cellar Door and Restaurant (+64 3 572 9054) or (info@allanscott.co.nz)

Open Wednesday – Sunday: 10am to 5pm. Bookings preferred.

No more than 8 clients may hop off here at any one time. 

Allan Scott has exclusive wines and gifts, relaxing dining indoors or out, delicious seasonal menu and giant chess. The Scott family have an unparalleled desire to let you try the best of what New Zealand has had to offer since 1975. A visit to the cellar door is an opportunity for you to try every wine we have.

Tastings: Pay at the end for your tastings, 1/2 glass or full glass. 

 

15. Jackson Estate (+64 3 572 9500)

Monday – Friday: 10am – 4:30pm. 

100 percent kiwi-owned, with total respect for our land and focusing on low cropping levels, small batch fermentation, single vineyard fruits and minimal winemaking intervention. Jackson Estate are proud of the incremental improvements achieved year on year, in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.

Tastings – From $10

 

16. Runway Cafe (027 295 1961) or (therunwaystore@outlook.com)

Open Tuesday – Friday: 7am – 3pm and Saturday/Sunday: 8:30am – 3:30pm

A cool cafe with a big plane outside and a full bar inside! The Runway Cafe serves up local and regional fare in addition to ‘Sublime’ coffee. In the back yard stands an historic aircraft, The Argosy, which is the only one in the world. For a small donation an inflight experience can be had between 10am – 4pm Tuesday – Sunday.

 

17. Spy Valley Wines (+64 3 572 6207) or (info@spyvalley.co.nz)

Open Monday – Saturday 10:30am – 4:00pm. Bookings preferred. 

Seek Spy, find why. Award winning, sustainably crafted wines that have captured the unique time and place of every harvest since 1993. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and other classic varieties are grown here. It just so happens that they share the valley with a satellite communication station that finds the terroir perfect for spying too. Spy Valley has demanded global attention, where its wine has been called “impossible to ignore”. Artisan platters available.

Tastings: A selection of 4 Spy Valley Flagship Wines $15 or A selection of 4 ENVOY Reserve Wines $18

 

17. Woodbourne Tavern (+64 3 572 8007) or (info@woodbournetavern.co.nz)

Open daily from 11am till late. 

The Woodbourne Tavern or “the Woody” as it is known by friends and locals is a family pub and restaurant in the centre of the Renwick community. The Woody’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere makes it a favourite for both locals and visitors. Classic pub grub.

 

18. Cork & Keg (+64 3 572 9328) or (info@corkandkeg.co.nz)

Open Monday – Sunday: 12 noon – late.

The Cork & Keg is an English style tavern, serving beer, cider, wine and great heart food. They boast a warm fire in the winter. The beers nicely showcase New Zealand hops and malt in a range of British, American and European styles. The pub also serves homemade pizzas, a variety of snacks, main meals and, of course, Marlborough wine.

 

19. Gibson Bridge (+64 3 572 5180) or (gibsonbridge@outlook.com)

Open 7 days 12 noon – 4pm. Bookings preferred.

Due to the size of the venue, no more than 6 to hop off here at any one time. 

A boutique family owned vineyard nurtured on the banks of the fast flowing, alpine fed, Gibson Creek.

Tastings: $5 fee waived on purchase of a bottle

 

20. Forrest Winery (+64 3 572 9084 1) or (cellardoor@forrest.co.nz)

Open 7 Days: 10am to 4:30pm. Bookings preferred.

Forrest Winery is a family run establishment since 1988. Doctors John and Brigid Forrest set their scientific brains and their creative (ever-restless) minds to finding a way to enjoy all the fun, without having to suffer the regrets. Also try ‘The Doctors’– a range of impeccably-crafted lower alcohol lifestyle wines which deliver all the enjoyment, and are better for you!  Be sure to check out the weekend Cellar Door 101 sessions!

Tastings: Tasting tray of 7 wines for $16 (can be shared). Carafe style for large groups.

 

21. Framingham (+64 3 572 8884) or (cellardoor@framingham.co.nz)

Open 7 Days a week 10:30 – 4:30 pm. Bookings preferred.

Framingham offers aromatic styled wines to accompany delicious food. They have won several awards including 2018 New Zealand winery of the year. With some of the oldest Riesling vines in Marlborough, they planted the first Wairau Valley vines back in 1981. Enjoy a glass of wine or a combined group tasting with other HoHo clients.   

 Tastings are $10. Donations to NZ Music Helps are encouraged.

 

 

22. Nautilus Winery (+64 3 572 6008) or (sales@nautilusestate.com)

Open daily: 10am – 4:30pm. Bookings preferred.

Enjoy a relaxed and informal wine tasting at Nautilus’ beautifully refurbished cellar door tasting bar. Offering guests a tasting of four wines from a portfolio of current release award winning Nautilus wines.

Tastings: from $15

 

23. Boom Town Beer Garden (+64 21 240 8880) or (bar@boomtownbeergarden.nz)

Open Friday – Sunday: 12 noon till 6pm.

At Boom Town Beer Garden, enjoy the good times with friends and family in a relaxed atmosphere of chilled vibes & great beer (and wines) in the warmth of Marlborough’s summer sun. The Garden Kitchen is onsite every day serving up wood-fired pizzas, burgers and more.

 

24. Vines Village (+64 3 572 7170) or (admin@thevinesvillage.co.nz)

Open 7 days from 8am. Closing times vary.

The Vines Village is a great destination to explore, taste and relax amongst tranquil landscaped lakeside grounds. The Vines Cafe/restaurant offers fresh and wholesome food specialising in nourishing weekend breakfasts, fresh coffee, tasty lunches and afternoon drinks. And just across the courtyard is the Vines Larder and Gifts for all your local produce and deli goods. It is also home to Golden Mile Brewing and Roots Gin.

Coming 1 Oct 2023

Whiskey and cheese tasting bar. Focusing on tasting mostly NZ made whiskey and NZ cheese. As well as offering Tupari wine tastings and food, from small cheese plates through to cheese platters.

A new milkshake, smoothie, and ice cream bar.

Beer Tastings: $15 for a 4 beer board. 

Gin tastings: $3.00 for single or $19.50 for 3 gins & bottle of tonic.

 

25. Whitehaven Wines (+64 3 577 5177) 

Open 7 days from 11am – 4:30pm. Bookings preferred.

Due to the size of the venue only 8 clients may hop off at any given time.   

Located in the Vines Village, Whitehaven Wines have a singular vision of making wines from 100% Marlborough fruit. Sauvignon Blanc is their speciality! Enjoy a glass of wine or bubbles in their relaxing, lakeside setting. Reservations are encouraged but not essential. Fancy a snack? Build your own delicious platter from the deli.

Tastings: Standard $10, Premium $15

 

 

26. Makana Confections (0800 131 101, ext 2) or (bsales@makana.co.nz)

Open 7 days: 9am – 5:30pm. 

Makana Chocolate are manufacturers of gift quality chocolate at this boutique factory. Makana Confections specialises in gift-quality confections – all handmade and using only the freshest, natural ingredients available.

 

 

Be sure to show your Hop on Hop off wristband at selected stops to claim our great special offers! Click here for more details on specials.

Click here for Terms and Conditions.