Visiting us here in Marlborough? Here’s a few other things we recommend!
Accommodation
For luxury and peace, The Marlborough Lodge is a beautifully converted convent on Rapaura Road, abut ten minutes from the town of Blenheim. Marlborough Vintners Hotel is set in the vines between Renwick and Blenheim and is also lovely. A great location for visiting wineries, biking and exploring, and about 15 minutes from town. There is a Café and little gift shops opposite. Chateau Marlborough, is right in town, has lovely rooms, a pool and has a very good Chef. This one right in town too, more boutique style https://www.hoteldurville.co.nz/ And this one is brand new https://www.facebook.com/staymarlborough/. No bar or food but plenty of options just metres away. Totally stunning rooms.
Wineries
Come and see us of course – but all the wineries for visiting are on here. Wairau River is brilliant for lunch, No.1 Family Estate make lovely Methode Traditionnelle and all the Nautilus wines are terrific. These three are all close to each other at the western end of Rapaura Road.
Just past Renwick on State HW63 towards the west, there is Clos Henri – a tiny wee church that was relocated there many years ago. French owned, lovely wines and lovely people. Also Te Whare Ra in Renwick, very small producer, delicious wines. Hans Herzog (tiny, boutique) and Saint Clair Cafe are both off Rapaura Rd and great for food (and wine – Hans Herzog is especially interesting).
Other things
Go to Picton and jump on the mailboat or one of the other cruises. Brilliant on a lovely day and good chance of seeing dolphins (have had orcas too!) https://www.beachcombercruises.co.nz/ Paddle boarding is fun here and definitely do a day or a half day out at Lochmara Lodge which also has accommodation. And there are other Sounds resorts such as Bay of Many Coves, Furneaux Lodge, Awaroa Lodge… lots of them.
Yum strawberries and fresh ice cream from https://www.hedgerows.co.nz/ on Old Renwick Road just outside town and if you’re here on a Sunday, make sure you visit the Marlborough Farmer’s Market at the A&P Showgrounds.
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is amazing – a ‘must see’ with Sir Peter Jackson’s ‘Knights of the Sky’ WW1 personal collection and dioramas, and next door is Omaka Classic Cars with Australian and English built vehicles from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
Lots of tramping in the Richmond Ranges and mountain biking or walking in the Wither Hills – both stunning. The Richmond Ranges are bush-clad with streams and waterfalls, while the Withers are in complete contrast.
Havelock is nice for a walk around the marina and lunch at the Captain’s Daughter. Great walks in the bush at Pelorus – some of Lord of the Tings was filmed here.
Restaurants
The best one locally is Arbour, which offers fine dining but in a relaxed atmosphere. Brilliant food and very attentive service. It is just before you get to Renwick from town, turn left into Godfrey’s Road. Bookings recommended.
In town, Scotch is great for wine, craft beer and delicious, contemporary food. It can get a bit noisy as the acoustics aren’t great – but it has a good atmosphere when busy. There’s a good Indian – the Village India, and Thai – Eat Thai, and Mollies at Hotel d’Urville which is quite new.
Good for breakfast are Herb & Olive, or for a vintage vibe, Ritual and we love Karaka for any time of day!
This website has everything on it and might help with everything we’ve forgotten to mention! https://marlboroughnz.com/visit
