Two standout tours showcase the best of Marlborough’s treasures. The full-day Wine and Seafood Tour packs great value into 7 hours, combining tastings at premium wineries with a scenic boat ride and fresh local seafood lunch. For movie buffs and nature lovers, the 4-hour Hobbit Kayak Tour hits the sweet spot – you’ll paddle through pristine waters while visiting actual filming locations and learning about indigenous culture. Both tours maintain intimate group sizes and consistently earn top marks from travelers. Let’s explore these must-do Marlborough experiences.
Key Points
- The Marlborough Wine and Seafood Tour offers a delightful blend of local wine tastings, fresh seafood dining, and a scenic cruise through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds.
- The Marlborough Hobbit Kayak Tour provides an immersive experience exploring filming locations from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, while also offering insights into Maori culture and local history.
- Both tours feature small group sizes, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for guests, with overall ratings of 4.7/5 and 4.6/5 respectively.
- The tours offer flexible cancellation policies and convenient pickup services from Blenheim, making them easily accessible for visitors to Marlborough.
- These unique and memorable experiences offer a well-rounded combination of wine tasting, seafood dining, kayaking, and educational elements, catering to both wine enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Marlborough: Full-Day Wine and Seafood Tour With Cruise

Marlborough: Full-Day Wine and Seafood Tour With Cruise offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s renowned wine and seafood offerings.
Priced from €149.31 per person, this 7-hour tour is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.
Highlights include visiting two local wineries, enjoying a light lunch and fresh seafood during a cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, and learning about the area’s marine farming industry.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 46 reviews, this tour is likely to sell out, so travelers are advised to book early.
Pickup from Blenheim is included, and the tour’s flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind.
Read our full review: Marlborough: Full-Day Wine and Seafood Tour With Cruise Review
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Marlborough: The Hobbit Kayak Tour

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s renowned Marlborough region, the Pelorus River offers a unique adventure for Hobbit fans and nature enthusiasts alike.
The Marlborough: The Hobbit Kayak Tour invites guests to paddle through the crystal-clear waters, exploring the filming locations from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. At $120.05 per person, this 4-hour guided tour provides the opportunity to discover the region’s pristine native forest, learn about Maori culture, and uncover the history of the river’s gold and timber industries.
Suitable for all skill levels, the tour includes transportation, equipment, and refreshments, making it an immersive and enjoyable experience for visitors. With an overall rating of 4.6/5, this tour is a must-do for anyone exploring the Marlborough region.
Read our full review: Marlborough: The Hobbit Kayak Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Marlborough, New Zealand offers a diverse range of tours for visitors. Wine and seafood enthusiasts can enjoy a full-day tour including a cruise, while those interested in the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit franchise can experience a kayak tour. These tours provide a well-rounded exploration of Marlborough’s natural beauty, local cuisine, and cultural attractions, making it an attractive destination for travelers.
