Upper South Island and the West Coast
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Upper South Island and the West Coast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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10 Recommendations
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1. Hunter's Wines
Jane Hunter is an internationally respected winemaker and a pioneer of wine making in Marlborough. A visit to her wine cellar, a restored old farm house, is a delight. You can also savor wine with an artisan cheese and meat board in the 5-acre garden, an environmental showpiece for the rare native plants it protects. There’s also a regular artist-in-residence. Famous Hunter wines include the Kaho Roa (oak-aged sauvignon blanc), pinot noir, and the Miru Miru (Māori for "bubbles").
603 Rapaura Rd., Blenheim, Marlborough, 7243, New Zealand03-572–8489Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. -
2. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
War stories are brought to life with actual historic planes placed in settings dramatized by New Zealand's Oscar-winning special-effects teams Weta Digital and Wingnut Films. The planes are from famed director Sir Peter Jackson's collection. World War I–era planes, and the stories of their pilots, are showcased in the Knights of the Sky exhibition. Dangerous Skies focuses on aviation development during World War II. There's also a café and shop.
79 Aerodrome Rd., Blenheim, Marlborough, 7272, New Zealand03-579–1305Sight Details
Rate Includes: Exhibitions from $25 -
3. Allan Scott Family Winemakers
One of the most respected Marlborough winemakers, Allan Scott launched his own company in 1990, and his whole family is now involved in the business. They make well-respected sauvignon blancs, chardonnays, pinot gris, pinot noirs, methode traditionelle (try the Blanc de Blancs), gewürztraminers, and rieslings (the last two are particularly good). The cellar door adjoins the indoor–outdoor Allan Scott Bistro, which opens out to a delightful herb garden. Marlborough salmon fillet and seafood chowder are menu classics (open for lunch only, closed in winter).
229 Jackson's Rd., Blenheim, Marlborough, 7273, New Zealand03-572–9054Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings from NZ$35 per person, Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner at restaurant, 8-person min. for tastings -
4. Brancott Estate
This estate is worth a visit not only for its history (the region's first sauvignon blanc grapes were planted here), but also for the striking views across Wairau Valley, the excellent restaurant (lunch only), and, of course, the wines. Both the sauvignon blanc and pinot noir have merit. Brancott also supports preservation of the rare New Zealand falcon (which helps vineyards by keeping the mice at bay). A Living Land Falcon Encounter is offered here. You can also take a guided cycle tour through the vineyard.
180 Brancott Rd., Blenheim, Marlborough, 7271, New Zealand -
5. Cloudy Bay Vineyards
Since its first vintage in 1985, Cloudy Bay has produced first-class sauvignon blanc, along with a range that includes an equally impressive Pelorus sparkling, chardonnays, pinot noirs, rieslings, pinot gris, gewürztraminers, and its unique barrel-aged Sauvignon Te Koko. Various tasting options are available, as are small plates of seasonal cuisine. Relax in the restful courtyard, or dine alfresco at Jack's Raw Bar, which offers clams and oysters matched with house wines.
230 Jackson's Rd., Blenheim, Marlborough, 7240, New Zealand03-520–9147Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings from NZ$10, Jack\'s Raw Bar closed Mon. and Tues. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Fromm Winery
Terroir over technology is the mantra at Fromm, one of Marlborough's smaller wineries known for its organic, sustainable growing principles. All grapes are handpicked. Fromm pioneered the local use of pinot noir and is also known for syrah, malbec, and merlot reserves. Visitors can enjoy cheese and meat platters with their tastings.
15 Godfrey Rd., Renwick, Marlborough, 7272, New Zealand03-572–9355Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings from NZ$10 -
7. Highfield TerraVin
Sitting high on the Brookby Ridge, with spectacular views over the Wairau Plains, this winery is marked by a Tuscany-inspired tower that visitors are welcome to climb. Highfield produces first-class sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, chardonnay, and riesling; their best, however, is a sparkling Elstree Cuvée Brut. You can relax and enjoy this magnificent setting in the Mediterranean-style Highfield Terra Vin Vineyard Restaurant, which opens for lunch daily.
27 Brookby Rd., Blenheim, Marlborough, 7272, New Zealand03-572–9244Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings from NZ$5, Closed Jul. Closed Mon. and Tues. in June, Aug., and Sept. -
8. The Vines Village
These artisan shops showcase wines alongside olive oils, fudge, homeware, quilts, ceramics, glassware, jewelry, and recipe books. Dine in the café, let the kids loose in the playground, or you can all just relax in the tranquil lakeside grounds.
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9. Wairau River Wines
Phil and Chris Rose were among the first grape growers in the region, starting in 1978. Now the second generation of family helps produce award-winning sauvignon blanc and other excellent varietals under their own Wairau Valley label. The winery building is made from mud bricks and has two log fires in winter; in summer, you can relax on the sun-drenched lawns. Local produce features in the lunch restaurant adjacent to the cellar door. It’s popular with the locals, so reservations are recommended.
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10. Wither Hills Winery & Restaurant
From this impressive, three-story edifice of river rock, tiles, concrete, and wood, there’s a commanding view across the Wairau Valley and the Wither Hills. Tastings include award-winning sauvignon blancs and rieslings. At the popular winery restaurant, guests can relax at alfresco tables, lounge on beanbags on the lawn, or opt for more formal seating inside. A "wine library" consists of vines of wine grape varieties grown in New Zealand—30 of them lined up across the front of the winery.
211 New Renwick Rd., Blenheim, Marlborough, 7272, New Zealand03-520–8284Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings from NZ$5
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