Private Shore Excursion From Picton: Marlborough Highlights

Embark on an exclusive journey through Marlborough’s renowned wine region with the Private Shore Excursion from Picton. This 5-hour adventure showcases the area’s captivating scenery, award-winning wines, and delectable culinary offerings. Indulge in tastings, savor gourmet tapas, and discover local artisan galleries, all while immersed in the vibrant culture of this renowned destination. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable experience, this customizable tour promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the remarkable flavors and beauty of Marlborough.

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Shore Excursions In Picton.

Key Points

• A private 5-hour shore excursion from Picton showcasing Marlborough’s renowned wine culture, local artisan creations, and gourmet culinary delights.
• Includes wine tastings, gourmet treats, scenic beauty, and opportunities to discover unique handcrafted items from local artisans.
• Flexible, customizable itinerary covering Blenheim and the Wairau Valley, with a focus on Marlborough’s vibrant wine and food experiences.
• Comfortable transportation for up to 9 passengers, with the option to book car seats for children.
• Accommodations for dietary requirements, ensuring full enjoyment of the culinary highlights during the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private shore excursion from Picton offers a comprehensive exploration of the Marlborough highlights, with a price of $1,192.77 per group (up to 8 participants) and a duration of 5 hours.

Guests can enjoy the flexibility of a customized itinerary, mixing wine tastings, gourmet treats, and scenic beauty. The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later.

This exclusive experience allows visitors to enjoy the region’s vibrant wine culture, discover local artisan creations, and savor the finest seafood, produce, and boutique chocolates the area has to offer.

Experience Highlights

Guests embark on an exclusive tour of Marlborough’s renowned wine region, where they can savor sensational wines and indulge in gourmet treats. The flexible itinerary allows them to mix and match their preferred experiences, from visiting art galleries and local artisan creations to exploring exquisite gardens and savoring local seafood, produce, and boutique chocolates.

Experience	Description
Wine Tasting	Sample a variety of award-winning Marlborough wines
Gourmet Treats	Enjoy a light tapas platter or other local culinary delights
Scenic Beauty	Take in the stunning landscapes of the Wairau Valley
Local Artisans	Discover unique handcrafted items and artwork

This private shore excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the best of what Marlborough has to offer.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with a scenic journey from Picton to Blenheim in the picturesque Wairau Valley, where guests can indulge in sensational wine tastings and gourmet culinary delights.

Depending on the group’s preferences, the itinerary may include a light tapas platter at a local winery, additional wine tastings, and opportunities to sample regional specialties like gourmet oils, liqueurs, cheeses, garlic noir, peanut butter, Manuka honey, and gelato.

The tour also offers the chance to visit award-winning gardens, local artist galleries, and the renowned Omaka Aviation Museum.

The day concludes with a stop at the Makana Boutique Chocolate Confections, providing a delectable finale to the Marlborough highlights experience.

Meeting and Transportation

From the Picton Information Centre bus stop, guests will look for a guide holding a signboard to commence the private shore excursion.

Typically, the tour starts at 10:00 AM, though the schedule may be adjusted to accommodate the ship’s arrival time. It’s essential for guests to have a contact number for the guide to confirm details prior to the start of the tour.

Guests will be transported in a comfortable vehicle that can accommodate up to 9 passengers. The transportation service is an integral part of the excursion, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience as guests explore the Marlborough wine region and its many highlights.

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Passport and ID Requirements

Participants must bring their passport or a valid form of identification to participate in the private shore excursion. This is a requirement as the tour involves crossing regional borders within New Zealand.

The guide will need to verify everyone’s identification before the start of the tour. It’s important to ensure you have the proper documentation to avoid any delays or issues during the excursion.

The tour company takes identification requirements seriously to provide a smooth and seamless experience for all participants. Be sure to double-check that you have your passport or ID before departing for the meeting point in Picton.

Car Seat Bookings

Travelers can book car seats in advance for an additional $50 payment on the day of the tour.

The tour company requires pre-booking of car seats to ensure the appropriate accommodations are provided for any children participating in the private shore excursion from Picton.

This is an essential requirement, as the tour’s transportation is a comfortable vehicle that can accommodate up to 9 passengers.

By booking car seats in advance, the tour provider can guarantee that the necessary safety equipment is available and properly installed, prioritizing the well-being and comfort of all participants.

Attendees are advised to communicate any special requirements, including the need for car seats, at the time of booking to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Dietary Requirements

The tour company encourages guests to advise them of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking to ensure their needs are properly accommodated during the private shore excursion from Picton.

Whether it’s vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary restrictions, the guides will work closely with local vineyards and dining establishments to make the necessary arrangements.

This attention to detail ensures everyone can fully enjoy the culinary delights of the Marlborough region.

Guests should simply let the tour company know about any dietary needs when making their reservation, and the team will handle the logistics seamlessly, allowing travelers to focus on savoring the exquisite flavors of this picturesque wine country.

Customer Reviews

Overall, customers have provided positive feedback on the private shore excursion from Picton, with a 4/5 rating based on a small sample of 2 reviews.

While the vehicle size and driver quality have received some mention, the majority of comments highlight the tour’s flexibility, diverse experiences, and exceptional customer service.

Guests have praised the ability to customize the itinerary, enjoying a mix of wine tastings, gourmet treats, and local cultural discoveries.

The tour’s knowledgeable guide and seamless logistics have also been noted as strengths.

Though the review pool is limited, the existing feedback suggests this excursion offers a well-rounded and enjoyable exploration of the Marlborough region for cruise ship passengers departing from Picton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

While guests are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, special dietary requirements can be accommodated if requested at the time of booking. The tour includes tastings and refreshments as part of the experience.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour With Just My Party?

Yes, the tour is a private excursion that accommodates up to 8 participants in your party. You’ll have a flexible itinerary to explore the Marlborough region at your own pace with a dedicated guide.

Do I Need to Tip the Guide at the End of the Tour?

While tipping is not required, it’s customary to tip the guide if you’re satisfied with their service. The amount is typically 10-15% of the tour price, but you can adjust it based on your experience.

Can I Request a Specific Type of Vehicle for the Tour?

Yes, you can request a specific type of vehicle for the tour. The tour provider accommodates vehicle preferences if requested in advance, subject to availability. However, additional fees may apply for specialized transportation.

What Happens if I Need to Make Changes to My Booking?

If you need to make changes to your booking, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You’ll need to contact the tour company directly to make any modifications to your reservation.

Recap

The Private Shore Excursion from Picton offers an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in Marlborough’s renowned wine and culinary delights.

With a customizable itinerary, guests can explore the region’s stunning landscapes, artisan galleries, and local chocolate confections, creating a truly memorable experience that showcases the vibrant culture and flavors of this remarkable destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: