5 Wine Tasting Shore Excursions in New Zealand Worth the Money

1.Picton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 165 reviews · from $155Our pick

Explore Marlborough’s wine country from Picton with a small group, four to five tastings, vineyard views, chocolate, and cruise-safe timing.

“This tour was disappointing. Four or five winery tastings were advertised. Only three were provided. A complimentary subpar glass of wine was provided at a lunch we paid for so I guess that’s how they came up with 4. Unfortunately only one of the three wineries visited could be considered by someone who enjoys wine as an above average Marlborough vineyard. The other two lower tier wineries included an organic vineyard and a two acre vineyard winery in the hills outside of Marlborough valley. Disappointingly, this winery didn’t produce a Sauvignon Blanc which is what Marlborough is known for. The only better than average winery visited, the tour only provided…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Shore Excursion: Napier/ Hawke’s Bay & Premium Wineries tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 93 reviews · from $96

Review of Napier’s four-hour Art Deco and Hawke’s Bay wine tour, with Mission Estate, scenic views, honey tasting, tips, value, and drawbacks.

“The stop at Mission Winery was worth the trip all by itself. Beautiful setting and great tasting room. Just a shame this portion of the excursion wasn't a little bit longer. Highly Recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 88 reviews · from $80Best value

Review of Marlborough’s hop-on hop-off wine tour from Picton, with winery tips, cruise timing, costs, stops, and practical advice.

“This Marlbourgh wine country is a valley that is surrounded by mountains and is absolutely beautiful, and the Hop On Hop Off bus tour is a great way to see it. We visited two wineries (one for lunch and a tasting, and the other for just a tasting) . Both were wonderful. We also visited the Makana Chocolate Factory. They gave us a sample upon entering which was enough incentive for each couple in our group to buy some chocolate. Their chocolate is a real treat! What a wonderful day!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Marlborough Wine Region Tour from the Port of Picton

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 88 reviews · from $183

Review of the Marlborough wine tour from Picton, with small-group tastings, chocolate, coastal views, value, timing tips, and honest drawbacks.

“Beautiful scenery and very relaxing. The winery staff are all friendly and entertaining.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Region Tour from Picton

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · from $148

Tour four Marlborough wineries and a chocolate factory from Picton in a small minivan, with tastings, scenery, and cruise-friendly timing.

“We loved that this was a “small group” tour. We were a group of 10 people in a small van . We visited 4 wineries. Our tour guide Gavin did a great job ! I highly recommend this tour. The vineyards are all beautiful!”

Check availability →Read our full review