On New Zealand’s south eastern tip, the world-famous region of Marlborough welcomes travellers from near and far to its beautiful rolling hills and spectacular network of coastal waterways, the Marlborough Sounds. Renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc in particular, Marlborough’s wine region is home to over 30 cellar doors and is a popular attraction for wine lovers while the Queen Charlotte Track, winding along the coast, is a drawcard for nature and walking enthusiasts.


To complement the array of exciting activities on offer, lively towns and villages dot the region. Access to the Marlborough region is straightforward with direct flights from Auckland to Blenheim which is a short drive to the major gateway town of Picton. Picton offers a wide selection of amenities as well as the best access to the Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Track. Picton can also be accessed by a scenic train ride from Christchurch.

In a tourism hotspot like Marlborough, it’s not surprising that various accommodation providers offer a wide range of options, from motels and hostels to five-star luxury lodges and private retreats.


Bay of Many Coves Resort
If you are in search of a secluded retreat surrounded by natural beauty, the Bay of Many Coves is a dream come true. Set in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, Bay of Many Coves Resort is a luxury five-star resort hotel in a pristine natural setting overlooking a tranquil bay and surrounded by untouched native bush. There are no roads leading to the lodge which can be accessed via water taxi from Picton in 30 minutes or helicopter in 20 minutes.


Famous walking tracks and adventure cruises are moments away and an attentive team are available to assist with travel plans or advise on each day’s activities. From fishing, to swimming with dolphins to wine tours and treatments in the onsite spa, there’s an endless variety of ways to enjoy this remarkable location.


Stylish suites, one, two and three-bedroom apartments are available to book and the accommodation includes breakfast and dinner if you choose. The exclusive Bay of Many Coves fine dining restaurant, private guest lounge and charming waterfront café are all a celebration of seasonal, regional produce and many local delights, including local seafood and famous Marlborough wines.


View tours with a stay at Bay of Many Coves Resort:

QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK LUXURY 'LODGE TO LODGE' WALK 5D4N (INC. STAY AT BAY OF MANY COVES & THE SOUNDS RETREAT), SELF GUIDED
THE ULTIMATE LUXURY QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK WALK 4D3N (STAY AT BAY OF MANY COVES), SELF GUIDED

The Sounds Retreat
Located just five minutes from the famous 70 km long Queen Charlotte Track, The Sounds Retreat is a haven of peace and seclusion surrounded by the myriad attractions of this picturesque destination. There’s plenty to keep you outdoors discovering the incredible Marlborough Sounds, hiking or biking the Queen Charlotte Track, kayaking, fishing or taking a wine tour; while inside, The Sounds Retreat provides supreme comfort and exceptional service in a beautiful waterfront setting.


The Sounds Retreat offers all-inclusive rates as well as standard bed and breakfast and a range of packages to suit a variety of travel purposes. Transport to and from your daily activities is easily arranged from this convenient location, just 40 mins drive from the vineyards in Renwick and Blenheim or 25 mins from Picton ferry terminal. Guests are even invited to use the Retreat’s own BMW Mini Cooper S Convertible.


Luxurious suites cater for the tastes of the most discerning traveller and offer private access as well as a connection to the main lodge.

The finest dining is a high priority at The Sounds Retreat, and a daily changing bespoke menu and perfectly matched wines are considered an experience in their own right. Intimate dining options such as under the stars or within the privacy of your private cabana are offered and the menu reflects the very best fresh, local ingredients sourced and meticulously crafted into delicious and memorable dishes.


View tours with a stay at The Sounds Retreat:

QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK LUXURY 'LODGE TO LODGE' WALK 5D4N (INC. STAY AT BAY OF MANY COVES & THE SOUNDS RETREAT), SELF GUIDED
THE ULTIMATE LUXURY CLOUDY BAY GOURMET ESCAPE 4D3N (QUEEN CHARLOTTE WALK POST TOUR)

Cloudy Bay The Shack
The Shack is designed by Australian firm Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects and local studio Paul Rolfe Architects. This architecturally designed guest accommodation at Cloudy Bay Estate is for special Cloudy Bay guests such as distributors, wine writers, wine sellers and VIPs, to enjoy a complete Marlborough experience and the serenity of staying on a vineyard.


View tours with a stay at The Sounds Retreat:

THE ULTIMATE LUXURY CLOUDY BAY GOURMET ESCAPE 4D3N (QUEEN CHARLOTTE WALK POST TOUR)

Escape to Picton
Overlooking the marina in the heart of Picton, Escape to Picton is a boutique hotel and restaurant, thoughtfully designed to provide premium accommodation with the convenience of easy access to all the famous local attractions. In the marina opposite, boat tours depart regularly for the Marlborough Sounds, easy connections to the Queen Charlotte Track can be arranged from the doorstep and just a 20-minute drive will take you to the iconic wineries of the Wairau and Awatere valleys.


Three individually decorated suites feature unique pieces of handmade furniture and provide peace and tranquillity to recharge after a day of exploring. Escape to Picton’s restaurant is known in the region for the exceptional quality of its meals created using locally-sourced seasonal produce. The nightly room tariff includes a gourmet breakfast in the restaurant each morning, the ideal start to a day’s adventure.


The Peppertree
Located under half an hour from Picton in the delightful town of Blenheim, The Peppertree is a luxury Edwardian-style boutique lodge in the heart of Marlborough wine country. The Peppertree lies amid 10 acres of farmland, vineyard, olive grove and beautiful gardens where a timeless ambience enhances the sense of escape. Choose from one of five spacious guests suites, each individually decorated and complete with fireplace, verandah or balcony.


A delicious breakfast is included each morning in the elegant dining room (or verandah) while dinner can also be enjoyed onsite by prior arrangement. Embrace the sense of peace with a stroll through the native trees, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or try a game of petanque or croquet on the lawn.

On The Peppertrees’ doorstop, a multitude of activities will beckon you reluctantly from your peaceful escape. The Peppertree has partnered with various local tour operators to offer convenient access to all that the region has to offer, including cultural tours, eco-tours, guided hikes and winery visits.


The Marlborough Lodge
With elegant, contemporary suites, delicious local cuisine, immaculate garden surrounds and friendly staff on hand 24 hours a day, The Marlborough Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore this beautiful region. The Marlborough Lodge is located in Rapaura, around 25 minutes from Picton among the rolling hills and vineyards of Marlborough.


Exploring this vast property is a treat in itself with manicured lawns and ornate gardens leading down to the lake where you can admire the incredible bird life. The nearby vegetable garden includes homegrown fruit, berries, tomatoes and free-range eggs, which all feature on the menu at the Lodge.


Ten contemporary suites set over two floors all offer spacious private ensuite bathrooms and balcony access to enjoy the scenic views. The 24-hour Reception and Concierge will ensure all your needs are met at any time of the day.

Onsite activities include cooking demonstrations, garden tours, lawn games and massage while all the attractions of the surrounding region are easily arranged on your behalf by the efficient team.


Breakfast each morning is included as is dinner in onsite restaurant "Harvest" which serves a simple, seasonal and local a la carte menu for you to select from and enjoy.

Marlborough Vintners Hotel
Located in Blenheim on Marlborough’s “Golden Mile”, boutique vineyard accommodation at Marlborough Vintners Hotel offers comfort and convenience in a beautiful vineyard setting. The hotel offers a variety of packages including those for families and corporate groups. Three room categories all provide all the amenities you would expect and the sprawling grounds give a sense of space among the hills and valleys of this picturesque setting.


Start each day with a hearty breakfast at the restaurant before setting off for the day. An endless selection of activities nearby make no two days the same and hotel staff are well equipped to offer advice ensuring your visit to Marlborough is everything you hope.


Chateau Marlborough
Chateau Marlborough offers 5-star hotel accommodation in Blenheim. The hotel comprises 80 rooms, the stylish two-bedroom Grande Penthouse, one-bedroom Grande Apartments, Grande Studios, Executive Suites, Superior Studios and Chateau Studios. For convenience and amenities, this hotel is hard to beat with onsite conference facilities, gym, day spa, outdoor heated pool and relaxed bar and restaurant. Scenic, wilderness and winery tours can all be arranged at the front desk, while on the hotel’s doorstep, Seymour Square Gardens and Blenheim’s lively town centre offer opportunities to explore within easy reach.


Onsite restaurant and bar “Quench” is open for breakfast and dinner daily with an outdoor dining area and poolside bar to relax in the evening.

Raetihi Lodge
Nestled beachside in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, Raetihi Lodge offers homely yet luxurious accommodation for exclusive use for up to 30 guests in 14 elegant rooms. Ideal for family gatherings or corporate retreats, the ethos at Raetihi is one of mindful reconnection with each other and the world around us. The exclusive use tariff includes private use of the entire lodge accommodation and grounds, daily continental breakfast, platter lunch and two course dinner daily prepared by the private chef and staff, and use of the lodge’s kayaks, mountain bikes and golf clubs.


Raetihi Lodge stands on the shores of Kenepuru Sound. The lodge skipper collects guests in a private boat from Te Mahia Jetty in the Kenepuru Sound, or Waterfall Bay in the Queen Charlotte Sound, both of which are accessible by a short water taxi ride from Picton.

McCormick House
Built in 1914, MCormick House is a luxury bed and breakfast tucked away among native woodland and gardens in the heart of Picton. Just 2km from the magnificent Queen Charlotte Sound this charming lodge offers boutique accommodation in three individually styled rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

Start each day with a cooked or continental breakfast prepared by your friendly hosts and take some time each afternoon to relax by the fireplace in the lounge.

Situated in easy proximity to all Picton has to offer such as the bustling town centre with its cafés, restaurants and galleries and nearby water activities including boat cruises, swimming, diving, kayaking, sailing, fishing, eco tours, dolphin watching as well as the numerous walking tracks of the region.

Sennen House
Historic boutique lodge, Sennen House, dates back to 1886, when it was built for local businessman Mr George Alexander Smith, immediately regarded as Picton’s most magnificent colonial villa. The house has always been a prominent landmark in Picton, appearing in early photographs and occupying a permanent place in the town’s history.


Sennen House has since been sympathetically restored in keeping with its gracious style and era to offer three individually designed accommodation options. Each private apartment is comfortable and spacious with ensuite bathroom, basic kitchen facilities and dining area. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the time of your choice, either in your own accommodation or al fresco on the sunny balcony where you can compare travel stories with other guests.

Sennen House is located a short stroll from Picton town centre (800m), restaurants and ferry terminal and offers courtesy transfers on request. The friendly staff are available to help with travel plans and arrangements and have a variety of suggested itineraries to choose from to help you make the most of your time in Picton.

Bhudevi Estate
Bhudevi (Sanskrit for “Mother Earth”) is vast and beautiful property in the heart of Marlborough, with a large modern home, an organic sauvignon blanc vineyard, and 1.5 hectares of formal and native gardens.


For a private escape in wine country, Bhudevi offers the ideal solution with luxury self-contained suites accessed from a large courtyard that connects to the main house. Each suite has a master bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and kitchen and continental breakfast is provided each morning. Located just ten minutes' drive from Blenheim and half an hour from Picton, Bhudevi is conveniently located for exploring Marlborough’s wineries, restaurants, and nature walks. Bhudevi is also an annual feature in Garden Marlborough, New Zealand’s premier garden festival.

Hillsfield House
For a romantic escape, Hillsfield House offers seclusion and serenity for two guests in The Courtyard Cottage. Tastefully and elegantly furnished, The Courtyard Cottage benefits from its own private entrance, cosy lounge and dining area, country-styled kitchenette and master bedroom awaits with a four-poster bed and bathroom stocked with beautiful hand-made soaps and bath toiletries.


Awaken each morning to a continental breakfast served in your room at a time of your choosing, or ask your hosts to bring a basket of breakfast goodies the night before, to be enjoyed at your leisure.

Hillsfield House is located among the vineyards of Wairau Valley in the heart of Marlborough wine country, less than half an hour from Picton.

Please contact us for a tailor-made Marlborough itinerary.