Is the helicopter flight safe for all guests?

Yes, the helicopters used meet rigorous safety standards and are piloted by experienced professionals. Guests should notify operators of any health concerns in advance.

Are meals and wine tastings included in the tour price?

All meals, including a gourmet 3-course lunch with wine pairings, and all wine tastings during the day are included.

What happens if the weather prevents the helicopter flight?

In poor weather conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted to focus more on land-based vineyard experiences to ensure your day remains memorable.

Can this tour accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, please inform Explore Marlborough of any dietary needs when booking so the lunch can be tailored accordingly.

Is there a maximum group size for this experience?

This private tour has a strict limit of two guests to maintain an intimate and personalized experience.

How should I prepare for the underground cellar tasting?

There will be stairs and cooler temperatures underground, so comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.

Air, Land & Wine Adventure with Explore Marlborough | Bike Tour | Winery

Set against New Zealand’s renowned Marlborough region, Explore Marlborough offers an exclusive day of sensory discovery and stunning vistas with their Air, Land & Wine – The Winemaker’s Journey. This intimate private experience invites just two guests to spend a full day immersed in one of the world’s premier wine regions, guided by a celebrated local winemaker.

Marlborough, located at the northeastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, is celebrated for its sprawling vineyards, dramatic coastline, and the intricate network of Marlborough Sounds—a fjord-like collection of sunken river valleys carved by glaciers. The region’s cool oceanic climate nurtures world-class Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, and Explore Marlborough's journey reveals these flavors alongside breathtaking natural beauty.

Your adventure kicks off with a private vineyard safari at one of Marlborough’s oldest vineyards, where rolling vines stretch over limestone-rich soils known for imparting mineral complexity to the grapes. From here, a helicopter whisks you high above the Marlborough Sounds, offering panoramic views of forested ridges, ocean inlets, and sailboats dotting the blue expanse—a rare aerial perspective that brings the scale and serenity of the region to life.

Touching down at the luxurious Bay of Many Coves, guests indulge in a thoughtfully curated 3-course gourmet lunch, each dish expertly paired with select wines. The winemaker personally leads the tasting, sharing insight into the region’s viticulture and distinctive flavor profiles.

The day culminates underground with a vertical tasting in a historic cellar, featuring barrel samples and rare vintages that illuminate the winemaking process from grape to glass. With all transport, tastings, and meals included, this journey merges high adventure with refined palates, making it a standout experience for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Explore Marlborough’s seamless blend of natural wonder and artisanal craft positions it as a unique gateway to New Zealand’s outdoor and culinary treasures.

About Explore Marlborough

Explore Marlborough is a Rapaura-based tour operator specialising in wine country experiences across Marlborough. The company runs guided and self-guided biking and driving wine tours, half-day and full-day options, private bespoke itineraries, and winter-season experiences tailored to weather conditions. Tours include e-biking and conventional cycling, scenic coastal routes through the Awatere Valley, cellar-door tastings, boutique distillery stops, and gourmet picnic or a la carte lunch options.

Guided experiences range from half-day e-bike trips with small groups to full-day adventures for experienced cyclists that include a visit to Yealands Estate for a winery tour and tasting. Self-guided packages provide hire options for three-hour, half-day, and full-day rides with van support available for wet weather and logistics. Private and deluxe offerings include chauffeured driving tours, bespoke multi-vineyard days, corporate incentive programs, and optional helicopter transfers for elevated views of the region.

Local guides bring practical knowledge of Marlborough vineyards, tasting etiquette, and route navigation, while partnerships with regional vineyards and producers ensure authentic cellar-door access. Safety measures and support vehicles are available for guided and self-guided guests. Explore Marlborough’s presence in Rapaura positions it close to major vineyard trails and coastal scenery, making it straightforward for visitors based in Blenheim and the wider Marlborough region to access tours. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the operator emphasizes curated tasting experiences, small-group attention, and flexible logistics to suit varied skill levels and travel styles. Bookings are available online with clear cancellation policies and detailed itinerary information for each tour type and flexible scheduling options.