Step off your cruise ship and into North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley for a full day of wine tasting and regional flavors. Led by Greystone co-founder Bruce Thomas, Jade Marlborough Tours delivers an intimate shore excursion blending local stories and stunning scenery.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most adults with basic mobility; minimal walking between venues
Wildlife
History
Waipara Valley’s vineyards were planted in the 1970s and have since evolved into a key region for organic and sustainable wine production in New Zealand.
Conservation
Many local wineries, including Greystone, champion organic viticulture, minimizing chemical use to preserve soils and native ecosystems.
Jade Marlborough Tours
Step off your cruise ship and into North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley for a full day of wine tasting and regional flavors. Led by Greystone co-founder Bruce Thomas, Jade Marlborough Tours delivers an intimate shore excursion blending local stories and stunning scenery.
Jade Marlborough Tours is a Blenheim-based tour operator specializing in guided wine tours and shore excursions across Marlborough and nearby wine regions. The company offers a range of curated experiences, including Picton cruise ship shore excursions, half-day and full-day Marlborough wine tours, a Lyttelton shore excursion to Waipara Valley with lunch, and a Wines of the South Island itinerary with a paired lunch. Each tour visits multiple wineries—typically four to six stops—allowing guests to taste Marlborough's world-famous Sauvignon Blanc alongside other award-winning wines. Local guides provide commentary on vineyard practices, regional terroir, and winemaking stories, and itineraries include tastings, seasonal local produce, and specialty items such as handmade chocolates from Makana Confections and wine-paired meals at Fidelio. The Lyttelton shore excursion is noted for its association with Greystone co-founder Bruce Thomas, who leads tastings and shares firsthand insights. Jade Marlborough Tours emphasizes flexible, personalized service suitable for cruise passengers and land-based visitors, adapting the route to guest preference and schedule constraints. Vehicles and pick-up arrangements cater to cruise ship timelines for Picton departures and return transfers. Booking options accommodate both short shore excursions and extended full-day explorations of the Wairau Valley and Waipara region. Photos of vineyard scenery, winery interiors, and paired lunches illustrate the experience for prospective guests. Jade Marlborough Tours operates from Blenheim, Marlborough, and focuses exclusively on the region’s wine culture, local produce, and narrated, small-group touring that connects visitors directly with boutique winemakers and regional hospitality.
Booking assistance and tailored itineraries are available on request today.
Tours Offered
5 Trips
Curated wine and shore excursions
Trip Duration
5–7+ hours
Half-day to full-day options
Based In
Blenheim, Marlborough
Central to Marlborough vineyards
Special Features
Paired lunches & tastings
Boutique wineries, chocolates, Fidelio
Secure spots for Picton shore excursions, half-day, or full-day tours — availability is limited on cruise days.
Arrive on time at Lyttelton Port
Make sure to be ready to meet your guide promptly at the port to maximize your time experiencing the wineries.
Wear comfortable footwear
Some walking around vineyards and tasting rooms is required; sturdy, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Plan for responsible tasting
Taste thoughtfully if you’re driving afterward or have other commitments; spitting is encouraged to stay alert.
Notify dietary needs in advance
The lunch menu can accommodate most dietary restrictions, but you must notify Jade Tours ahead of time.
Comfortable walking shoes
Needed for walking between vineyards and tasting rooms.
Sunhat and sunscreen
Protects against sun exposure during outdoor vineyard stops.
summer
Light waterproof jacket
Useful for unexpected rain showers during transitional seasons.
spring|fall
Layered clothing
Adaptable layers ensure comfort amid variable temperatures.
winter|spring|fall