Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to join the tour?

No experience is needed; the terrain is gentle and the pace leisurely, with electric bike options available.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If it rains, the morning guided bike tour switches to a driving wine tour to ensure a great experience.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included, but your guide will recommend local eateries and picnic spots for the afternoon.

Can I extend the afternoon self-guided biking beyond the suggested route?

Yes, the afternoon is flexible so you can visit as many additional wineries as you like or enjoy extended rides.

Are helmets and safety gear provided?

Yes, the tour supplies helmets, locks, baskets, and high-visibility vests for your safety and convenience.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour includes round-trip pickup and drop-off from Blenheim or Renwick accommodations, with the afternoon bike drop-off at The Vines Village.

Biking Wine Tour with Explore Marlborough in Rapaura

Marlborough, located at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, is world-renowned for its vibrant vineyards, pristine riverbanks, and stunning backdrop of the Richmond Range and Wither Hills. Explore Marlborough invites outdoor enthusiasts and wine lovers alike to experience the region’s essence with their signature Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour. This seven-hour journey is perfectly balanced, offering both expert-led insights and the freedom to roam at your own pace through this celebrated wine region.

Starting near The Vines Village on Rapaura Road, the morning unfolds on high-quality bikes—electric options included—with a knowledgeable guide leading the way through three boutique wineries. The route meanders on quiet country roads and trails alongside the Wairau River, revealing uninterrupted views of Marlborough’s sprawling vineyards and rugged hills. Alongside tasting some of New Zealand's finest Sauvignon Blancs and Rieslings, guests receive stories behind the landscape and viticulture, enriching the connection to the land and its produce.

Post-lunch, guests set off on their own—using detailed maps and insider recommendations to chart personalized routes to additional cellar doors or scenic picnic spots. This format lets riders choose their adventure intensity, whether leisurely meandering or pushing further into the countryside. The terrain is gentle, approachable for all skill levels, and safety gear like helmets and high-visibility vests are provided.

Explore Marlborough’s small group limits ensure a personal experience, and their commitment to flexibility means rainy days become cozy driving tours instead. Offering round-trip pickup from Blenheim or Renwick, this tour is as convenient as it is memorable. For anyone wanting a genuine taste of Marlborough’s outdoor charm paired with exquisite wine, this blend of guided expertise and self-directed freedom sets Explore Marlborough apart.

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.