Can children join the biking wine tour?

Yes, Explore Marlborough offers child-sized bikes, tag-alongs, trailers, and baby seats to accommodate younger riders safely.

Are electric bikes available?

Yes, electric bikes can be rented to help with longer distances or hills without extra strain.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking ahead is recommended to ensure availability, especially on weekends and holidays.

What if it rains on the day of my tour?

Though there is no wet weather cancellation, the area has several nearby cellar doors within short distances where you can still enjoy tastings sheltered from weather.

Is the route suitable for beginners?

Yes, the terrain is mostly flat and the company recommends routes on bike paths and quiet roads suitable for novice cyclists.

Where do I pick up and drop off the bikes?

All pickups and drop-offs happen at The Vines Village, 193 Rapaura Road, making it simple to start and end your ride.

Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour with Explore Marlborough

Situated in the heart of New Zealand’s Marlborough region, the Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour from Explore Marlborough offers an exceptional way to engage with one of the world’s premier wine-producing areas. Based at The Vines Village on 193 Rapaura Road in Rapaura, this three-hour bike rental unlocks the freedom to craft your own journey through gently rolling vineyards, country lanes, and vibrant cellar doors.

Marlborough is renowned globally for its Sauvignon Blanc, but the region’s outdoor appeal goes beyond just tasting notes. This tour enables riders of all ages and abilities to experience the landscape intimately, pedaling past rows of verdant grapevines set against sweeping hills. Explore Marlborough provides quality bikes with baskets, helmets, locks, and reflective vests, alongside a detailed, easy-to-follow map featuring a curated list of wineries and local lunch spots, ensuring everyone can tailor their route.

The terrain is mostly flat with quiet roads, making it approachable even for families or casual cyclists. Within the three-hour rental window, visitors can comfortably visit three wineries, but motivated riders could try more. What makes this offering unique is the blend of active outdoor recreation with a deep dive into Marlborough’s celebrated wine culture, all at your own pace.

Offering numerous types of bikes, including electric and tandem models, the company caters to various preferences and group sizes. The self-guided format appeals to those seeking flexibility, yet with expert local recommendations at hand. Explore Marlborough’s service stands out in the region by seamlessly combining cycling, scenic rural routes, and wine tasting in a way that feels natural, unhurried, and refreshingly authentic.

Cyclists departing from The Vines Village will find themselves immersed in a landscape shaped by fertile soil, temperate climate, and a strong viticultural history dating back decades. The company’s emphasis on sustainability encourages visitors to travel with respect to the environment, contributing to the preservation of this celebrated agricultural landscape. This biking wine tour is both an outdoor adventure and a cultural encounter, making it a memorable way to experience Marlborough’s scenic beauty and world-class wines.

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.