This two-night escape pairs one of New Zealand’s most iconic journeys - the Interislander ferry crossing - with the best of Marlborough’s food, wine and scenery.
Sail through the stunning Marlborough Sounds, then settle into a relaxed stay in Blenheim. From here, explore the region’s renowned vineyards, cruise through historic waterways, and uncover stories of innovation and heritage.
Designed as an easy, indulgent getaway, this journey can also be seamlessly extended with one of our Great Journeys New Zealand rail experiences (rail journey not included).
Highlights
- Scenic Cook Strait ferry crossing through the Marlborough Sounds
- Premium Lounge experience with food and drinks onboard
- Stay in the heart of Marlborough wine country
- Guided wine tour with tastings and lunch
- Cruise to historic Ship Cove in the Marlborough Sounds
- Entry to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
A seamless escape across land and sea
This journey pairs the iconic Interislander crossing with immersive Marlborough experiences, from wine to coastal exploration. This package is perfectly positioned to be extended with our Great Journeys New Zealand scenic trains.
Inclusions
- Return Interislander ferry crossings between Wellington and Picton
- Premium Lounge access on both sailings
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Blenheim
- Return transfers between Picton and your accommodation
- Marlborough wine tour (2–3 wineries, tastings and lunch)
- Ship Cove cruise experience
- Entry to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
- Option to extend adding on our scenic rail journeys before and/or after your Cook Strait crossing (on request)
Price is per person - share twin, subject to seasonal change
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Wellington to Picton: 3:30pm Kaiarahi sailing.
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Premium Lounge: Dinner included with relaxed seating and views.
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Easy transfer: Picton terminal transfer to Scenic Hotel Marlborough.
Journey south
Discover Marlborough
Morning cruise: After a hotel breakfast you will transfer to Beachcomber Cruises office. From there, at 8:30am you will embark on the Ship Cove cruise through the Marlborough Sounds.
Vineyard afternoon: Your wine tour guide will take you to lunch at St Clair Family Estate vineyard kitchen. After you will have tastings at two to three wineries plus a sweet stop at Makana Chocolate Factory.
Hotel drop off: Return to Scenic Hotel Marlborough. This evening is yours to enjoy Picton’s local dining scene at your own pace.
Warbirds and return journeys
Museum morning: After breakfast you will transfer to Omaka Aviation Museum. There you will have a guided tour of Knights of the Sky and general admission to WW2 exhibits.
Picton time: Transfer to the Interislander terminal and check in. Free time to stroll Picton/Waitohi before boarding.
Homeward sailing: Check in for 2:15pm Interislander with Premium Lounge.
Ship Cove cruise – Marlborough Sounds
Begin on the water, cruising deep into the Marlborough Sounds where sheltered waterways, native bush and historic landmarks define the landscape. Departing Picton, this journey takes you to Ship Cove, a place rich in history and natural beauty, best experienced from the sea.
Marlborough wine experience
Spend a leisurely afternoon discovering Marlborough’s world-renowned wine region. Enjoy a relaxed vineyard lunch at St Clair Vineyard Estate followed by curated tastings at boutique wineries, with a sweet stop to finish a perfect balance of flavour, scenery and local craftsmanship.
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Step into one of New Zealand’s most captivating museums, where storytelling and aviation history come to life. Explore immersive exhibits and take a guided journey through World War 1 Knights of the Sky, alongside powerful World War II displays.
Extend your journey by rail
Take your escape further with our iconic scenic trains, either before and/or after crossing the Strait. Take the Coastal Pacific from Picton, TranzAlpine in the South Island, or Northern Explorer from Wellington. Talk to our Travel Centre to customise your journey.
Ready to book?
Use our online form to create your enquiry and we'll then make your reservations and contact you for confirmation and payment.
Alternatively, if you would like to book over the phone or have any questions, then contact our Travel Centre team right now:
0800 872 467