What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• Stick to Wineries on a wine tour

  Ken B,,Feb 9, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  2.00

  A winery tour, but too many non-wine stops. Our time in port was short, so I had to leave the tour before getting to the wineries I hoped to see.

• A very worthwhile trip , professionally executed. Enjoyed our experience.

  Iain F,,Feb 8, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  The whole experience was inclusive and reliable. Lots of variety of venues to choose from, so mind you don’t run out of time . One thing to watch on the wine tasting was that some of the wineries demanded an appointment, so you could be left disappointed, as we were . However, others were most accommodating, and welcoming.

• Great day out with a glass of wine to match.

  P3302HCsandym,,Feb 7, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had the most wonderful time on Hop on Hop off, we had been in Napier and much the same as Picton our boat was late again getting in, this caused everyone to rush. After having done several cruises we noticed some of the people on the boat were more pushy than others. I don't normally do reviews but we were on the bus that a family were trying to hold. So rude to do if your extra person isn't there get off, don't make all of us late. There was a lovely guy trying to deal with them and they have written a couple of reviews on here as well complaining, side note ladies in office were lovely all of them. Drivers were great. Only problem happened there was road works and we were stopped maximum 10 mins. Would do again, had a lovely tasting at Saint Clair, we stopped at Jacksons and had a lovely glass of wine at Clos Henri, all in all a great day out.

• 3rd times a charm

  Excursion35539430166,,Feb 7, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  My 3rd year in a row, love love love it. Cruise is good but i always love a good Sauvignon Blanc and it never disappoints I can tell you. Manaka was a hit, had my mother in tow, we were having great fun with the drivers. Enjoyed again and will be back :)

• Disappointing

  rochelle m,,Feb 6, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  2.00

  We were very disappointed with the operation of the Hop on Hop off bus tour. We were on the first bus leaving Picton and got off at the second stop Wine and Food experience, we rushed through it in order to get a bus according to the timetable. The first bus that came by was 15 minutes later than scheduled, it was full and were told to wait for the next one which was also full, after waiting for 45 minutes and having to call the company because it was passed the last scheduled time a bus arrived to take us. This messed up our whole experience and we were only able to get off and one more stop. I do not recommend this tour, which is a shame because the one winery we went to Allan Scott was very nice but we couldn’t relax because we weren’t sure that we would get back to the ship on time.

• Drivers were great but the female manager was a nightmare.

  zoniaa241,,Feb 6, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  3.00

  We arrived with a cruise ship and enjoyed the Picton community. The drivers were informative and friendly but the female manager at the facility was a nightmare. She literally told one customer not to ask her any questions because she had too much going on and too many buses to consider. What?!?! She kept yelling at one of her clerks to put the ringing phones on hold. The young lady was trying to assist a customer but the rude lady kept yelling across the room at her. I do mean yelling. Then she told the customers in line to wait outside. She didn’t want anyone else coming inside because she was too busy (barking orders). When she realized the gentleman that had wanted to ask her a question wanted to make a booking for 26 people she suddenly had time to talk to him. She treated her staff and the customers horribly. Due to road construction the tour was delayed if possible I suggest another option for your sightseeing.

• Disorganized!

  Anonymous,,Feb 4, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  1.00

  We had a very disappointing experience with the Picton Hop On Hop Off Bus, starting right at the cruise port. The manager, Juliana, seemed completely unprepared to handle the volume of passengers arriving from a cruise ship. The situation was chaotic, and her stressed, disorganized attitude set the tone for the day. What was advertised as a 55-minute ride to the first winery turned into a trip of over an hour and a half. While some of that delay was due to traffic (which is understandable), much of the time was wasted by the bus stopping at multiple wineries even though the bus was already at full capacity. No one was getting off, and no one could get on, yet the stops were still made. This was highly inefficient and resulted in people being turned away at stops who were hoping to board. Because the timetable was not maintained, our group was forced to cancel reservations at our second winery — a major disappointment and a loss of money and planning on our part. To end the day, we were dropped off at a meeting point, told to get off the bus, and then instructed to get back on another bus. This was apparently just to check us off a list to ensure everyone was accounted for, but it felt like an unnecessary and poorly thought-out process that wasted even more time. Overall, the operation felt disorganized, inefficient, and not equipped to handle cruise ship crowds. I would not recommend this service.

• Marlborough Magic: When Missing the Bus is the Best Part of the Trip, at least the thought that counts

  Whananaki,,Feb 3, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Normally, my trips from the Picton ferry are a frantic dash down to Christchurch to visit whānau. This time, arriving via cruise ship from Sydney gave me the rare luxury of time—and HopOn/HopOff Marlborough was the perfect way to spend it. I traded the usual highway blur for a self-paced adventure through wine country, but the real highlight wasn’t just the scenery; it was the people, tour drivers included. I think I officially met the "Coolest Kiwis" in existence. A special shout-out to the legendary Craig Marfell at the Cork & Keg in Renwick. Being the brand-new silent owner of a pub (only two weeks in!) is stressful enough, but when I realized I’d missed my final bus back to the ship, Craig didn't just offer sympathy—he offered a lift, a 30 min drive to Picton, ( Thankfully, that wasn't the last bus ). The Verdict: If you want a tour that offers great views, seamless planning, and the kind of "above and beyond" hospitality that restores your faith in humanity, look no further. Just maybe keep a closer eye on your watch than I did—unless you're hoping to meet a local hero. Cheers, Matua. You’re a legend! and I'll never forget your kindness and hospitality.

• Buses came regularly and...

  Nicole H,,Jan 28, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Buses came regularly and were easy to spot. We really enjoyed many of the stops, we visited the chocolate factory, 2 wineries and a brewery. I do wish the bus company communicated more clearly in advance that tourists would need to independently book tastings at popular wineries. Luckily I did this a week or 2 prior and had no issues. Pro tip, if you don't have a reservation, the bus drivers tell you that you cannot do a tasting at that winery but Cloud Bay does have an outdoor areas where you can purchase wine by the glass.

• A great way to see & learn about the region

  Leanne V,,Jan 5, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  This is a great way to see & experience this stunning part of NZ. Comfortable bus, with great drivers/guides. The buses run every 30 minutes from all locations, so you can spend as little or long in a location as you want too.

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