Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be 18 years old or older to go on the tour?

In New Zealand the legal drinking age is 18. If you look under 25 years of age, passport or driving license is required for any wine tasting.

How does the wish list work?

When you are browsing through all the tour options on the website, you can add wineries, locations and activities into your wish list. We will according to the list personalise the tour for you, balance your preference with other guests in the same trip.

Do you charge for extra tour options?

Many of the options we can arrange for you are covered in the tour, however certain activities will incur surcharges. For certain activities we will contact you after booking to go through the details.

Is the wine tasting in a private setting?

No. Nevertheless, some wineries are more private than others, but we will try to organise the best setting for the wine tasting. Private tours can also be organised in advance.

Can you pick me up from where I stay?

We can pick you up or arrange transfers from anywhere in Marlborough for free, including hotels, ferries, airports, train stations, cruise ship, or even a private address. However if you are in Nelson or other regions we will be charging an additional fee. Please contact us any transport arrangements.

How early should I book?

Especially in the summer (November to April) and on holidays we highly recommend booking early because our tours tend to sell out fast.

Where do the wine tours start?

We will greet you at the door where you stay with hand towels and New Zealand still or sparkling water. Please arrange transport with us before the tour.

Do I need to pay separately for wine tasting?

No. All tasting is included in the price of the tour.

Can I change the itinerary after booking?

Yes. Even during the tour we can change the plan according to the situation and the guest's request. You can even choose Exclusive Tour to get a fully personalised experience.

Do you offer the tour in languages other than English?

Currently we only operate our tours in English. However we do have international staff in our team. We can provide tours with translation for German, Dutch and Mandarin Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional) upon request. Please contact us in advance if you need additional language service.

What's different in an Exclusive tour?

You will travelling in your own group (minimum of 2 people, maximum of 6) with our experienced local driver and guide, so you will be able to get suggestions for wineries, locations or activities that best cater to your liking.

What if I missed my tour?

If you missed part of the tour we can still pick you up after agreed time, if. We are sorry but there will be no refunds for missed tours.

Can I get a refund if I need to cancel a booking?

Cancellations within 48 hours before the date of a booked tour are not able to be refunded. If you are concerned about refund please consider purchasing travel insurance. We do not sell or offer travel insurance.

You can read our full Terms and Conditions if there's anything unclear, or contact us.

Cancellation of Booking and Refund Policy

Cancellations within 30 days are not refundable.

For missed tours there will be no refund.

On very rare occasions, Escape to Marlborough must cancel all or part of a tour, including in response to insufficient sales. If we cancel the entire tour, you will receive a full refund.

We cannot be held responsible for delays or cancellations of customer trips that result from weather, mechanical difficulties, sickness, family emergencies that may occur during or prior to your trip.