South Island Wine Regions by Rental Car: Marlborough to Central Otago

Quick summary: The South Island’s wine regions run from Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc country in the north to Central Otago’s Pinot Noir in the south, and rental cars are close to each. Blenheim Airport sits among the Marlborough vines, Picton serves travellers arriving on the ferry, Nelson Airport covers Nelson’s wineries, Christchurch Airport is around 60 km from Waipara, and Queenstown Airport is around 25 km from Gibbston. The Waitaki Valley is reached from Timaru or Dunedin.

At a glance
Marlborough	Blenheim Airport, or Picton around 30 km away
Nelson	Nelson Airport
Waipara Valley	Christchurch Airport, around 60 km
Waitaki Valley	Timaru or Dunedin airports
Central Otago	Queenstown Airport, with Gibbston around 25 km away
Tours	Marlborough wine tours

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Which pickup suits each South Island region?

Region	Pickup	Tours
Marlborough	Blenheim Airport, Blenheim or Picton	Marlborough
Nelson	Nelson Airport	Featured tours
Waipara	Christchurch Airport or city	Waipara Valley
Waitaki	Timaru or Dunedin airports	Oamaru
Central Otago and Gibbston	Queenstown Airport or town	Queenstown
Wānaka	Queenstown Airport	Wānaka

How do you get to Marlborough after the ferry?

Collect a rental car in Picton and drive around 30 km south to Blenheim, where the vineyards begin. Alternatively, swap cars across Cook Strait: return one in Wellington, cross as a foot passenger and collect another in Picton. See from Blenheim and Picton.

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How do you reach the Waitaki Valley?

Fly into Timaru or Dunedin and drive to Oamaru, then inland up the Waitaki Valley to Kurow, around 70 km. It’s a quieter region, with limestone landscapes and a small cluster of cellar doors. See Waitaki Valley and Oamaru.

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Why rent at Queenstown for Central Otago?

Because the airport sits between the region’s sub-regions. Gibbston is around 25 km away through the Kawarau Gorge, and Cromwell and Bannockburn around 60 km. Wānaka’s vineyards are over the Crown Range. See Central Otago and Gibbston.

Compare car rental at Queenstown Airport

Can you drive the whole South Island wine trail?

Yes, from Picton to Queenstown via Waipara and the Waitaki, over ten days or more. Check one-way fees when you compare. See the South Island wine trail.

Frequently Asked Questions