Where heritage meets the vines
Tucked among the golden rows of Rapaura’s vineyards, The Marlborough Boutique Hotel & Vineyard is a place where heritage and modern luxury blend effortlessly. Set on sixteen acres of gardens and vines, it feels intimate and unhurried – a retreat where guests can reconnect with the beauty and generosity of Marlborough life.
The stately 1901 former convent at its heart still carries whispers of its past, yet today it welcomes travellers with a warmth and grace entirely its own. Each of the ten suites is unique – shaped by the building’s history and refreshed with contemporary design, ensuites, and modern comforts. High ceilings, soft textures, and handcrafted details create a relaxed elegance.
As evening falls, guests gather in the renovated chapel, now the ‘Chapel Bar Guest Lounge’, where pre-dinner cocktails set the tone before guests drift out to the large outdoor fire and then on to dinner.
Beyond the main house, the gardens offer a sanctuary of calm with more than 400 exotic and native trees and shrubs, a spring-fed creek, and a chorus of birdsong. The estate’s own boutique vineyard produces Merlot, Malbec, Riesling, Rosé, and the region’s celebrated Sauvignon Blanc – poured exclusively on site.
At the heart of the experience is the Cuisine Hat-awarded Harvest Restaurant, where the rhythm of the seasons shapes the menu. The kitchen is supplied by the estate’s organic garden and trusted local producers. The wine list, curated by Food & Beverage Manager Sukesh PM and Sommelier Neil Kapadia, is a journey in itself – an evolving collection celebrating the best of Marlborough and New Zealand. Alongside the estate’s vintages, guests discover small-batch treasures and rare finds, often sourced in limited quantities through close relationships with local winemakers.
Hidden within the estate is ‘The Secret Shack’, an enchanting private dining hideaway for two where time slows and memories are made. Overlooking Spring Creek, the vineyards, and out to the Wither Hills, it offers an experience both intimate and unforgettable. Here, Executive Chef Wieland Matzig or Head Chef Abhishek Thakur craft and serve a three-course menu which can be paired with wines of your choice.
When the mood turns outward, Marlborough is a region to be explored. Wander or cycle through renowned vineyards, taste the many varietals on offer, meet the makers behind the wines, or lace up your walking shoes for the famous Queen Charlotte Track – one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal trails. For those drawn to the water, a cruise or kayak through the Marlborough Sounds reveals turquoise bays, seals, and playful dolphins – or visit predator-free Kaipupu Point and experience the region’s native flora and fauna.
Or simply linger onsite by the outdoor heated pool, play croquet, frisbee golf, or tennis, or find a quiet nook with a glass in hand. At The Marlborough, days are unhurried, conversations linger, and time itself seems to slow.
A collection of seasonal packages allows guests to experience the estate’s changing moods – from brilliant autumn colours to the warmth of winter fires. Details and current offers are available on the website or by calling direct.
Getting here is easy – and part of the pleasure. The Coastal Pacific train traces the eastern coastline to Blenheim, or guests can fly direct from Christchurch with Originair, now expanding to a twice-daily service. For those who prefer the scenic drive, the journey rewards at every turn.