For the last 14 years the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon has been the ultimate getaway with your besties.
In fact, 90% of you wonderful athletes tend to come to the Vineyard Half from outside Marlborough each year. ‘Cos we love you and we just want to help, we’ve put together some info on the best way to get here and some tips to make sure your weekend of fun starts when your journey does.
Auckland
You have no idea how much we love you. And we know you love our wine. Best tip? Grab four of your best mates, fly to Nelson for $118 return, jump in a car from Omega Rentals (they’ve got a special rate for race-goers) and cruise over the hill. By our calculation, that should save you around $150, which you can now spend on wine and food, that’s WINE and FOOD!… And if you want to fly directly to Blenheim, there are still plenty of seats available with Air New Zealand.
OMEGA RENTALS DEAL: Omega Rentals are offering race goers a 10% discount on rental cars booked online or over the phone. To do this, use the promo code vine2020 when you’re booking. This offer is available from all Omega Rentals locations.
Lower North Island
Flights from Wellington to Nelson are cheap as chips, from just $140 return. Going for this option means you can also cash in on the epic Omega Rentals Deal, allowing you to take in the wider Nelson and Marlborough region along the way. As with Auckland, there are still a heap of flights available direct from Welly to Blenheim on Air NZ, and prices aren’t too bad for those either. Of course we can’t forget Sounds Air, who offer very competitive rates from Wellington and Paraparaumu to Blenheim, Picton and Nelson.
You’ll love getting to and from the Vineyard Half on one of Bluebridge’s two ferries. If you haven’t sailed with them before – you’re missing out. They sail downtown Wellington to the Sounds 50 times a week. This must-do journey takes about 3.5 hours during which you’ll see some of the world’s most breath-taking scenery through the Marlborough Sounds. Bluebridge is famous for their warm Kiwi hospitality and better value fares every day.
They’re giving you and your supporters a whopping 35% off any of their most flexible, 100% refundable and changeable passenger and vehicle fares. So you can take your own car to make life easier or walk-on and grab an Omega rental on the other side. Your ticket includes free WiFi and movies plus you’ll earn Airpoints Dollars™. Simply use promo code SAIL2VINE when you book online or call 0800 844 844. Valid for bookings from 1 September 2020 to 13 May 2021 for travel from 6 to 13 May 2021. Terms and conditions apply.
You’ll enjoy a full café-style menu freshly prepared by their onboard chefs that you can wash down with a Marlborough wine, craft beer or Wellington’s famous L’Affare coffee. Why not treat yourself and upgrade to your own private cabin with ensuite (linen included) from only $30. Perfect to rest or freshen up before or after your weekend away. Single, twin, double, four and five berth cabin options available. We recommend you pre-book one as they’re very popular.
Top of the South
We love our locals and for you it’s as easy as jumping in the car and taking a short roady to join us. If you’re coming over from Nelson don’t forget to stop off in Havelock, Greenshell Mussel capital of the world. Enjoy a glass of famous Marlborough wine and some freshly shucked mussels, all the ingredients for the perfect pit stop.
Christchurch South
Our neighbour is now our close neighbour with that awesome feat of engineering, the coast road, connecting us back together again. You can leave at lunchtime on Friday and be here for registration and still have time to enjoy some great Marlborough food and wine. Make sure you stop off in Kaik?ura and enjoy some world-class kaimoana. Their crayfish can’t be beat! If you’ve got time, squeeze in some whale watching and stop to check out the Ohau Point seal colony. If you’re driving from further south stop to refuel at The Store at Kekerengu, they serve up casual coastal dining and their view is the stuff of legends.
Rather fly? If you can get yourself to Christchurch airport Sounds Air has you covered with direct flights from Christchurch, or you can fly into Nelson and take a short roady over the hill with your besties, taking advantage of that Omega Rentals discount. Flights from Christchurch to Nelson are only $78 return on Air NZ!
Whichever way you make your way to the best little race around, we can’t wait to see you. We’ll be ready and waiting with your Saint Clair Family Estate wine, some delicious Marlborough eats, and an itinerary to set you up for the best weekend ever. Don’t have your entry yet? Click here to get sorted.
See you on 8 May 2021!