It’s a well known fact that the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon is 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, many of whom make their way across the mighty Cook Strait.
‘Cos we love you and we just want to help, we’ve put together some info on the best ways to get here from the North Island… (we think of ourselves as chocolate and wine enablers).
Marlborough 101: How to Get Here, The Insider’s Guide
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 $166 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 $270, 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 vinehalf when you’re booking. This offer is available from all Omega Rentals locations…
Hawkes Bay/Central North Island: Did you know you can fly directly from Napier or Taupo to Blenheim and back with Sounds Air? It’s the perfect opportunity to take in the vines and sample the wines of the true wine capital of NZ… Alternatively, cash in on the Omega Rentals Deal, get yourself to Nelson from New Plymouth, Napier or Palmerston North with Air New Zealand and take a wee roady over the hill to Mighty Marlborough.
Lower North Island: Flights from Wellington to Nelson are cheap as chips, from just $104 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, 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.
Or if flying isn’t your thing and you want to kick back with a Marlborough wine before and after the race, Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries are offering a special deal for Vineyard Half entrants.
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.