For the 90% of people who come to the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon from outside of Marlborough, the weekend acts as the perfect opportunity to both participate in the best little half marathon ever, AND to explore the stunning place we call home.
Getting to Marlborough from much of the North Island was covered here, and detailed below are some of our hot tips for getting to Marlborough from wherever you may be in the South Island. You good folk don’t even need to get yourself a plane ticket, although of course you can, if you really want to…
Canterbury:
Our neighbour is now our close neighbour thanks to the amazing work by our awesome roading crews to connect us back together via State Highway 1. Thanks to that you can leave by lunchtime and be here for registration, and STILL have time to dine at Friday Night Feast. If you have the time you could add an extra day on either side of race weekend to explore stunning Kaikoura or even swing by Hanmer Springs for a soak in the hot pools. Or you could really change things up and jump on the Coastal Pacific Railway. Relax, get off at the Wine Station in Blenheim and start race weekend in some style…
Nelson:
Our even closer neighbour, Nelson is just an hour and a half’s drive away. The journey is filled with epic scenery from forests to stunning green rivers complete with some beautiful walking tracks, a glimpse of the Marlborough Sounds and of course, our stunning vineyards. A small price to pay for four days of food, wine, beer, endorphins and a whole bunch of fun with your besties…
Dunedin and Southland:
Like your friends in Christchurch, this journey has been made easy again thanks to that awesome feat of engineering, the coast road between Christchurch and Kaikoura. Break up the journey with a stop in Christchurch or Kaikoura, or even split up up by flying to Christchurch and then driving to Blenheim, or visa versa. Of course you could really treat yourself and fly the whole journey…
West Coast:
Ever been to Lake Rotoiti? It’s a beautiful place for a pit stop mid roady to the best half ever! The West Coast is so close to Marlborough that we’re practically neighbours, so round up your mates, jump in the car and say goodbye to that rugged and beautiful coastline for a weekend among the vines…
If you are driving and looking to rent a car to get here, make sure you check out Omega Rentals, who are offering a 10% discount on rental cars booked online or over the phone using the promo code vinehalf.
However you’re getting here, and wherever you’re coming from, make sure you secure your ticket early here, and if you like, check out one of our many training plans here.