Blenheim

Food and wine are always on the agenda when stopping in Blenheim. But before you fill your stomach, get out and explore what the town has to offer. To make sure you don’t miss out, here are our top picks;

You have more than likely heard of Peter Jackson, famous for writing, directing and producing The Lord of the Rings trilogy. What's not well known, is Peter Jackson’s personal collection of WW1 planes and memorabilia on display at The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim.

A 10-minute drive from the railway station and you will be outside enormous airport hangers, about to enter a world of flight and excitement - an aircraft enthusiast's dream. This, however, is no museum in the traditional sense; don’t expect to see rusty old planes and boring displays, but an entry into movie-like moments of history. Travel through time at the Knights of the Sky exhibition and learn the story of the world’s only female fighter victors at the Dangerous Skies exhibit. If keeping your feet on the ground still sounds a little dull, take a joyride in the museum's vintage aeroplane tours. 

If you want to experience the real rural New Zealand, Wither Hills Farm Park is one of those hidden gems. The Farm Park is a working farm spread over 1100 hectares of walking tracks and mountain bike routes catering for every level of fitness and ability. The Mount Vernon lookout provides some of the finest vantage points in Marlborough, looking out over Cloudy bay, the Richmond Ranges and Wairau Valley. Pick up a map from the i-SITE opposite the station or look out for the route maps at Redwood Street and Taylor  Pass Road.

For a more leisurely amble, Upton Oaks Gardens have been recognised as “Gardens of National Significance” and awarded by the NZ Gardens Trust. A private residence 10 minutes drive from the station, this garden has been painstakingly created over the last 30 years by its green-fingered owners Sue and Dave. Take your time as you wander through the 17th-century knot garden, rose walk and vegetable patch. This is the perfect place to take five minutes, relax on a bench and soak in the colours of the season.

Marlborough parks are perfect for sunny winter day walks and picnics in the gorgeous summer months. Pollard Park is just a short 30-minute walk from the station and is a showcase of wooded parkland, winding streams and a 9-hole golf course. Parks are plentiful in Blenheim: visit the Japanese-themed Harling Park, relax by the water’s edge at Riverside Park or bask in the shadow of the clock tower at Seymour Square.

If you haven’t had your fill of natural beauty, Rapaura Springs Garden is a nationally renowned festival for gardeners! It showcases the best of the region with interactive garden workshops, events and tours. The garden festival runs annually in November.

Located in Brayshaw Heritage Park, the Marlborough Museum celebrates the story of Marlborough. The Te Pokohiwi – Wairau Bar exhibition holds stories of significant Maori history and life in the 13^th century. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Marlborough museum without a permanent wine exhibition, taking you on a journey of wine memorabilia and winemaking history.  

Approximately 7km south of Blenheim is the mouth of the Wairau river where over the past 6500 years lagoons have formed. The 3 hour Wairau Lagoon loop track will allow you to explore the diverse wildlife of the unique salt marsh and the old eroded remains of the SS Waverley. If you are keen to learn more about this special place take a guided tour, where you will hear about the settlers, the whalers and the arrival of the Europeans in the fascinating narratives of the local people.

One of the annual highlights of visiting Blenheim is attending the longest standing wine and food festival – Marlborough Wine and Food Festival. February is the month to sample world-class wines and delightful local cuisine at one of the Marlborough’s most charming vineyards – Brancott Estate. Just a 15 minute drive from Marlborough train station, this is an event to put in your diary now.

Sit back and relax on the scenic Coastal Pacific train. The Coastal Pacific breezes past Blenheim and Kaikoura from the picturesque coastal town of Picton to the charming city of Christchurch. From mountain ranges to the rugged coastline the journey will be just as unforgettable as the destination.    

Blenheim has a vast range of options when it comes to accommodation, so after you have had your fill of food and wine, there’s bound to be a comfy place to rest your head that suits your budget. Summer is peak season in Blenheim and is also fruit picking season, so make sure you get your first choice by booking in advance.

Blenheim Top 10 holiday park is 10 minutes from your stop on the Coastal Pacific train and offers options from self-contained units to park motels. Easily located so you can indulge in all that Blenheim has to offer, the friendly reception staff can also help you book all tours and activities.

If you are looking for something special to continue your luxury weekend, Chateau Marlborough is a convenient walk from the station. The 5-star hotel overlooking Seymour Square Gardens is known for its exquisite attention to detail and impeccable service. 

Blenheim offers retreats, bed and breakfast, apartments and more, all set with the stunning scenery of Wine County.

Named “The Beaver” by early European settlers due to its regular flooding, Blenheim was originally a small farming-related community that turned into a booming wine industry giant.

In 1855, an 8.2 earthquake deepened the Opawa River making it navigable for ships and allowing Blenheim to trade profitably. As Blenheim’s growth increased, it took the title of Marlborough’s capital in 1865.

The flooding wasn’t all bad news, as the soil now provides the ideal environment for growing grapes for wine, and has made Blenheim a focal point in wine growing. Internationally known for its Sauvignon Blanc, Blenheim now boasts 65 wineries and 290 grape growers of Sauv, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.