Top 10 things to do in Blenheim

1. WINE TOUR & A TOUCH OF BRILLANCE

Blenheim, surrounded by ordered rows of vineyards, is a natural for a wine tour. Whether you arrive by air or drive, your introduction is the massive steel wine holding vats, the vineyards drawing the eyes into the horizon and the architecturally pleasing cellar doors inviting visitors to stop and tarry.

2. OMAKA AVIATION CENTRE

Adventure buffs can experience an adrenaline rush with a flight in an open cockpit of a US ARMY AIR CORPS – 455HP BOEING STEARMAN. Discover vintage joy rides with two passenger seats for couples. What a rush, and it gets better. Seriously, if you want to roll in a classic vintage Yakovlev Yak-3 fighter plane, then this is the place to be. A must-do place to visit for everyone with plenty to keep the family entertained with interactive exhibits personalising the story of vintage aviation and the place New Zealand played. Remember to pencil in a date with the biennial year show.

3. MARLBOROUGH MUSEUM

Heritage buffs don’t miss out with a fascinating collection of objects, documents and artefacts. Find out more about the Wairau Bar and story of Polynesian migration or marvel at the collection of 19th century bottles with their elaborate form holding every conceivable liquid. Bottles for Cherry Cheer drink (very sweet syrupy taste) or bottles with gold figures or marble tops.  Discover a forgotten capital at the Wairau Bar where hotels, wool stores and wharves supported a thriving export industry in the 1840’s, now totally disappeared and forgotten. There are kids puzzle sheets and discovery sheets to keep everyone interested. The museum has an extensive large machinery collection at Brayshaw Park.

4. UPTON OAKS GARDEN – MARLBOROUGH GARDEN FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT

A beautiful 19th century Victorian homestead is the formal point for a classic European gardening style. Stroll among the roses in a Garden of National Significance and enjoy the intricate living pattern of a 17th century style knot garden hedging. Get inspired by the extensive vegetable patch and take time to soak up the view of magnificent herbaceous borders and ponds. The rustic olive grove draws visitors to espaliered fruit trees.

5. A TOUCH OF ROMANCE

A glorious garden is the setting for a romantic cottage nestled among the summer blooms. What a wonderful cottage. The magic moment is the sound of cooing white pigeons. Guests are greeted with home baked cake, biscuits and fruit. Laurella Cottage, and invite you to experience the ambience of a fully restored NZ 1850’s, colonial cottage. The only cottage accommodation in Marlborough, in a 5 Star Garden of National Significance. Self contained boutique accommodation. For more romantic moments check the Marlborough guide, things to do from where to capture the sunset together to adventures in the Marlborough Sounds.

6. FOODIE LOVERS DON’T MISS OUT

Marlborough Farmers Market is a weekend favourite. The bounty of Marlborough is marketed by the makers creating an authentic farm to plate offering. Talk with our award winning stallholders and learn how your food is produced. Discover their favourite recipes, tips and ideas. Enjoy locally roasted coffee and takeaway brunch.

7. MAKANA BOUTIQUE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Nothing like a chocolate factory to sample local treats, to witness the melting chocolate being folded around caramel, adding sweet delight to dried ginger or coating buttery shortbread. Try out various combinations and your gifts for family and friends are sorted.

8. MARLBOROUGH WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL

Blenheim is the natural hub. February is the month to sip world class sauvignon blanc and other local varieties. There is pop up live entertainment in the town square and at cellar doors. Food producers showcase their wares and new offerings. The well known festival is a highlight for Blenheim and the district. While there has been a pause in activities due to covid19 the festival is a stalwart in the event calendar and a must-go for lovers of food and wine.

9. GALLERIES

Discover where local emerging and established artists exhibit, The small town has superb galleries. The local government supported Millennium Gallery exhibits a range of local, national and international works, while the Marlborough Art Society gallery showcases local talent.

10. NEARBY

Check out nearby towns of Picton and Havelock with the enticing jewel of the Queen Charlotte Track as a drawcard. For on water activities you can not go past the Marlborough Sounds with Picton the hub for a mail boat cruise around the Sounds. Consider joining the Cougar Line and discover dolphins, orcas and seals. Unearth greenshell mussel delicacies in Havelock cafes, explore the local museum and consider returning to Blenheim via Queen Charlotte Drive. Start planning your holiday with a Marlborough guide, things to do, get inspired. Marlborough brilliant every day has plenty of activities to choose from.

Car rental:

If you are staying a little longer, much of Marlborough’s stunning landscape is accessible by vehicle, with brilliant scenic drives taking you to a range of towns, valleys, hills, mountains and coastlines. Rent a car or campervan from any well-known brands, such as Hertz, to explore the region before continuing your Coastal Pacific journey.

Marlborough Airport is conveniently located near Blenheim. The airport is 7 km from home with taxis and shuttles as well as vehicle rental car companies having offices at the airport.