Wine aficionados and foodies won’t be disappointed in Blenheim. The large town at the top of the South Island is the capital of the Marlborough district, New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region. With about 140 wineries dotted around Marlborough, you’ll never be far away from a good drop in Blenheim. There are things to do in Blenheim besides boozy breakfasts and long lunches. The Peter Jackson-backed Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, museums and art galleries, lovely public parks, and the nearby Marlborough Sounds are other highlights.
Summer (December–February) is the best time to visit Blenheim as the climate is hot and sunny. Although many wineries and restaurants are open year-round, some are seasonal, and you'll encounter extended hours in summer. A top summer experience is having a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc at a winery restaurant's outdoor patio with vineyard views. Alternatively, for a completely different experience, head to Blenheim in April to catch the annual, 3-day Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow.
Blenheim is a small city, which makes it easy to get around on foot—although having wheels is preferable for visiting nearby vineyards. Mostly flat Blenheim lends itself to two-wheeled bicycle exploration and many people rent bikes to ride among wineries. A hop-on hop-off tour bus service can also shuttle you between wineries and other Blenheim attractions, such as the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and Marlborough Museum. To visit the nearby Marlborough Sounds, you’ll need a car.
Central Blenheim follows a grid-like street pattern, making navigation fairly easy, but it’s worth going off-grid and following the walkways along the Taylor River. There, boardwalks follow the river as it meanders through town, and going for a stroll is a good way to work off the food and wine. Look out for cool sculptures along the way, including beavers (not native) and installations that spin slowly in the breeze.
