Blenheim Regional Information

Blenheim | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Discover fine wine and fine scenery in Blenheim, New Zealand. Explore some of the many vineyards or simply relax in one of New Zealand's sunniest towns. View Blenheim scenic video.

Blenheim Overview

Marlborough, New Zealand

Blenheim is a small city nestled at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, in the Marlborough region.

Blenheim is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand, blessed with a year-round sunny climate.

Blenheim is New Zealand's largest grape growing and wine making region, surrounded by some 65 wineries, 290 grape growers and 4,054 hectares in grape production! Most wineries welcome visitors for wine tasting sessions and may also have a cafe or restaurant on site. Sauvignon Blanc is the region's specialty, but wines made with Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are also highly acclaimed.

Wine trail maps make it easy to find your way around the vineyards. Boutique bed and breakfast accommodation can be found throughout the wine growing area.

Picton is the major commercial port for Marlborough and is located just a short drive from Blenheim.

» Blenheim Accommodation Directory

» Blenheim Wineries Directory

Blenheim Highlights

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Biking a wine trail in Marlborough, New Zealand

Biking Wine Trail
Marlborough, New Zealand
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)

Blenheim is ideally located, just a short drive from the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, a place of sunken valleys that are home to all kinds of wonderful bird and sea life, including terns, shags, blue penguins, dolphins and seals. Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds can be explored by boat—ferry, runabout, luxury charter launch or kayak. Admire the spectacular scenery where bush and mountains rise straight from the sea, and secret coves beckon you for a swim.

Queen Charlotte Track is another way to appreciate the intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. The 67-kilometre track passes through lush coastal forest, around coves and inlets, and along skyline ridges offering breathtaking views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.

Guided trout fishing and hunting tours are other ways to appreciate the beauty of the Marlborough landscape. The average brown trout in this region weighs between one to three kilograms, depending on the fishing ground.

Blenheim itself offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.