Things to do in Blenheim
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Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Blenheim’s ‘big attraction’ has always been its wineries, but the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre has blown the wine out of the water. Aided by the creative geniuses that brought us Lord of the Rings (Peter Jackson, Wingnut Films and Weta Workshop), this amazing collection of original and replica Great War aircraft is brought to life with a series of dioramas depicting dramatic wartime scenes such as the death of Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron. Remarkable memorabilia and photographic displays deepen the experience. It’s powerful stuff. There is a cafe and shop on-site.
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Wither Hills Farm Park
For grand views across the Wairau Valley and out to Cloudy Bay, you can tour the 1100-hectare Wither Hills Farm Park which could take from 30 minutes to all day. The two main entrances are at the top of Redwood St and the Taylor Pass Rd; pick up a map from the i-SITE or check the information panels at the gates. Ask about fire bans in high summer. You can hire bikes from the Spokesman to tour this park.
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Bellafico
A mainstream, main-street eatery with a huge wine and beer list that makes great reading. The menu drifts from light afternoon fare into evening mains with an emphasis on local produce (shellfish, venison, rabbit, field-mushroom paté) cooked with Italian zest. Beware the easy-listening soundtrack, sometimes emanating from a human.
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Raupo
An airy, high-ceilinged timber-and-stone building alongside the Opawa River. During the day there’s a satisfying cafe menu (brekkies, burgers, mussels, lamb shanks) and sweet treats, seguing into slightly more sophisticated fare in the evenings. Sheltered outdoor seating, and soft-jazz grooves on the stereo.
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Marlborough Museum
The Marlborough Museum, passionately celebrates this region’s history. Besides a replica township, vintage mechanicals and well-presented artefact displays, there’s the recently opened ‘Wine Exhibition’ for those looking to cap-off their vineyard experiences.
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Café le Cupp
The best tearoom in town by a country mile. Ogle your way along the counter (egg sandwiches, mince savouries, luscious lamingtons, carrot cake) or get yourself a brekkie such as the full fry-up, French toast or muesli. Note the presence of the ginger gem… there is a God.
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Secret Garden
A leafy oasis in a somewhat dull townscape, this sophisticated restaurant and garden bar spoils its guests with bacon butties and local coffee for breakfast before pressing on towards wild-game pies, craft beer, single malts and cigars later on. Smart service.
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Suave
A cool, split-level blues and jazz bar serving up a neat selection of tasty dishes (salads, burgers, lamb shanks) and good coffee. Open mic night Thursday; live music Friday and Saturday.
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Millennium Art Gallery
Conspicuously blue opposite Seymour Sq, the Millennium Art Gallery is a contemporary gallery presenting changing exhibitions by local and national artists.
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Living Room
Prominent corner café and deli, decorated in warm tones with artistic, Franco style. It's great for a peppy coffee, quality breakfast or quiche on the run.
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Top Town Cinemas
Major Hollywood releases in the main cinemas, with more off-the-wall stuff screening in the ‘Lounge’. All tickets are $8 on Tuesdays.
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High Country Horse Treks
High Country Horse Treks runs equine exploration from its base 11km south-west of town (call for directions).
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CPR
Get a fix of Blenheim’s own-roast coffee. Muffins if you’re lucky, but it’s really all about the beans.
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Wither Hills
Simple, well executed food in a stylish space. Pull up a beanbag on the Hockneyesque lawns and enjoy a platter or Café de Paris steak before climbing the ziggurat for impressive views across the Wairau.
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Wine Tours by Bike
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Wairau River
Mudbrick bistro with wide veranda and beautiful gardens with plenty of shade. Order a double-baked blue-cheese soufflé, or the sticky pork and peanut salad. Relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable.
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Villa Maria Estate
One of NZ’s winemaking giants with awards aplenty. Its black-label pinot noir range is oenophilic nirvana.
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Sounds Connection
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Na Clachan Wine Tours
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Molesworth Tour Company
New Zealand’s largest high-country station – complete with cob cottages, a historic inn, and vistas galore – can be discovered in depth with Molesworth Tour Company. It offers one- to four-day all-inclusive 4WD trips ($235 to $1500), as well as a four-day fully supported (and catered mountain bike) adventures ($1135). Wine tours are also available.
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Marlborough Wine Tours
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