Blenheim

Blenheim is an agricultural town 29km south of Picton on the pretty Wairau Plains between the Wither Hills and the Richmond Ranges. The last decade or so has seen town beautification projects, the maturation of the wine industry and the addition of a landmark museum significantly increase the town's appeal to visitors.

Check out the new riverside development, including compact parks, walkways and a pedestrian footbridge, on the northeastern edge of the town centre.

Explore Blenheim

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Blenheim.

  • Museum

    Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

    When Sir Peter Jackson has a passion for something, there are no half measures. That's abundantly clear in the 'Knights of the Sky' exhibition, which…

  • Winery

    Yealands Estate

    Zero-carbon winemaking on a grand scale at this space-age winery out by itself near Seddon, 30km southeast of Blenheim. A 7km self-drive vineyard tour…

  • Winery

    Brancott Estate

    Under its previous name, Montana Wines, this was the trailblazer of the wine region. Now it has Marlborough's most impressive cellar door and restaurant…

  • Winery

    Wither Hills

    Pull up a beanbag on the Hockneyesque lawns of this impressive complex and enjoy a three-wine flight ($10), or head into the cellar for a more traditional…

  • Winery

    Allan Scott Family Winemakers

    Highlights of this esteemed range include a lovely gewürztraminer and a méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine. The attached Twelve Trees restaurant is…

  • Winery

    Te Whare Ra

    Compact, hands-on winery creating gorgeous sauvignon blanc, riesling, gewürztraminer and pinot gris.

  • Museum

    Marlborough Museum

    The history of NZ's wine industry is celebrated here, along with fascinating displays devoted to finds from Wairau Bar, the site of the country's earliest…

  • Park

    Pollard Park

    Ten minutes' walk from town, this 25-hectare park has beautiful blooming and scented gardens, a playground, tennis courts and a nine-hole golf course. It…

  • Winery

    Vines Village

    A conveniently located hub for bike hire, boutique shopping, wine tasting (Whitehaven) and cafe meals with a pretty vines outlook. Pop into Gourmet…

  • Winery

    Cloudy Bay

    The most famous, most upmarket and most expensive tasting experience; private tastings and tours are also offered. Jack's Raw Bar shucks and serves…

  • Winery

    Saint Clair Estate

    Prepare to be blown away by the Pioneer Block and Reserve range sauvignon blanc and pinot noir at Marlborough's most awarded winery. There's a good…

  • Winery

    Framingham

    Consistent, quality wines including exceptional riesling and stellar dessert wines. Check out the '90s song lyrics on the pavers of the cloister.

  • Winery

    Clos Henri Vineyard

    French winemaking meets Marlborough terroir with très bon results. The cellar door is housed in a beautifully restored wooden church.

  • Museum

    Omaka Classic Cars

    Opposite the Aviation Heritage Centre is this collection of more than 100 restored cars dating from the 1950s to the '80s.

  • Winery

    Spy Valley Wines

    Stylish, edgy architecture features at this espionage-themed winery with drops in the top echelons. Memorable merchandise.

  • Winery

    Huia

    Sustainable, small-scale family winemaking and a personable cellar-door experience. Delectable dry-style gewürztraminer.

  • Winery

    Wairau River

    Carbon-neutral family estate with some of Marlborough’s oldest vines. Relaxing gardens and a classy cellar door.

  • Winery

    Forrest

    Doctor-owners produce and prescribe a range of fine vinous medicines, including some mood-altering riesling.

  • Winery

    Bladen

    Bijou family winery that’s big on charm.

  • Winery

    Auntsfield Estate

    Quality handcrafted wines from this historic and picturesque vineyard at the foot of the hills. Tours available by arrangement (per person $20, minimum…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Blenheim.

  • Activities