Blenheim is the Marlborough region’s main commercial centre and the hub of its famous wine industry. From the kumara plantations of the early Maori, to the sheep farms of European settlers and present day success with grape and olive growing industries, Blenheim has long been a source of quality, bountiful produce. The surrounding Wairau Plains are dominated by rows of grape vines and scattered with wineries, with the compact, rural town making a great base to explore and indulge in the attractions of the region.
Most commonly used as a base for exploring the town’s surrounding winelands, the areas around Blenheim are home to some of New Zealand’s most fertile and venerated vineyards. The area boasts over 40 excellent wine farms, many of which are conveniently located within a 10km radius of Blenheim. In and around Blenheim you’ll find an impressive array of tempting cafes and restaurants, charming craft shops, artisan food outlets and some world-class golf courses. The nearby Marlborough Sounds provide an ideal setting for a variety for water sports, from kayaking to swimming with dolphins. Popular attractions include the fascinating Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to a well restored collection of World War I planes, as well as the Marlborough Museum which showcases a variety of interesting local historical artifacts and also houses Beavertown, a replica street scene based on features of Blenheim around 1900.
