Blenheim can proudly uphold the claim to be both ‘The Sunshine Capital’ and ‘The Foremost Grape Growing Area’ of New Zealand.

The town is situated on the broad Wairau Plain, 27 km south of the Picton inter-island ferry terminal. The fertile alluvial soils and congenial climate, enable the town to celebrate a lifestyle that is a happy blend of sunshine, wine and flowers. The annual Marlborough Food and Wine Festival is the premier culinary and viticultural event in New Zealand drawing 10,000 people each summer. In the week preceding the festival the town comes alive with arts and crafts demonstrations, exhibitions and markets.

Montana Brancott Winery and VineyardsThis attractive town is an ideal base for excursions into the country; a salubrious lunch in a vineyard, a stroll through Beavertown, a horse and gig ride, a wilderness walk through Wither Hills Farm, or a tour of local boutique wineries and craft studios.

A century-old band rotunda takes pride of place in the Forum, the town’s central plaza. Here you can relax amidst the thriving restaurant, cafè and bar scene, sipping lattès and aperitifs and soaking up the culture and the sun. Nearby is Seymour Square, a restful park with striking gardens, a multi-coloured fountain and a memorial clock. Further on are Pollard Park and Waterlea Gardens with charming rose gardens, rhododendrons, native rock gardens, tennis courts and a nine hole golf course. At Brayshaw Park and the Cobb Cottage you can step back in time and view an authentic recreation of the colonial town of Beaver, as Blenheim was then called.

Montana Brancott Winery and VineyardsThe Richmond Range forms a dramatic backdrop to the town and has many walks through native bush reserves. It is possible to climb to the summit of Mt. Richmond on a day trip from Blenheim, starting from Northbank Road on the Waiau River. Another recommended walk is the Wakamarina Track, which traverses a beautiful valley and emerges from the bush near Havelock.

For visitors who seek a good climate and a relaxed atmosphere the ‘Top of the South’ has it all.