Things to do in Blenheim – The Wine Metropolis of New Zealand! – TravelPeri Skip to Content

Things to do in Blenheim – The Wine Metropolis of New Zealand!

Blenheim is the most populous town in the Marlborough Region- the South Island of New Zealand. It’s located approx. a half-hour from Picton – another incredible destination. Which is famously known for the Queen Charlotte Sound and the scenic Queen Charlotte Track. But coming back from Picton to Blenheim, it’s where you can explore incredible attractions and activities like relishing in gourmet food and wine, doing a wine tour, exploring a scenic wine trail and other natural attractions.

Explore the rich Aviation History at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Things to do in Blenheim Number 1 - Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Photo by Bernard Spragg on Wikimedia Commons

Location

There’s no better museum to visit and learn about the incredible aviation evolution than at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Located approx.10 minutes from Blenheim, next to Wither Hills, you’ll find this unique museum perched on a hill overlooking the cityscape. Tour and witness vintage air crafts displayed in dramatic settings to tell the incredible story behind it. There is a WW1 and WW2 gallery –put together by iconic figures like Sir Peter Jackson, each display is given so much detail and thought.

Enjoy the best flavours at the Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen

Things to do in Blenheim Number 2 -Sant Clair Family Estate
Photo from Saint Clair Family Estate Facebook Page

Location

Indulge in a gourmet food and wine experience, with the Vineyards of Saint Clair and the blue sky above as the surrounding settings. Honestly, there is no better way to experience some of St. Clair’s award-winning fine wine. Located 10 minutes from the city next to the Wairau River, this vineyard is ideal for a good wine tour. Have a wine tasting session, enjoy some lovely flavour-packed dishes.  A must add to your list of things to do in Blenheim.

Enjoy a stroll and a picnic at Pollard Park

Things to do in Blenheim Number 3 - Pollard Park
Photo by Sid Mosdell on Flickr

Location

This wooded parkland is every local’s and travellers go-to park. Located within a 5-minute drive from the town of Blenheim, Pollard Park offers visitors plenty of space to stroll and relax in the charming garden surroundings. There are so many different flower and plant growths, it’s going to keep your attention locked.  There are picnic benches to sit and enjoy a good lunch as well. Great place for kids to run around, feed the ducks and just have a lovely garden trip.

Experience rich Marlborough Wine at the Wither Hills Cellar Door

Things to do in Blenheim Number 4 - Wither Hills Cellar Door
Photo from Wither Hills Facebook Page

Location

Perfect place to stop by for lunch after exploring the Wither Hills. Enjoy a proper Marlborough wine tour. Located within a 10-minute drive from town- there’s much to experience at the Wither Hill Cellar Door. Join a tour for wine tasting. Indulge in the rich flavours the Marlborough wine region has to offer. From the premium Pinot Noir to Sauvignon Blanc, get a taste of what premium wine is all about. A must-add to your list of things to do in Blenheim.

Enjoy a Morning at the Marlborough Farmers Market

Things to do in Blenheim Number 5 - Visit Marlborough Farmers Market
Photo from Marlborough Farmers Market Facebook Page

Location

There are so many cool things you can buy and experience here – especially food. The Marlborough Farmers Market is located just a 5-minute drive from Blenheim. It’s a good place to experience the local scene. You can come and enjoy the chilled vibes and indulge in some homemade baked goods and more. Great place to buy some good cheese to go with the Marlborough wine you purchase during a tour. Worth adding to your list of things to do in Blenheim.

Taste wine at the Villa Maria Estate Marlborough Winery

Setting at Villa Maria Estate
Photo from Villa Maria Estate Facebook Page

Location

This lovely winery is located approx. 10-minutes from the town of Blenheim and approx. 30-minutes if you’re travelling from Picton. It’s where you visit to taste the fruity-crisp Sauvignon Blanc the world fell in love with. Explore their spacious vineyards, it offers the perfect ambience whether you plan to do lunch or dinner. It’s all about good wine & good times, which’s the goal of this Winery. If you love experiencing the finer things in life – this place is worth adding to your list of things to do in Blenheim.

Explore the wonders of the Eclectic Marlborough Museum

Exhibit at Marlborough Museum
Photo from the Marlborough Museum Facebook Page

Location

This colourful museum is located just a 5-minute drive from Blenheim town. Keep in mind it’s not a huge museum. But, there’s much to see. Explore the Wine Room to learn about how Blenheim became a wine region, the incredible history of the wine industry and more. The Maori exhibition is presented beautifully with great detail. You can learn about the early European settlers who came to the island as well. A trip to this museum is a must.

Have a one-of-a-kind Wine experience at the Cloudy Bay Vineyard

Vineyard at Cloudy Bay
Photo by Noems14 on Wikimedia Commons

Location

If you consider yourself an avid foodie, as well as a wine connoisseur, a trip to the Cloudy Bay is a must.  Get ready to indulge in some incredible gourmet food at its chic restaurant and some of the most exquisite wine from its winery.  It’s the perfect place to stop for some good food and wine during a wine trail adventure. Be treated like absolute royalty. It’s located within a 10-minute drive radius from Blenheim.

Explore the Rich Chocolate flavours at the Makana Confections

Chocolates at Makana Confections
Photo from Makana Confections Facebook Page

Location

Apart from cheese, what goes well with wine? That would be chocolate. Experience hand-made chocolates made from the freshest and highest quality ingredients. There’re two factories – one in the North Island, the other in the heart of Marlborough wine trail. You can easily visit their special chocolate shop in Blenheim – located in heart of town. Immerse in the chocolate boutique experience. It’s not the cheapest chocolate, but it certainly is some of the tastiest rich chocolates you can enjoy.

Go Beach Camping at the Sandy Shores of Whites Bay

Photo of Whites Bay
Photo by Eric de Leeuw on Flickr

Location

If you’re yearning for a serene camping experience, then Whites Bay is where you should head. The waters are pristine and tranquil, perfect for a swim. The sandy shores feel soft to the feet. A lovely beach spot on the island. Many travellers go on camping trips here. Camp under the starry skies at night and explore the lovely sandy coves in the morning. It’s located less than 30-minutes from Blenheim. This little coastal island spot is definitely worth visiting.

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