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| Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand |
Blenheim is located at the confluence of the Taylor and Opawa Rivers in the north-eastern corner of the South Island. It is recognised as the main administrative, commercial and economic centre of the Marlborough region and is the area’s transport hub as the town stands at the junction of State Highway 1 and State Highway 6. Blenheim is above all famous for being the centre of the Marlborough wine region which flourishes on the surrounding Wairau Plains. It is the largest wine growing area of New Zealand with approximately 65 wineries and 290 grape growers covering over 4,000 hectares. Originally the centre of a diverse rural community, Blenheim has become a major tourist destination due to its dominant wine industry which produces award winning wines, particularly a fine Sauvignon Blanc, plus Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The area is fortunate enough to enjoy very mild weather with long hours of sunshine making it one of New Zealand’s sunniest locations. Due to Blenheim’s central location within the northern region of the South Island, the town makes an ideal location to use as a base to visit outlying attractions such as, Picton which is the gateway to the stunning Marlborough Sounds, the popular tourist destination of Nelson, and the world’s whale watching centre of Kaikoura.
The heart of Blenheim’s business and shopping area is centred around the Forum in Market Square which features an ornate rotunda and a wide piazza, while the focal point is the colourful and attractive Seymore Square. The town, which is home to approximately 28,000 residents, offers visitors a good variety of accommodation, a broad selection of eateries, many retail outlets and banking facilities. Surrounded by a diverse landscape which is comprised of vineyards and native forests, trout filled rivers and tranquil waterways, picturesque coastal tracks around sheltered bays and coves, and within close proximity to high mountain areas, the region offers visitors an exceptional range of outdoor recreational activities. Local attractions include the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre which provides visitors with a world class collection of historic aircraft – the Vines Village offers visitors a collection of boutique food, wine and craft stores - Brayshaw Museum Park which includes the re-creation of old Blenheim which was known as Beavertown, the unique Vintage Car and Farm Machinery Museum and the Marlborough Provincial Museum and Archive Centre – the Riverside Miniature Railway - Makana chocolate factory – the Millennium Art Gallery – the historic Riverlands Cob Cottage - the Prenzel Distillery which specialises in fruit wines , brandies, schnapps and liqueurs, plus many wineries which offer tastings, tours and often easy access to cafe or restaurant foods.
Blenheim is home to the annual Marlborough Food and Wine Festival which takes place every February and showcases the region’s famous wines and local gourmet foods.
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| Accommodation | Activities | Tours |  |
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Chateau Marlborough
Blenheim
 |  Chateau Marlborough is centrally located overlooking Seymour Square Gardens. It offers guests boutique style accommodation with well appointed suites and apartments. The decor is contemporary and comfortable, the service is friendly and efficient. The Chateau is a good place to stay and a great l... |
Heartland Hotel Marlborough
Blenheim
 |  Heartland Hotel is located in Blenheim and is just a five minute walk from the city centre. This is the heart of the Marlborough wine growing region. They offer courtesy transfers to the airport, train and coach terminals. Heartland Hotel offers a warm welcome and personal service. |
Vintners Retreat
Blenheim
 |  For those people who want to stay in the heart of the Marlborough region, Vintners Retreat is a great choice. Situated in the grounds of their park-like retreat, with stunning views of the Richmond Range, the Villa style accommodation offers a range of options from Stables, Lodges and Manors which ... |
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Sauvignon Blanc Blended Tour
Tour
Blenheim | On this half day tour you will visit up to 6 wineries of your choice and/or Chocolate Shoppe time permitting. The tour starts at 12 noon and finishes around 4 pm. Lunch stop available by arrangement.
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Wine Tours by Bike - 4 hours
Biking
Blenheim |  Wine Tours By Bike is a family run business and is operated by Nigel and Helen Hart from Argrove Lodge, a homestay located in the heart of the Marlborough wine region. Situated just 5 km from Blenheim, you can begin your wine tour from the homestay or they can arrange free courtesy collection and re... |
Gourmet Wine Lunch Tour
Tour
Blenheim | This is a special tour starting at 10am. Gourmet food to match the fantastic wines in the area. This tour includes a 3 course meal at a winery. Baguettes, main and sweets.
Sit back and relax over your lovely lunch in the middle of your wine tastings.
Full day tour starts at 10am and finishes aroun... |
Wine Tours by Bike - 8 hours
Biking
Blenheim | Wine Tours By Bike is a family run business and is operated by Nigel and Helen Hart from Argrove Lodge, a homestay located in the heart of the Marlborough wine region. Situated just 5 km from Blenheim, you can begin your wine tour from the homestay or they can arrange free courtesy collection and re... |
Special Reserve Tour
Tour
Blenheim | This is a full day tour and not unlike the Sauvignon blanc tour however there are more places and more wine. Tour starts at 10am and finishes at 4:30pm There is a lunch stop available on the day however it is not included in the price. |
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New Zealand Highlights
15 days |  This fifteen day tour of New Zealand will introduce you to some of the best sights in New Zealand. From the beautiful and majestic Milford Sound, in the Fiordland National Park to the geothermal area of Rotorua this trip will surprise and delight you. You will see the stunning Huka Falls and Taupo... |
Scenic Sights
12 days |  On this tour of New Zealand there are two, two night stays and one three night stay, therefore travellers will have the feeling of a more leisurely pace. After arriving in Auckland there is time for an afternoon activity, whether you may want to climb the Auckland Bridge, or cruise on Waitemata Har... |
New Zealand Adventure
18 days | This 18 day tour of New Zealand is an excellent way to see the major attractions and sights in this wonderful country. From Auckland to the Bay of Islands for two nights where you will have the opportunity to cruise to Cape Brett and the 'Hole in the Rock' as well as some free time to sail or sea-k... |
New Zealand Panorama
15 days |  This fifteen day tour of New Zealand will introduce you to some of the best sights in New Zealand. From the beautiful and majestic Milford Sound, in the Fiordland National Park to the geothermal area of Rotorua this trip will surprise and delight you. After arriving in Christchurch you will catch... |
New Zealand Highlighter
14 days | Beginning in the North Island, this tour winds its way south, taking in New Zealand's premier attractions along the way. After arriving in Auckland and meeting fellow travellers and your Tour Director, you travel to Rotorua to see the amazing geothermal reserves and also take in some Maori culture ... |
Royal Tourer
18 days |  This tour certainly does tick all the boxes for seeing the most well-known attractions in New Zealand and with five two night stays it is more relaxed than other tours. From Auckland to the Bay of Islands, Rotorua to Wellington taking in the geothermal area, the Waitomo Glow-worm caves and the Wait... |
New Zealand Encounter
18 days |  This great tour of New Zealand starts in the pretty city of Christchurch where you will meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Next day you will catch the TranzAlpine train to Arthu's Pass and cross the amazing Southern Alps. Experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before spending the n... |
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