Blenheim
Blenheim (Population 29,000), the largest town in Marlborough, is 29km
south of Picton. A small and friendly town, with a superb climate, it has
good parks and gardens and is the gateway to one of the country's finest
wine-growing regions.
Blenheim - War Memorial Clock - Credit- Peter Hunt
Excellent wines are produced in this region. Cloudy Bay, Hunters,
Nautilus, Stoneleigh, Montana and Cellar Le Brun and others are exported
all around the world. On the second Saturday in February Blenheim hosts the
Marlborough Wine and Food Festival - now so popular that early bookings are
advised.
If you enjoy walking try the Wairau lagoon walk and the Wither Hills
walkway, and other trails over the hills behind Blenheim, especially in the
Richmond Range where there are walking and bike tracks and huts for use on
the longer tramps. Skiers can visit the Rainbow Ski Area with local
transport operators. It is only one and a half hours west of Blenheim.
Art and craft trails will introduce you to the artists and craftspeople of
the area.
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