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blenheim
 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.
 This 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, café and bar
scene, sipping lattés 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.
 The 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.
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