People taking the ferry from the North or South Islands will invariably stop in the town of Blenheim. Situated in the heart of New Zealand’s acclaimed wine district Marlborough, Blenheim is continually New Zealand’s sunniest city.
Take a few days to discover the region, over 80 wineries, a range of boutique breweries and even a world class distillery have open cellar doors. The annual Wine Marlborough festival, held in February is a show-case for the region's bounty and draws people from all over the world.
At the end of summer a drive past Lake Grassmere, New Zealand’s only source of salt, produces vivid contrast to the burnt brown of the Marlborough hills. The gleaming white salt piles and the pinkish solar evaporation ponds are picture perfect.
The extensive network of sea-drowned valleys and native forest of the Marlborough Sounds are also close by. Known locally as ‘The Sounds”, the area is home to a range of bird and sealife, blue penguins, dolphins and seals. The Queen Charlotte Track, a renowned 71km 3-4 day walk snakes its way around coves, inlets and ridges.
If you’re heading to Christchurch from Blenheim, enjoy the spectacular coastal drive through Kaikoura. The rolling hills, endless ocean, noisy seals basking on rocks and migrating whales are regular features on any drive to or from Blenheim.
