Blenheim

The town is well serviced, with several fine restaurants focusing on local food and wine, a stylish public art gallery, a museum and colonial village, glorious public gardens, as well as theatres and cinemas.

However, the real lure of the town is undoubtedly the wineries and the convenient access that Blenheim provides. The Marlborough region is New Zealand’s largest producer of wine and is particularly famous for it sauvignon blanc. Of the numerous vineyards in the area, about 30 are open to visitors, offering tastings and tours of the property. The largest is Montana. The region boasts one of the most stable climates in the country and experiences and above average sunshine record. During the second week of February, Blenheim plays host to the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival.

For those requiring something a little more active, there are also walking and cycling trails in the Wither Hills Farm Park just to the south.