Welcome to Blenheim, New Zealand

Blenheim Attractions

Blenheim is a town in Marlborough, in the north east of the South Island of New Zealand. It has a population of 29,700 (June 2008 estimate). The area which surrounds the town is well known as a centre of New Zealand's wine industry. It enjoys one of New Zealand’s sunniest climates, with hot, relatively dry summers and crisp winters.

The Marlborough region in which Blenheim is situated has a wide range of leisure activities, from swimming with dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds to watching whales in Kaikoura; from walks through the bush and along the rugged coastline, as well as scenic boat cruising, fishing, water-skiing and kayaking. The relaxed lifestyle and the flourishing wine and gourmet food industry in Marlborough are enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.

Blenheim is named after the Battle of Blenheim (1704), where troops led by John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough defeated a combined French and Bavarian force.

The commercial hub of Marlborough (population 42,300) is Blenheim (population 28,200). Originally a provincial service town to the farming community, it is increasingly geared towards urban lifestyle, visitor needs and the dominant wine industry, a meld of modern sophistication and relaxed ambience. North is Picton (population 3,700), seaport gateway to the stunning Marlborough Sounds.

Blenheim is the focal point for the Marlborough wine growing region. A number of wineries are located on the towns edges, with many more just a short drive away.

Synonymous internationally for its distinctive, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. It is New Zealand’s largest winemaking region with around 65 wineries and 290 grape growers and over 4000 hectares planted in grapes, mainly Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.

The annual Wine Marlborough festival (second Saturday in February each year) is held in Blenheim. It is a show-case for the region's bounty and draws people from all over the world to taste Marlborough's wines.