New Zealand
South Island
Location / Place Guide
Blenheim
My Connection to This Location
I have worked two wine harvests in Blenheim over the past two years. I have spent a total of seven months there and these are my favorites!
Must Sees
Must-see stops for this place.
Marlborough Wine and Food Fest
The perfect way to try wines from all over the region. You get a wristband and can load money onto it at the kiosk stands. Wineries have individual booths and a variety of wines you can try. You get a small glass and they will give you a "taste" or a "glass" depending on how much you want. There are so many options including food stands and even helicopter rides.
Pro Tip
Buses will take you from central Blenheim to the venue. It is all outdoors and is held during peak summer. Drink plenty of water!!
Wither Hills
Depending on where you are based in Blenheim there are multiple entrances to Wither Hills. My favorite hike is up Mount Vernon. On a clear day, you can see the North Island in the distance.
Pro Tip
There is a small parking lot at the end of Redwood Street called "Redwood Street Gateway." This will take you right to the entrance of Mount Vernon.
Sunday Farmer's Market
I shopped here every Sunday for my weekly produce and meat. All fresh, local, and super affordable. Great place to hangout on a sunny Sunday morning.
Pro Tip
The market is open from 9am-12pm every sunday and is year-round. It is located at the A&P Showgrounds.
Wineries
If you can't make it to the Wine and Food Festival, I highly recommend hitting a few mineries while you are in town. Cloudy Bay is a popular destination for international visitors but here are a few more worth trying: Forrest/Boom Town, Nautilus, Saint Clair, Lawsons, Wairau River, Te Whare Ra, and Fromm. I haven't been to them all but that is a good list to narrow down from.
Pro Tip
You can book tours, either a car service or bike tour, that will take you to taste at multiple wineries. Tastings are much cheaper than in the U.S.
Journal
Journal from this place
These longer entries belong specifically to Blenheim and add the stories behind the guide.
Trip 005
What To Know About Working a Harvest in Blenheim
After living in Blenheim for a total of seven months while working two harvests, here is what I have learned...
Read the journal entry