Blenheim & the Marlborough Wine Region

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Details of the Blenheim region for your use to find where to go, what to do, etc.
Two routes to Blenheim depending if you came straight from Picton (27 kilometres) or
from the Nelson area (116 kilometres - approx 2 hours). -

Here is the route from Nelson:
From Nelson you return back over Route Six east through Havelock to Renwick. See
below for more information about the area. Probably best to go on into Blenheim to the
Information Centre at the railroad Station (plenty of parking for large vans/buses) on
Route One.

Here is the route from Picton:
Leaving Picton and heading south on Route 1 the hills begin to fade out and the open
plains of the New World's number one cold-climate wine region opens up before you. On
the way along this route if in the right season you can also find the cherry and apple
orchard stands open. Paula won't pass a cherry stand. Not too far out of Picton you will
see on the left a Welsh pony farm and the Totara Grove alpaca farm after the Picton
airport and the golf course.

If you turn left at Tuamarina the road takes you to a DOC camp right on the ocean in case
you decide to stay there.

You will cross the Wairau River then we recommend turning right at Spring Creek on
Rapaura Road to begin your trip through the wine country. Over 60 wineries available to
check out. Wait until Renwick if you want to pick up a bike to really see the place at the
best pace.

Travel the Rapaura Road and side roads until reaching Route 6 after Nautilus Estate, turn
left through Renwick.

Renwick is the true heart of the Marlborough Wine Country and one of the finest ways to
really enjoy the vineyards and the wineries is to rent a bike. We found the Olde Mill B&B
right in the middle of Renwick that has gone out of their way to provide top quality bikes.
If you stay with them the bikes are free to use also. Have a look at their web page: Olde
Mill House B&B and Cycle Hire for the complete information.

One of the finest wineries to visit in this area is the Isabel Estate Vineyard here in the
Wairau Valley.
They are one of the largest famly owned vineyards in Marlborough with some of the
oldest vines.
From Renwick on Route 63 take a left on Hawkesbury Road until you see the entrance.
Check out their website: Isabel Estate Vineyard.

I really recommend stopping at the Olde Mill House B&B, grab a bike and stop off for a
taste of quality wine at the Isabel Estate Vineyard. Be sure to tell them Ron & Paula sent
you.


On to Blenheim now on Route Six (Middle Renwick Road becomes Nelson Street.) The
Information Centre is on Route One with plenty of parking for large vehicles.
Anyone needing BioMagic for campervan loos Henderson's on Route One prior to
Information Station on the left coming from Picton. Blenheim is a large town for New
Zealand and has everything you may require.
If you get in the region in February try to get to the BMW Wine Marlborough Festival the
biggest in the country. You will need to book ahead.
For the best coffee in town check out Figaro's. Joe and crew will take very good care of
you with Havana Coffee. Recommend the food also. Right down town at 8 Scott Street.

In the heart of Blenheim is Bellafico Restaurant & Wine Bar. The extremely professional
restaurant owner, Deiter Schnarre, has created one of the finest spots in Marlborough to
enjoy an evening meal in pure ambience. Comfortable and relaxed dining with a wine list
admired by world class wine enthusiasts coupled with an equally wonderful dining
experience. Take my word for it here is where you want to experience your dining
pleasures.

A day spent visiting the wineries of this region is well worth the time if you enjoy
fabulous wines. This is the largest wine region in New Zealand with internationally award
winning wines produced here.

For more information be sure to get in touch with me.

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