Top Things to do in Blenheim
Top Restaurants in Blenheim
- 1. Brancott Estate Cellar Door and Restaurant
- 2. Highfield TerraVin Cellar door and Vineyard Restaurant
- 3. Twelve Trees
- 4. Scotch Wine Bar & Wine Shop
- 5. Wairau River Wines Restaurant
- 6. Watery Mouth Cafe
- 7. Rock Ferry Cellar Door & Cafe
- 8. Dodson Street Beer Garden
- 9. Gramado's
- 10. Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen
8 Things to Do in Blenheim That You Shouldn't Miss
Sample the beloved vintages of the Marlborough Wine Region in Blenheim, an agricultural town in the heart of New Zealand’s renowned wine hub. More than 20 wineries are just a hop, skip and a corkscrew away from Blenheim, where a stream of cafes and restaurants serve up tasty, artisan fare. One of the sunniest towns in New Zealand, Blenheim is the perfect destination for foodies and wine lovers who love to soak up the sun while sipping the fruits of a vineyard’s labor.
Restaurants in Blenheim
1. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Omaka Avation Heritage Centre presents the outstanding Knights of the Sky exhibition, featuring Sir Peter Jackson's own collection of World War One aircraft and artifacts. The story of aviation, its development and the men that flew them, is brought to life in sensational sets created by the internationally acclaimed talent of WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. The aircraft are a unique mix of originals and replicas, some of which are flyable and/or can only be seen at Omaka including the Caproni CA.22. The Centre boasts an extensive collection of memorabilia and these are divided into two areas, one devoted to the Allies and the other to the Central Powers. The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is extremely privileged to be the caretakers of these historical treasures, which include personal items of Manfred von Richthofen, the legendary Red Baron, top scoring Allied ace Frenchman Rene Fonck, top scroring American ace Eddie Rickenbacker, Germany's Ernst Udet ranked second only to Richtohfen when WW1 ended and the infamous Herman Goering. The Knights of the Sky Exhibition is a display like no other and you don't have to be an aviation enthusiast to enjoy it!
Reviewed By Jacqui H - Carlingford, Australia
This display will satisfy military enthusiasts as well as those who might not choose this subject as a first choice. The stories are told in a very with very engaging staging due in no small part to the involvement of the WETA geniuses. You could easily spend half a day there if you wanted. There is a cafe so you can have a break between the two wars if you need to. An excellent centre, put this on your must visit list.
2. Pollard Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By ruthandvern - Wilton, California
Sadly the weather had been quite above average recently and the rhododendrons have finished blooming, but we were very excited to find the Sequoia Redwood. The Various areas of the garden have lovely representatives of the subject exhibits. The Fragrant garden was really a joy, some wisteria remaining bloom, the jasmine wafting in the breeze. Tiny flowers with large scents, just wonderful. The Portage garden was like being at home in my garden. Everything you'd want to find was growing. The English pea flowers were about to give way to the blooming peas, the pole beans were in full bloom, as were the citrus. Rosemary, sage, lettuce, artichokes, a very tall variety were also prevalent. Espardille (sp) Apples, multi types of berries.There was even a patch of celery. The Rose Garden took the longest to move through with the huge number of varieties - I think we took 252 pictures in our 2.5 hours. It was going on 5:30 was we left. Great local garden.
3. Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Come and visit Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen to relax, sit back and enjoy the Saint Clair experience. The newly renovated establishment is situated within a unique vineyard setting with views extending past the vines towards the ever changing and dramatic Richmond Range. The sunny courtyard offers outdoor dining with some dining options amongst the vines. On a cooler day an extended veranda section can ensure customers continue to have the vineyard feel while being sheltered from the elements through extensive floor to ceiling glass sliding doors. A cosy fire provides ambience and warmth during the New Zealand winter, an ideal settling to relax and enjoy Saint Clair's award winning wines. A perfect place for a visit for morning or afternoon tea with a selection of muffins and hot drinks available all day. The extensive menu constantly changes reflecting some of the best seasonal produce and finest delicacies Marlborough as to offer. There are a range of options available to meet any dietary requirements. The wine tasting counter is an area to discover the diversity of Saint Clair with a large selection of award winning wines available for tasting daily via an impressive wine preservation system. In addition to these wines there is an extensive range of craft beers from kiwi Breweries including Pan Head, Parrot Dog and Marlborough's own Renaissance. A couple of different flavours of locally produced Adam and Eve Cider are also on offer and New Zealand owned brands make up the eclectic array of non-alcoholic beverages. The Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen is available for private functions and offers catering options to suit all budgets with flexibility to ensure a successful event. Please contact us to discuss further. When visiting the Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen make sure you cross the car park to Pātaka - a gourmet food store proudly specialising in New Zealand artisan food and offering uniquely New Zealand inspired gifts.
Reviewed By boaster - Horsham
My husband had previously tried their Pinot noir on this holiday and wanted to try others. Noticed it provided meals so we decided to eat here to. They could not have been more accommodating or friendlier. We tried wine tasting first - I loved their Gewürztraminer and my husband tried the reds but chose a reserve Pinot Noir for lunch.
I had tomato risotto with olives and salad - my husband fish and garden vegetables. We both agreed they were delicious and up there with any top restaurant.
4. Wither Hills Cellar Door and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
The Wither Hills Cellar Door and Restaurant allows you to appreciate the true beauty of the Marlborough region, while enjoying a comprehensive tasting of our award winning wines, matched with locally sourced produce. A blend of contemporary design and character - the perfect location for a leisurely break with friends and family.
Reviewed By Annie B - East Grinstead, United Kingdom
Wither hills winery is a must do if in the Blenheim area of Marlborough. We were greeted by the delightful and knowledgable Hector who guided us through our tastings which were very reasonably priced send that was written off when we bought a couple of bottles to take home. Regrettably not more as on our travels. We had a fab lunch in the pretty Gardens with awesome views and the waiting staff were absolutely lovely. I'm a fussy vegetarian and the cheese platter as a main was beautifully presented, delicious and more than plentiful.
5. Seymour Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By Oldjack - Greater Melbourne, Australia
Seymour apparently owned all around Blenheim then called The Beaver for reasons unknown and the park was named after old Henry sometime around 1857.The War memorial was built around 1928 to commemorate the first World War and the Fountain came along in 1953. It is a pleasant spot of green with flowers in the town and despite the history a revamp might be due.
6. Cloudy Bay
Overall Ratings
4 based on 320 reviews
This winery's sauvignon blanc brought international attention to New Zealand's wine region.
Reviewed By Virginia M - Auckland, New Zealand
Called in on the Saturday and found a relaxing space to sit and enjoy the sun outside while waiting for a dozen oysters to be shelled from the Raw Bar which was very busy. Accompanied these with a flight of 3 Cloudy Bay Bubbles, poured by a very friendly, welcoming member of staff. We even managed several games of petanque. Felt that the grounds were large enough to accommodate quite a few people without feeling that you were on top of each other.
7. Villa Maria Estate Marlborough Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By Bo W
Villa Maria was the best cellar door visit that I made in the region. The wines were excellent, but more important to me, was the individual attention that they give each customer. My understanding and appreciation for local wine was greatly enhanced during this enjoyable visit.
8. Omaka Classic cars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Situated next to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre on the outskirts of Blenheim and showcasing around 60 vehicles from the 1950's to the 1990's, the collection offers a special insight into both Marlborough and New Zealand motoring history from that charismatic period where space, grace, chrome bumpers, large grilles and individual design were allowed to run wild. The total collection is about 115 cars, with half on display at any one time.
Reviewed By Bev M
Cars are well presented. This is a display of cars that most baby boomers will remember as having had these cars themselves or their dad had some of them or of course they were on the roads.
Quite a few Jaguars, as many South Island museums seem to have.
This establishment is 100 metres or so from the Aviation Heritage Museum, which we ran out of time to visit both. The Classic Cars has an earlier closing time ( certainly in May) than Aviation Heritage, so if wanting to do both allow at least a whole morning or afternoon and check opening hours.
