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the constantly traveling website - New Zealand Travel Guide - On
the Road
Blenheim Information:
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.
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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.
Check
out their web page on the Travel Guide:
Bellafico Restaurant & Wine Bar.
----------------------------
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.
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Leaving
Blenheim south toward Kaikoura you take Route One through the
Awatere region. On the outskirts of Blenheim on the left
is the two hectare Duncannon Holiday Park. Magnificent place
surrounding a 1912 villa. The camp amenities are housed in a
cottage built in 1905.
So now it's off to the fabulous East Coast of the South Island! The
drive to Kaikoura is about two hours direct.
Several
kilometres out of Blenheim on the
left you will pass the Grassmere Salt Works where the country gets it
entire supply of salt. Just past the salt flats on the left is a road
to Marfells Beach an eight km drive. Great place to stop for the
night or just to spend a little time.
The following websites for
the area:
Blenheim
Marlborough Information
Wine
and Food Marlborough
If you need to get in touch
with Ron or Paula
(or Sylvester and Chocolate):
© Copyright 2005
Ron Laughlin - All rights reserved
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