What should I know before visiting Blenheim?
Weather
The weather is a great reason to book flights from Napier to Blenheim. The scenic South Island town enjoys more than 2,400 hours of sunshine a year, making it one of the sunniest places in New Zealand. While temperatures rarely rise above 30°C in the summer, the spring might be a better time to book flights to Blenheim from Napier if you prefer cooler weather. The later you book in the spring, the warmer it will generally be. Rain is also pretty infrequent, so if you book flights from Napier to Blenheim for a week, it’s likely you’ll be able to soak up some South Island sunshine. Summer is usually the busiest time of the year, so if you want to avoid the crowds, autumn and spring can also be a great time to grab cheap flights from Napier to Blenheim. Pack some extra layers and the winter is also a perfectly good time to visit Blenheim, especially if you want to experience the town without all the tourists.
Wineries
Marlborough is probably New Zealand’s most famous wine region, which is where the town of Blenheim is located. The town is visited by tourists from all over the world, as well as locals from both North and South Islands. As flights from Napier Airport (NPE) to Blenheim Airport (BHE) take slightly more than two hours, there’s no reason you shouldn’t snap up some return flights from Napier to Blenheim for a quick weekend getaway. Spoil yourself at one of the many opulent retreats, visit some of the cellar doors and restaurants at the region’s renowned estates, join a wine-tasting tour, or get a look in at the iconic Marlborough Sounds, and much more. There are fantastic wineries to choose from including Cloudy Bay, Nautilus Estate, Wither Hills, Saint Clair Vineyard, Villa Maria Estate Winery and Spy Valley Wines.
What's on in Blenheim?
Marlborough wine tasting tours
The internationally-renowned Marlborough Region wine tour is a great way to spend a day in Blenheim. There are numerous wine-tasting opportunities, wine-blending classes and even chocolate tastings. The tour picks you up from your hotel and takes you through incredibly lush green landscapes, all the way to your destination. From the many wineries you’ll visit, you can enjoy sauvignon blancs and rich pinot noirs while learning how to use your palate to identify a wine’s flavour profile. You can also enjoy a meal in a beautiful vineyard restaurant and finish your day off with some handmade chocolate treats from the local chocolate factory.
Guided biking wine tour
A guided biking wine tour through Marlborough is a full-day excursion that may see you visit some of the top vineyards and tasting rooms of this world-famous wine region, situated on the Wairau Plains that surround Blenheim. If you are looking to book flights from Napier to Blenheim and love outdoor activities, a bike tour is a fantastic way to see the region, from the grape-strewn vineyards to the acclaimed estate restaurants and tasting rooms. You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to appreciate the region, though many visitors with flights to Blenheim leave with a newfound appreciation for wine by the end of their trip.
Hop on Hop off wine tours
If you want a little more freedom to do your own thing when you book flights from Napier to Blenheim, then the Hop on Hop off Wine & Beer tour is a great option. The bus takes you to famous wineries, breweries and eateries you won’t want to leave in a hurry. The knowledgeable drivers also provide fun and engaging commentary along the way. If you’re not much of a drinker, the bus also stops by the Blenheim township, Omaka Aviation Centre and a fantastic golf course.
What is the best way to get around Blenheim?
Public transport
The Blenheim bus has two routes - North and South - operating Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. The fares are $2 for adults and a $1 for children. The bus takes you to all the main attractions in town, including Blenheim Railway Station.
Taxi
Although you can sometimes catch a taxi around Blenheim Station, it’s best to book in advance. Marlborough Taxis are ideal for both local journeys and day trips. Blenheim Taxis can take you around the town, to Picton and Marlborough Sounds.
