What is the cost of visiting Blenheim?
Flight prices
A long weekend trip or couples’ vacation to Blenheim doesn’t have to hit the hip-pocket too hard, especially if you snap up cheap flights from Nelson to Blenheim with Webjet. The flight time for plane tickets to Blenheim from Nelson is less than two hours, meaning you’ll waste little time in the air and can be exploring Blenheim in less time than it takes to watch a couple of episodes of your favourite TV show.
Blenheim Airport taxis and shuttles
When you land at Blenheim Airport (BHE) from Nelson Airport (NSN), you can easily catch a taxi from the arrivals terminal to your accommodation. Taxis and shuttles are usually available for incoming flights, though, if you’re travelling with a large group, it’s a good idea to book a shuttle in advance. The town centre is less than nine kilometres from Blenheim Airport and you can expect to pay around $20 for a one-way taxi. The trip takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Getting around the city on the bus is cheap too, as fares are around $2 for adults and $1 for children. You can also save by pre-booking taxis to Picton and Marlborough Sounds.
Accomodation
There are luxury retreats, budget-friendly hotels and self-contained apartments available throughout Blenheim. As there’s such a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from, you can make your Nelson to Blenheim trip as frugal or as lavish as you like.
Wineries
Blenheim is one of the major towns in the famous Marlborough wine region, and is popular for its proximity to a number of the area’s top estates. There are also plenty of options for day trips to Marlborough Sounds or Cloudy Bay if you purchase cheap flights from Nelson to Blenheim with Webjet. Depending on your budget, you can spend around $40 on a biking wine tour or as much as $650 for a bespoke private wine tour. Generally speaking however, most half-day tours run between $100 to $250.
What should I pack for Blenheim?
Winter
Blenheim is a famously sunny town on New Zealand’s South Island but that means it can also get a little chilly during the winter as there may not be much cloud cover. With a couple of extra layers though, you’ll be able to enjoy Blenheim’s clear, cloudless days all the same. If you’re after a bargain, it can also be the best time to snap up cheap return flights to Blenheim from Nelson. Hotel and accommodation rates are likely to be cheaper, plus the town is less populated with tourists. With temperatures during winter averaging 12°C during the day and 8°C in the evening, all you need is a warm winter jacket and a pair of gloves to enjoy Blenheim at this magical time of year.
Summer
Blenheim’s geographical position means that it enjoys temperate conditions all year round, particularly during the summer. Average summer highs are 20°C, about 2°C or 3°C less than travellers may be used to at the same time of year in Nelson, so you can pack light when you book flights from Nelson to Blenheim. Rain is also uncommon in Blenheim, so you’re probably safe to leave your rain jacket at home, unless the weather forecast suggests otherwise. At night, temperatures can dip to around 15°C, so if you plan on getting out and about of an evening, you might want to pack a jumper or cardigan to keep you warm.
What is the history of Blenheim?
Māori population
There’s archaeological evidence to suggest that, as early as the 13th-century, the Marlborough region was home to a small Māori population. Thanks in part to the rich sea- and birdlife, as well as agricultural developments, the Māori population increased over time. The region is also where one of the first serious conflicts between Māori and the British settlers took place following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Blenheim’s ties to Nelson
Visitors booking flights from Nelson to Blenheim also have the opportunity to learn more about the region’s close association with Nelson. Marlborough was originally a province of the Nelson settlement before becoming a separate province in 1859. For history enthusiasts with flights from Nelson to Blenheim, Marlborough Museum is a great place to find out more about the area’s connection with Nelson. The museum is located in Brayshaw Park, around a five-minute drive from the centre of Blenheim.
