What are the top things to do and see in Blenheim?
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Home to one of the world’s largest private collections of World War I aircraft, Blenheim’s Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre tells the story of aviation during both world wars. Featuring the personal collection of Sir Peter Jackson, the director of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, the Knights of the Sky exhibition recounts the story of aviation during World War I, while Dangerous Skies features tales from World War II. Through a collection of authentic aircraft, artefacts and visually stunning sets and models, the heritage centre’s displays are not only incredibly captivating but also nothing short of fascinating.
Wineries
No trip to Blenheim would be complete without a visit to at least one of the wineries surrounding the town. Situated within the Marlborough region, one of the largest wine growing regions in the country, the area around Blenheim is perhaps best known for its Sauvignon Blanc. Spend a day or two visiting the local cellar doors or join a guided tour to visit some of the best in an afternoon before heading home on your return Palmerston North to Blenheim flights. Many wineries are located within close proximity to the town, making it easy to enjoy a taste of this popular wine region during your stay.
Marlborough Museum
Offering a great introduction to the heritage of the Marlborough region and its people, a visit to the Marlborough Museum is a must when spending time in the area. Within the galleries of this regional museum, you’ll find an assortment of displays and artefacts on show. From the history of wine in the area and replicas of the Victorian home to interesting archaeological artefacts thought to date back to the 13th century, the museum’s eclectic exhibitions offer something to interest almost every visitor.
Pollard Park
Located in the north of Blenheim, Pollard Park is not only one of the town’s largest parks, but is also a lovely place to spend an afternoon. Covering close to 25 hectares in total, the park features landscaped gardens, a children’s playground, a golf course and an assortment of native plants. Whether you’re planning a day out with the whole family in tow or looking for somewhere to enjoy a picnic for two, the park is a great place to head. Be sure to take a stroll by the stream, stop by the rose garden or enjoy the shade provided by the park’s established trees.
What’s the best way to get around Blenheim?
If you plan to stay in the centre of Blenheim, you’ll find that it’s quite easy to get around on foot. Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes and enjoy the freedom to explore downtown Blenheim at your leisure.
Many of Blenheim’s major attractions are located outside central Blenheim. If you prefer to discover a new destination and its surroundings at your own pace, consider hiring a car when visiting the town. If you are thinking of hiring a car, be sure to secure your vehicle well ahead of time to avoid missing out, as the range available at Marlborough Airport (BHE) may be limited. Secure a car when booking your Palmerston North to Blenheim flights with Webjet.
If you do want to explore parts of the town that are beyond walking distance but don’t want to hire a car during your stay, taxi services are also available in Blenheim. Fares will vary depending on how far you choose to travel, but may work out cheaper than hiring a car if you don’t plan to travel extensively.
What should you pack when visiting Blenheim?
Summer in Blenheim is typically quite comfortable, with temperatures averaging between 18℃ and 20℃. If your flights from Palmerston North to Blenheim are due to arrive between December and February, you should be fine packing a few t-shirts and a couple of pairs of shorts or jeans. Early in the morning and late in the evening, the temperature may drop, so consider adding a jacket or light coat to your packing list too.
From June to August, Blenheim experiences an average high of 12℃ and a minimum temperature of around 8℃. If you’ve booked Palmerston North to Blenheim flights that’ll see you arriving during winter, look to pack clothing that can be easily layered. Long sleeve shirts, jumpers, long pants and a warm coat are all essentials. If you’re planning to spend a decent amount of time outdoors during your stay in Blenheim, a beanie, a scarf and a pair of gloves may be well worth adding to your suitcase.
Temperatures vary during autumn and spring in Blenheim, so it may be best to pack clothing that can be layered. Whether the weather warms up or temperatures start to drop, you’ll be able to tailor your outfit for the day ahead.
FAQs
How long is the flight time from Palmerston North to Blenheim?
As there are no direct flights from Palmerston North to Blenheim, the total travel time does vary depending on the length of each stopover. For flights travelling to Blenheim via Auckland, the first leg from Palmerston North to Auckland typically takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, while the second leg from Auckland to Blenheim is 1 hour 30 minutes. For flights travelling from Palmerston North to Blenheim via Christchurch and Wellington, the first leg to Christchurch takes 1 hour 20 minutes, the second leg to Wellington takes an hour and the final leg to Blenheim takes just 30 minutes.
Are there direct flights from Palmerston North to Blenheim?
No, there are currently no direct flights from Palmerston North to Blenheim. All services travel from Palmerston North to Blenheim via Auckland or Christchurch and Wellington.
When is the best time to visit Blenheim?
If you’re wanting to experience Blenheim’s best weather conditions, the best time to visit Blenheim is early in the year. From January to March, the town’s weather is at its warmest, with temperatures averaging at around 20℃ during the day. If you are looking to holiday on a budget, however, autumn and spring both offer comfortable conditions for exploring Blenheim. With demand for flights and accommodation typically lower at this time of year, you may be able to stretch your holiday budget further.
