BLENHEIM
A TOWN OF just over 21,000
people, Blenheim is built
around a modern, compact
shopping centre with a number
of specialist shops and a range
of restaurants.
Blenheim is renowned as the
home of sunshine, flowers
and wine. The city has an
abundance of delightful parks
and gardens, with flowerbeds
in full colour at any time of
the year. The foresight of
early residents has provided
several attractive parks and
walkways in the town. Pollard
Park covers an area around
the spring-fed Fulton Creek
where among the gardens and
trees are a duckpond, children's
playground, picnic and
barbecue area, a nine-hole golf
course, croquet green, tennis
courts and a fitness trail.
Seymour Square at the town's
centre is built on reclaimed
land, once the site of a swamp.
It now features fountains,
gardens and an historic ship's
cannon, named Blenkinsopp's
gun. Originally a ship's cannon
from the Caroline, it was later
owned by John Blenkinsopp, a
trader who in 1831 fraudulently
exchanged land on the Wairau
Plains with Maori for guns.
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Marlborough
as providing a snapshot of
life when Picton became an
important township for whalers
and sealers. Many of the old
cast iron whaling implements
and whale bones remain.
Picton's placid waters are
often a playground for visiting
dolphins and seals, and are
an ideal setting for rowing
regattas, water-skiing and
fishing excursions.
But if you prefer to keep your
feet on mother earth and enjoy
closeup of bush, coast and
birdlife then include the Queen
Charlotte track in your plans.
Queen Charlotte Track
The track is a broad pathway
which wends 71km from
historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa,
through ancient beech
forests, along fern-fringed
coves and ridgelines revealing
breathtaking coastal views
of the Queen Charlotte and
Kenepuru sounds.
Marlborough's climate allows
good year-round walking
conditions. Well-maintained,
the track attracts walkers of
all ages, most choosing four
day/three night options though
one day walk options are
also popular. Mountain bikers
also revel in the undulating
landscape of the track.
Accommodation along the
way is provided by lodges,
backpackers and campsites-
arrange to your preference.
Luggage is transferred ahead
daily free of charge.
Marlborough
We'll drive you to drink!
Sample unique tastings with an
unforgettabubble, funfilled and
flexible experience.
0800 228 2253
Mob: 027 672 2195
bubblygrape.co.nz