About Blenheim

In the heart of the wine-growing Marlborough region, Blenheim is a bustling town surrounded by world-class wineries, rivers and rolling hills. Close to the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, it’s also within easy reach of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and the wild Kaikoura Coast — perfect for sailing and wildlife-spotting excursions. With accommodation options ranging from historic B&Bs to chic lodges with gourmet restaurants, the best places to stay in Blenheim are brilliant for couples, families and groups looking to discover this very special destination.

Blenheim itself is appealingly walkable and fun to explore on two wheels. Highlights including leafy Seymour Square, Riverlands Cob Cottage, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and the Brayshaw Museum Park. Strolls through Pollard Park & Waterlea Gardens are also lovely. You’ll find delectable cafés and eateries in the town centre, as well as shops and galleries.

Beyond Blenheim are some of the world’s top wineries, specialising in producing a distinctive and herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. Take guided tours and tastings, travelling between vineyards by bicycle, horseback or classic car. Keen adventurers will adore kayaking trips on the Pelorus River, whilst the Wairau River will be a big hit with birdwatchers and anglers. Cruise the Marlborough Sounds to see fur seals, little blue penguins, dolphins, rare Rowi kiwi, tuatara and weka or to sample green-lipped mussels. Cycle or hike part of the 70km Queen Charlotte track for amazing views, before retreating for a relaxing night in one of the best places to stay in Blenheim.

The Best Places to Stay in Blenheim

For a Central Stay

  • Chateau Marlborough is a smart hotel in central Blenheim, with a refreshing swimming pool and popular restaurant & bar. Chic, contemporary rooms and suites are great for business travellers or families, and you're well-located for exploring Blenheim and the Marlborough region. Two minutes from Seymour Square.
  • Hotel D'Urville is a hip, Art Deco gem in the heart of Blenheim. Book one of 10 attractive rooms, complete with four poster beds and original artwork for a stay with friends or as a couple. The delectable Mollies restaurant and Bamboo Tiger cocktail bar are the hub of the hotel. Great for discovering Blenheim on foot or by bicycle.
  • 14th Lane Urban Hotel promises a trendy stay in one of 8 attractive rooms. Big beds are topped with patterned cushions, bathrooms have huge rain showers, and generous breakfasts kickstart the day. Located in central Blenheim, offering access to nearby swimming pools. For couples or in-town explorers.

For an Intimate B&B

  • Marlborough B&B is an intimate hideaway in 7 acres of English gardens. A heritage house dating back to 1877, this lovely spot has a self-catering cottage as well as an appealing guestroom in the main house. Great for couples or small families, nature lovers and birdwatchers. Very restful.
  • Antria Boutique Lodge has two suites with generous terraces in a characterful building just moments from Cloudy Bay Vineyard. Enjoy tailored wine tours with your hosts, take kayaking or boat trips, and savour NZ's top wines with gourmet fare at nearby wineries in the evenings. Small and romantic.

For Anglers & Birdwatchers

  • Antares Homestay offers an apartment, rooms and a romantic pod in four acres of gardens close to the Wairau River. Brilliant for keen anglers or birdwatchers — who will see rare black-fronted terns and black-billed gulls — eager to stay in a quiet-nature-focused spot. Simple and well-priced.

For Families or Groups

  • Vintners Retreat has 12 self-catering villas with multiple bedrooms, private terraces and modern interiors. Shared access to a swimming pool, tennis court and four acres of gardens make this a great family or group choice for an active trip to the wine country.

For Luxury

  • The Marlborough Lodge is a wonderfully luxurious hotel on a verdant country estate. Guest suites are elegant and contemporary, with striking views, and the hotel's Harvest Restaurant is a gourmet delight. For romantics or well-heeled wine country explorers.
  • The Peppertree is a beautiful Edwardian villa-turned-boutique hotel. Sumptuous rooms have antique furnishings, free-standing baths and fireplaces. The wraparound terrace is a gorgeous spot to savour Marlborough wines after days of exploring. An indulgent rural getaway.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to nearby Blenheim Airport, or to Nelson Airport from Wellington, Christchurch or Auckland and travel to your hotel by bus or taxi. Alternatively, hop aboard the regular ferry from Wellington to Picton and drive down to Blenheim from there.
  • New Zealand is famously wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel during the spring or summer for the best weather, with temperatures peaking around 18-22°C between December and April. For a quieter trip and great deals, look at May or October-November, though these months will be cooler and showers more frequent.

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The best hotels in Blenheim

Chateau Marlborough

Blenheim (Corner High and Henry Streets)

Luxury hotel in central Blenheim with bright, contemporary and chic rooms all featuring separate kitchenettes. Larger suites have full kitchen and laundry facilities. Glorious outdoor swimming pool with fun bar, restaurant and views over Seymour Square gardens.

  • Business meetings - The 3 boardrooms host up to 50 guests each. With catering facilities and chic accommodation, this is a great meeting venue
  • Other Activities - The hotel supports the Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust, and can arrange up-close encounters with kārearea falcons
  • Wine tasting - Highlight Wine Tours' Classic Car Tour is a very special way to discover Marlborough's vineyards
  • Sights nearby - Blenheim's boutiques & galleries and bustling Seymour Square are 2 minutes' walk away
from CA$157 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel D'Urville

Blenheim (Blenheim)

1920s Art Deco style boutique hotel in Blenheim with 10 stylish and unique rooms, each with individual themes from classic to retro. Four poster beds, original art works and free wifi. Great restaurant and cocktail bar. An ideal base for exploring the Marlborough wineries.

  • Close to nightlife - Bamboo Tiger is abuzz with locals and visitors on Friday night, when the bar hosts live jazz evenings
  • Foodies - Daily specials crafted from seasonal Marlborough produce at Mollies Restaurant are brilliant
  • Bar - Bamboo Tiger is a lively 1930s Asian fusion Jazz & Cocktail lounge
  • Historic - In Blenheim's historic 1920s Art Deco Public Trust building
from CA$178 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Marlborough B&B

Blenheim (Tua Marina)

Friendly, comfortable, spacious and charming boutique B&B in Marlborough wine country. Elegant cottage also available with kitchen facilities and sitting room. On seven acres with walnut grove, free range chickens and cattle. Fresh daily breakfasts and welcoming owners.

  • Historic - Woodside is a historic homestead dating back to 1877 - one of the oldest listed properties in the area
  • Hideaway - An intimate hideaway in English style gardens with majestic trees & an abundance of birdlife
  • Wine tasting - Tours with Hop'N'Grape, Explore Marlborough Wine Tours or similar are excellent
  • Birdwatching - Local birdlife - pukeko, tui, ducks, herons, pheasants, fantails, bellbirds, magpies and morepork
from CA$213 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Antares Homestay

Blenheim (Renwick)

Self-contained accommodation options with multiple bedrooms, and a romantic pod hideaway for nature lovers. In the famous Marlborough wine region and close to Wairau River for great fishing and birdwatching. Friendly hosts, private, peaceful and good value.

  • Families - Families with adore the two-bedroom Loft apartment with kitchen and private sitting room
  • Romantic Break - Book the Stars & Vines pod and hide away in the gardens with beautiful views
  • Birdwatching - Rare black-fronted tern and black-billed gull can be seen close to the Wairau River
  • Fishing - Fish for trout and salmon on 140km of fishing grounds on the nearby Wairau River
from CA$217 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
14th Lane Urban Hotel

Blenheim (CBD)

A trendy 8-room boutique pad in central Blenheim. Expect big beds with patterned cushions, modern bathrooms with rain showers, delicious breakfasts and access to nearby swimming pools. Ideal for romantic couples or keen Blenheim explorers. Ground floor rooms are wheelchair accessible. Very stylish.

  • Romantic Break - Book a Luxe King Studio for a romantic escape, close to Blenheim's cafes and restaurants as well as Marlborough's wineries
  • City Style - A hip 8-room B&B with swish contemporary interiors, big cosy beds & a luxurious feel
  • Lively area - On the Wairau Plain, part of the hugely famous Marlborough wine region — popular with visitors from across the world
  • Swimming Pool - Complimentary access to the pools, steam room & sauna at Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000, across the road
from CA$277 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Antria Boutique Lodge

Blenheim (RD2)

Charming boutique lodge consisting of two suites with high timber ceilings and quirky, contemporary local art. Friendly hosts offer tailored tours of the area. Within walking distance to restaurants and wineries, including Cloudy Bay. Great for a weekend break in an intimate, characterful setting.

  • Wine tasting - Take a private half or full-day vineyard tour with owner Caro - Cloudy Bay Vineyard is moments away, as are 40 other wineries
  • Other Activities - Take the Mussel Cruise from Havelock out on the Pelorous Sound for great views and delicious mussels
  • Honeymoons - Honeymoon packages include a bottle of bubbly on arrival and gorgeous vineyard dinners
  • Local markets - The Marlborough Farmers Market is held on Sundays, between October and April
from CA$342 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Vintners Retreat

Blenheim (Marlborough)

Luxury accommodation in Marlborough vines. Self-catering lodges with kitchens, laundry facilities, living areas and outdoor patios with BBQs. Swimming pool and tennis court on site. Ideal for wine tours and family or group holidays.

  • Wine tasting - Nautilus and Wairau River are the nearest wineries, with tours and tastings just a five minute walk from your villa
  • Families - Multi-bedroom villas with kitchens, sitting rooms and private terraces are ideal for families or groups
  • Great walks - Walk or cycle alongside the winding Wairau River, where you can also fish and bird watch
  • Other Activities - The pétanque strip and croquet sets are great for games with family and friends
from CA$377 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Peppertree

Blenheim

A quaint Edwardian villa turned luxury boutique hotel in the picturesque Marlborough wine region. Sumptuous rooms are individually styled and the best have free-standing baths and working fireplaces. The wrap-around terrace is a lovely spot to sample regional wines. A tranquil country escape.

  • Sights nearby - Molesworth High Country Farm Tours focus on early pioneers and farmers, with day-long trips into the rural Marlborough landscape
  • Country Escape - A luxurious Edwardian villa set within the beautiful Marlborough wine region
  • Garden - The Peppertree has its own olive grove, orchards and 328 Chardonnay vines
  • Birdwatching - Get close to beautiful birds on kayaking trips with Driftwood Eco-Tours
from CA$623 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Marlborough Lodge

Blenheim

This hotel offers accommodation on a luxury country estate in New Zealand's Marlborough wine region. The individually designed guest suites are elegant and contemporary, with views across the parkland from a private balcony. Sample the region's gourmet cuisine at the hotel's Harvest Restaurant.

  • Country Escape - Nestled on a beautiful, heritage estate in the Marlborough region, book this hotel for an authentic New Zealand country escape
  • Romantic Break - With elegant suites, a gourmet restaurant and endless grounds, this hotel makes an exceptional setting for romantic getaway
  • Foodies - Marlborough is famous for its gourmet food and good wine; enjoy both at the hotel's romantic Harvest Restaurant
  • Restrictions on children - Children eight years and older are welcome to stay when the hotel has other guests
from CA$1188 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia