Blenheim is the practical heart of Marlborough wine country. The town itself is low-key and sunny, with the Wairau River to the north and tawny dry hills to the south, but the surrounding vineyards give it a clear reason to exist on a travel map.
Most visitors come for cellar doors and leave pleasantly surprised by Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, one of New Zealand's most memorable specialist museums. Sir Peter Jackson's aircraft collection is staged with Weta Workshop flair, so even people who do not care much about military aviation tend to stay longer than planned.
When the weather is good, Blenheim works best by bike or on foot: follow the wine trail toward Renwick, climb into Wither Hills Farm Park, or slow down in Pollard Park before heading back to the vineyards.