Marlborough has five towns and other settlements in between, all with a relaxed open atmosphere.
Blenheim
The main town, Blenheim, has a population of 28,200 and is the hub of the famous Marlborough wine district. Naturally the town features several fine restaurants focused on wine and food of the region. It also has a stylish public art gallery, a museum and colonial village, glorious public and private gardens to visit, theatres and cinemas and shops to explore. From Blenheim you can take wine and food tours, garden tours, riverboat cruises or start a day exploring from the i-SITE Visitor Centre at Blenheim Railway Station.
Renwick
Renwick is a satellite village to Blenheim, right in the heart of the vineyards. It boasts a museum of agricultural history, a supermarket, pubs with local beers, accommodation and some service shops.
Picton
About 25km north is the seaside town of Picton, population 3,700, the starting point for walks,outdoor adventure eco-tourism, boating and cruises in and around Queen Charlotte Sound. As the ferry transit point from Wellington, Picton is geared to visitor needs with many cafés offering fresh food and excellent espresso, several fine craft galleries, grocery stores and a supermarket.
Havelock
Charming Havelock township, the home town of Nobel physicist Lord Rutherford, is the Greenshell mussel capital of New Zealand, celebrated in local restaurants. Havelock’s boat harbour is the access point to the stunning Kenepuru Sound and remote shores of Pelorus Sound. Boat trips leave regularly for fishing, mussel farm visits and scenic tours.
Seddon
Seddon township, 20 minutes south of Blenheim, services the agricultural and viticultural communities of the Awatere Valley. A few shops cover essential supplies, while a new café/art gallery/wine bar offers tastings of local wines.