New Zealand Travel Forum

Getting ferry from Wellington. Should I stay over in Blenheim or Picton. Or just pass through on my way to Christchurch.
If staying over, where is the best place to stay. Thanks

Don't know what time you will arrive in Picton and if it is necessary staying over for one night.

But if you have to do and like a glass of good wine, try Blenheim, famous for its wineries.

happy travels
Jaap

Picton clearly is a lot more picturesque, a really nice little town, gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. You have a view to green hills and islands.

Blenheim has - as mentioned - the wineries but the town itself has nothing interesting to offer, apart from two smallish parks and an interesting clock tower. It is a very sunny place. To me it has the feeling of a place in the middle of the desert, surrounded by vines. You could also stop for a winery visit the next day, on the way further down south. Montana, for example, NZ's biggest winery, is situated on SH 1, so you would not even have to get into Blenheim's town centre LOL

Hi
Are you picking up a car in Picton?
It does depend on what you like to see and the purpose of your trip. Picton while charming, is not exactly the hub of activity except it makes a reasonable base for exploring the Marlborough Sound area. There a quite a few motels in the Picton area (and more exclusive accommodation on the sound). I recommend you do see something of the Sound -perhaps as far as Havelock where you can eat some nice green lip mussels (Mussel Boys (cafe) used to be good but on my last trip found them a bit touristy and ordinary).

As Sissi has explained to you, the Blenheim area is mostly wineries (we like Cloudy Bay) and the town, again, is just somewhere to sleep.

If you do want to bypass both areas, then a place like Hamner Springs might be interesting. Its a spa town (as the name implies) and apart from the springs it has nice forests to walk in and lovely country side. The drive from Kaikoura to Hamner over the mountains is interesting rather than sticking to the coast road.

Regardless if you stop for the night in the two towns you mentioned, I suggest you still try and get to Hamner springs.

Hope this helps,
John

Blenheim has more to offer, you may also consider a side trip to Nelson it's not far but scenic and worth it if you have the time. In Blenheim try the Springlands Hotel in Middle Renwick Rd for good well priced meals. The drive through Kaikoura to Christchurch is outstanding - amazing views and stalls in some areas with fresh daily caught fish & crayfish. The BestWestern Sundowner in Blenheim got my tick - 132 Middle Renwick Rd - ph 03 578 2055 or Fax 03 578 2452. There are some good wineries to visit for tasting and a great farmers market on Sunday with interesting stuff - venison sausages etc