Hanging out in Blenheim

After our amazing adventures around the Marlborough Sounds (see Part 1 & Part 2), it was time to start heading towards Blenheim.  We were booked in for a 5-week house sitting assignment in Burleigh, Blenheim.

Caring for Aston in Blenheim

We were looking forward to caring for a wee blind cocker spaniel called Aston.  We knew that he would require a little more attention than other animals we’d cared for. He is nine years old and has only been completely blind for around 18 months due to a degenerative condition where both retinas became detached.

He coped very well in and around the home.  We just had to keep remembering not to place anything on the floor or move items around.  He was so affectionate and loved his cuddles and became Scotty’s shadow, following the sounds of his footsteps wherever he went.  Of course, couch time was most important.

Out and About

We always dedicate our time to the animals in our care while house sitting.  Keeping the pets company is our first priority and so getting out and about is kept to a minimum.

We try to find things to see and do which only require us to be away for no longer than 2-3 hours at a time.

Taylor River Trail

Aston loved his daily walks.  Although he couldn’t enjoy the scenery, he certainly made up for it with smells and sounds!

The Taylor River Trail follows the Taylor River.  Starting at Riverside Park in central Blenheim, the shared cycle and walkway extends all the way to Taylor Dam (approximately 10 km one way).

Dog-Friendly

Although dogs are to be on a  leash while within the Riverside Park, it’s a free for all once they enter the Taylor River Floodway Reserve.  The dogs love it!

It was surprising to see that the majority of dogs played nicely and all seemed to romp and play along the walkways, even some taking the occasional dip in the fast-flowing river.

We had many passing doggy visitors stop to greet Aston (with a nose up his bum).  It was wonderful (if not a relief) that they were all friendly and we never encountered any aggression.  They all seem to know that Aston was maybe a bit special and largely left him alone after the initial meeting.

Doggy poop bags are supplied at strategically placed locations.  As usual, there were some dog owners who either didn’t happen to witness their pooches taking a squat or had selective sight so some care needed to be taken when walking the concrete path.

Taylor Dam

We were keen to jump on our bikes to ride the trail all the way to Taylor Dam (without Aston of course!).  

The Taylor Dam was completed in 1965 as flood protection for Blenheim.  Blenheim was flooded on numerous occasions, thus the town originally being named The Beaver.

The dam itself is built of compacted earth and rock but there is a concrete outlet which allows a controlled release of water during peak flow.  

The structure is the largest earth flood protection dam in NZ.

The small lake which has formed behind the dam not only looks peaceful and serene but provides an important home for all sorts of birdlife.  Although my knowledge of birds is very limited, I could identify swans, mallard ducks, pukeko, paradise ducks and shags.

There is a small freedom camping spot just up from the lake (NZMCA#7043) with a 2-night maximum stay.

Wine Tasting 

Did you know that there are over 20,000ha of vines (around 2/3 of the national total) in the Marlborough area?  That makes it the country’s largest wine-producing region.  

As we drove around the countryside, I recognised many familiar names as we passed paddock after paddock of grapevines.  The long rows of vines stretch as far as the eye can see. 

Those who know me, understand that I like a good drop of wine (or two).  We decided the best plan of attack with regards to tastings, was going to be to visit a ‘one-stop-shop’.  It wasn’t going to be budget-friendly to visit winery after winery.  We’d rather have the option to peruse many wineries and their labels and pick which ones we wanted to taste.

The Wine Station 

The Wine Station is certainly the ultimate ‘one-stop-shop’ when it comes to wine tastings.  There are over 80 Marlborough wines to taste by the glass.  It is conveniently located in the centre of town, in the old Blenheim Railway Station.

On arrival, you collect your ‘wine card’, peruse the various dispensing machines, insert your card, choose your wine and the size of the pour.  The prices vary depending on the wine, but the cost is all shown and this amount is charged to your wine card.  You pay the amount which has been charged on departure.

Just to set the scene, they have voluptuous leather couches, a fireplace and various food platters to choose from.

If you find a wine you like, they do have bottle sales available so you can take home and enjoy.  It was a good introduction to some of the lesser-known, boutique-style wineries that are in the Marlborough region.

Yealands Winery

Yealands was one winery we were keen on visiting.  From reading the reviews, it sounded like it was more than just wine tasting.  It seemed like there was more to see and learn about the amazing things they were doing to be fully sustainable.

Location

Located in the Awatere Valley, just south of Blenheim, Peter Yealands first purchased land in the area in 2002.  Eight farms were amalgamated into one 1,113 hectare parcel.

Many thought it impossible to grow good grapes.  It was home to some of the toughest conditions in the region.  Steep slopes, strong winds, cool nights and low rainfall – all against the psyche of the ideal growing conditions.

Located on the cliff’s edge, overlooking the Cook Strait, it is now one of the most sustainable vineyards in the world.

The Winery opened in 2008 with 10,000-tonne stainless steel storage.  This was increased to 20,000-tonne in 2013.

The Winery was sold to Marlborough Lines in 2015.

Tastings

Upon arrival you find yourself entering an amazing curved building which looks like it has morphed out of the stony soils of Seaview.

We were shown into a small theatre and watched a short introductory film on how the winery first started, its progress and how the Yealands label is now recognised globally around the world.  Not only for its wine but for its sustainability innovation.

It was then to the bar for a tasting of four different wines.  I’m no professional taster but I do know what I like.  What surprised us the most is that although their wines are quite light in colour – it sure packs a punch when it comes to flavour.

After purchasing a bottle of Baby Doll Rosé and a lovely bottle of Tempranillo (a full-bodied red from a Spanish grape blend), we enquired about the White Road Self-drive tour.

White Road Tour

We secured a map from our friendly host and set off in the ute to explore the White Road.  This is a self-drive vineyard tour which circumnavigates a large area of Seaview Vineyard.

The White Road Self-drive tour includes:

A Variety of Animals

• a variety of animals which assist with keeping vegetation down (saves on the mowing and a constant supply of fertiliser!) including ducks, chickens, Kunekune pigs and the very cute Baby Doll sheep.  These sheep are on the Rare Breed Register.  They have short legs, therefore, cannot reach the fruit but are really good at keeping down the weeds and lower leaves of the vines

Large Composting Facility

• a large composting facility where all the skins, stalks, pips and other organic material are stored for 6-9 months, then returned to the vineyard as a rich compost

The Lookout

• the lookout point is breath-taking – Cape Campbell Lighthouse, Cook Straight, Clifford Bay (home to Lake Grassmere) all unfold before you.  The picnic area here is a place to pause – if you have a picnic with you, watch for the rather friendly chooks which must enjoy a feast or two during the summer picnic season

Twin Lakes

•  continuing along the road, you come across Twin Lakes which is known as Butterfly Gully.  There are over 300 swan plants here which makes an ideal location for butterflies to gather

Music in the Vines

• during sunlight hours, solar power is used to play classical music to vines.  Although trials have yet to prove if this indeed helps the vines to produce more and better grapes, it certainly has a soothing effect on visitors and vineyard workers.  Apparently, the chooks are laying up to 18% larger eggs!!

Solar Installation

• carrying along the White Road, we got to see why Yealands has NZ’s largest solar installation.  On the roof of the impressive curved structure where we had our tastings, are over 1,300 solar panels.  These can produce enough energy to power up 86 households for a year!!

Well worth a visit if you have some spare time and want something more than just wine tasting.  NB: the tastings and self-drive tour are free.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was just around the corner from our house sit. 

Situated near Blenheim Airport, two standard-issue hangars house a collection of military aircraft from both World Wars.

We had read some good things about the Dangerous Skies (WW2) and Knights of the Skies (WW1) exhibitions.  Unfortunately, the Dangerous Skies section was closed for renovations.  We paid our $25 each and entered to see what the Knights of the Skies was all about.

We were treated to a priceless collection of military aircraft from WW1.

History Unfolded

It was a history lesson you could never learn in a classroom.  The aircraft and memorabilia were displayed in brilliantly realistic ‘real-life’ scenes and scenarios which actually took place.  Created by the magic of Weta Workshop and WingNut Films.

There were more than just planes, however.  Displays are meticulously labelled.  Personal belongs telling fascinating stories of the Red Baron, Hermann Goering and other history-making pilots and servicemen.

Sir Peter Jackson has invested so much time (and money) and is now one of the biggest collections of WW1 aircraft in the world.

We spent more time than we expected, wandering around over 20 planes and exhibits.  Many planes were originals, plus rebuilds, reproductions and models.

Realistic Displays

The displays are so real, with dramatic lighting, bullet holes, dents and oil leaks, you feel like they have just come back from fighting in enemy skies.  In true Weta Workshop style, there are hauntingly life-like mannequins re-enacting real-life situations of WW1.

How much?

For the WW1 exhibition, it’s $25 for adults, $12 for children. For both exhibitions (when it reopens in September ’19), it’s $39 and $16.

There are family and senior concessions available, under 5s free. For $5 extra per exhibition, you can join a guided highlight tour.

Best Time to Go?

It’s open 9-5pm every day, except Christmas, with winter hours slightly shorter. To see the aircraft in action, there’s a biennial (odd years) Air Show at Easter. they hole Flying Days throughout the summer.

Wairau Lagoons Walkway

Just 5km south of Blenheim, at the end of Hardings Rd, you’ll find the Wairau Lagoons Walkway.

Don’t be put off by having to pass by the Waste Water ponds (even poo ponds can be pretty!!!!), the loop walk will take 3 hours (although we completed it in 2 hours even stopping for a snack, & photos).

Although there are lots of boardwalks, the tracks can still be wet, hence the name ‘Wetlands’. 

This easy flat walk is a great way to explore the habitat of the Wairau Lagoons, as well as the rusting hulk of the Waverley wreck, which sits in the mud.

Where to Camp at Blenheim

Although this time we were house-sitting during our stay in Blenheim, there are some excellent places to stay if you are visiting in your ‘home on wheels’.

There are numerous places where you can park up and stay.  Depending on your budget and preferences, here are a couple of suggestions which are on the cheaper end of the scale.  For more options, it would be advisable to get onto google to widen your search.

Reta’s Place

If you are a member of the NZMCA, we can recommend Reta’s place.  It is a CAP (Charges Apply Parking – #7034) which is close to Blenheim.  For only $5 per vehicle, you park up in a large paddock she has set up beside her house.  There is the option to pay extra for power and she also has potable water available.

KiwiCamp Blenheim

Just 5km out of town is the KiwiCamp (#7040), located at the Riverlands complex.  There is a large parking area and is open 24/7.  This will cost you $10-$20 per vehicle per night.

You need to pay extra for additional facilities:

• Toilets/Showers 2.00
• Dish-washing sinks 0.25
• Power Outlets 1.00 = 1hr
• Laundry 4.00 per load
• free Wifi
• powered parks x 2 5.00 = 10hrs

Wairau Diversion

We had the pleasure of visiting Lynette and John (from @lynetteandjohnstravels FB).  They are avid whitebaiters during the season.  They park up their motorhome and fish for the delicacy while camping out on the banks of the Wairau River.  

The Wairau Diversion (#7007) is approximately 10kms from Blenheim but there are camping restrictions in place.  Self-contained vehicles can park up for a maximum of 2 nights all year round.  During the whitebaiting season (15 August to 30 November) you can apply for a permit from the Marlborough District Council to stay for a longer period of time (providing you are whitebaiting).  There is no charge for camping at the Wairau Diversion.

Thanks to Lynette and John for the cups of coffee, great conversation, the laughs and the stories.  Oh, and the whitebait!  Thanks for scoring my muffins 8/10 and my loaf 10/10.  We love meeting up with FB buddies.

Waterlea Racecourse

While we were tiki-touring around Blenheim, we stopped off at the Waterlea Racecourse (#7022).  There are various flat areas in which you can park up (both sealed and on grass).  You do need to be aware of restrictions during the week prior and weekends of race meetings (would pay you to google when these are scheduled).  Toilets, freshwater, dump station and laundry facilities ($4 for washing machine and dryer) available.  At just $10 per night per vehicle, it’s great value for money.  Watch the grass parking in wet weather.

There is a golf course next door, and lovely Pollard Park on the other side of the gold course.

Odds and Sods

It’s time for us to move on to our next destination.  Blenheim has been a delight to stop over for an extended stay.  Once again we’ve enjoyed peeling back the layers of what some only see as a stopover on their way to somewhere else.

In addition to the places I’ve highlighted above, we got to enjoy some other sights while out and about.

Our travels continue – stay tuned for our next adventure.