1045 Travel Guide

Pollard Park in central Blenheim is one of Marlborough's showcase public gardens, known for carefully tended borders, a rose garden and mature trees. A stream runs through it, linked by small bridges to lawns and ponds, and the paths are flat — good for strolling and picnics. The borders are at their richest in spring and early summer, while autumn brings layered colour from deciduous trees. Close to central Blenheim and the Marlborough wine country, it works well as a break between tastings and is a regular spot for local families.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, beside Blenheim's airfield, was developed with filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson's involvement in curation and collection and is one of New Zealand's finest aviation museums. Its displays recreate First World War aerial combat through dioramas: aircraft, figures, props and sets combined with lighting and sound for a strong sense of immersion. A second hall covers Second World War aviation and related history. Many exhibits are airworthy originals or high-fidelity replicas, and the collection is internationally respected. Anyone interested in aviation history or film art should allow plenty of time.