Blenheim flies under the radar as a destination for campervan hire in New Zealand, but it’s a very pretty town in the Marlborough region with beautiful scenery, great weather and a fantastic local food and wine culture.
Blenheim has a busy regional airport where you can fly in to begin your road trip, and it is also only a short bus ride from the seaport at Picton, where many travellers take a ship from North Island to South Island to pick up their Picton campervan rentals.
Motorhome Rentals in Blenheim
There are quite a few Blenheim campervan hire companies, so we make it easy to choose by bringing all of your options together. You can then compare Blenheim camper rental rates in one format. Just enter your details into our simple search engine and you will be rewarded with a list of Blenheim hire options. Narrow your search with filters to find the vehicle which best suits your requirements. Venture further into the South Island and consider passing through Queenstown or Christchurch in your campervan.
New Zealanders tend to prefer campervans and sleeper-vans over big RV-style motorhomes, so be prepared to keep it simple! These can be self-contained or come without a shower and toilet, meaning it is necessary to take advantage of the many holiday parks and well-equipped campsites. Don’t be shy - you can make friends with the locals and fellow travellers along the way!
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Food and Wine – a major Blenheim attraction
Blenheim is in the Marlborough region, internationally famous for fantastic vineyards. You can’t go far out of town without coming across a fabulous cellar door, so make time to do some tastings when you pick-up your Blenheim campervan hire - just ensure you have a sober driver or opt for a tour! The sunny region is great for the lighter varietals. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are favourites.
Villa Maria is a tried-and-true selection, as are Brancott Estate, Cloudy Bay and Saint Clair - you are likely to find these wines in any restaurant or fridge around the country. However, Marlborough has much more to offer beyond the big names. Try the entirely organic wines of Seresin Estate and Fromm, or get a taste of traditional European methods at Johanneshof Cellars.
Beyond the wineries, you will find lovely places to eat in Blenheim. Twelve Trees Restaurant specialises in local produce, Raupo is a riverside favourite and Blenheim is the proud home to three fish and chip joints which were named amongst the best in New Zealand. Pop into Smoove, the Funky Fish or Codfathers for the ultimate in kiwi casual dining.
Park your motorhome in Blenheim – camping selection
Holiday parks are a great way to add a few creature comforts to your campervan hire holiday in New Zealand and meet new people, with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities and often an entertainment room or playgrounds for the kids. The Top 10 Holiday Park brand is a mark of quality and there is one of these in most towns and cities around the country. Blenheim Top 10 is located close to the centre of town and has everything you could need for a comfortable stay.
Alternatively, try a more basic campsite like the ones administered by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. These range in cost and level of facilities, from very basic with just a water source and long-drops, to serviced campsites with flush toilets and hot showers. The closest to Blenheim is the Rarangi campsite which has water, toilets and cold showers and costs around $10 per night per adult.
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Where to next? Blenheim campervan hire destinations
Perched at the top of the South Island, Blenheim offers plenty of road-trip possibilities. The stunningly stunningly scenic Marlborough Sounds and sunny Nelson region are nearby, where you can hike or kayak the golden sands and native bush of Abel Tasman National Park. If you only have a few days, there is plenty to keep you entertained without driving too far from town.
The city of Christchurch is four hours away and the route will take you past Kaikoura, where whale watching is a rite of passage and a hugely popular tourism pastime. For the really stunning scenery, head south and drive your campervan towards Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau. Along with beautiful vistas of lake and mountain, there’s a wide array of adventure activities. Queenstown is known as the Adventure Capital of the World, with bungy jumping, jet-boating, skiing, skydiving and so much more. Many Blenheim campervan hire trips end up here!
The wild west coast is for those who really like to get back to nature. Desolate and untouched beaches are backed by the impressive Southern Alps, and the small towns are windswept but friendly - the perfect destination for a campervan holiday! Here you can also visit the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and take a walk on the ice, or fly over in a helicopter - a nice change from driving your motorhome.
Campervan Hire New Zealand: Driving Tips
New Zealand has well-maintained roads and strongly enforced road rules, so driving your campervan rental should be a pleasant experience. But here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Brush up on the road rules. Amongst the more important: Keep left, always wear your seatbelt and follow the speed limits which are posted in kilometres per hour.
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Be careful in mountainous areas, as the roads can be narrow. Slow down, especially on blind corners, and drive to the conditions.
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iSites are information centres and can be found all around the country. Call in if you have any questions!
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Freedom camping is allowed on most public conservation land, but it is expressly forbidden in others. Signage can help you discern which is which - and if in doubt, ask at an iSite.
A lot more of NZ is waiting to be uncovered aside from Blenheim. Securing motorhome rentals from Tauranga, or from Dunedin, or Picton are also equally exciting options for a holiday in New Zealand.
