Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Day 14-Blenheim, Marlborough 4/24/2024

After visiting Cloudy Bay we drove to Blenheim and will stay here just for the night.

In New Zealand and Australia instead of saying downtown they say CBD (Central business district). Blenheim is a small, compact and charming town reflecting Marlborough’s rural character and its status as the heart of New Zealand’s wine country.

We are now at Seymour Square which is the heart Blenheim's civic and cultural space, and the features some of its most iconic landmarks.  The Clock tower stands proudly at one corner of Seymour Square and just in front is the fountain.

The clock tower is the Blenheim War Memorial Clock Tower, a striking white structure with classical details. It was built in the 1920s to honor local soldiers who served in World War I, and it remains one of Blenheim’s most recognizable symbols.

The field of white crosses you’re seeing in Blenheim is a deeply respectful tribute to those from the Marlborough region who gave their lives in service. It turns the public square into a space of reflection and national memory, surrounded by the quiet beauty of gardens, trees, and the sound of the fountain nearby.

Each white cross typically represents a local service member who lost their life in conflict.

Many crosses are marked with names, ranks, and battalion details, personalizing the sacrifice.

Granite war memorial plaque, a solemn tribute to the men of Marlborough who served and died in war. This plaque is found near or the base of the Blenheim War Memorial Clock Tower in Seymour Square, and they serve as a permanent marker of remembrance.

These types of memorials were common throughout New Zealand after World War I and World War II, when nearly every town erected monuments to commemorate local lives lost. In Marlborough, this plaque specifically recognizes the men from the region, not just Blenheim, but from the surrounding towns and valleys.

We are now at Market Street which is the heart of this charming town where local life, history, and Marlborough’s wine culture come together in a relaxed and walkable setting.

 Hotel d'Urville is a historic building and one of Blenheim’s most distinctive landmarks. Located near the heart of the CBD, this elegant hotel stands out for its heritage architecture, vintage charm, and boutique character.

We are catching Blenheim in the fall, and those beautiful red-leaved trees are likely liquidambars or maples, both of which are commonly planted throughout Marlborough for their brilliant autumn colors.

Downtown is small but so charming and so picturesque with all trees lining the street.

We are just checking around and enjoying the local vibe.

Strolling along Market Street in Blenheim’s CBD gives you a great feel for the town’s local shopping and dining scene, it's laid-back, varied, and full of Marlborough character.

We are done with downtown and we are now walking back to Seymour square.  Our hotel is just a few minutes away from the square.

NEXT... Dinner at Gramado's