It may not be immune to the dawn carpet of a cracking frost, but regardless of the season, Blenheim prides itself on being one of New Zealand's sunniest towns.
Nestled between the Wither Hills and the Richmond Ranges, Blenheim is wonderfully located on the doorstep of Marlborough's celebrated wine country.
But before you hit the wine trail, treat yourself to the town's top sights.
Aviation buffs will be enthralled by the staggering collection of original and replica Great War aircraft on show at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. The attraction has benefited immensely from Sir Peter Jackson and Weta Workshop, who have creatively revved up the attraction. The dramatic depictions of wartime scenes, including the death of the Red Baron, take centre stage in the Knights of the Sky exhibition, which oozes cinematic artistry.
For a languid change of pace, head to Riverside Park and board one of the daily cruise excursions on the River Queen. Purpose-built about 10 years ago to operate on the Opawa River, this graceful vessel can carry up to 100 passengers on lunch and dinner cruises that include an illuminating commentary on Marlborough's history.
Blenheim has cultivated a strong reputation for its green spaces and parks, which are a treat to explore. In the heart of town, Seymour Square is blessed with blazing flower beds, the landmark war memorial clock tower and a very splashy fountain, which traverses a kaleidoscope of colours at night. Just lovely.
If arts and culture are on your agenda, Seymour St is home to the Millennium Public Art Gallery. This compact facility houses an ever-changing collection of works from the region's painters, sculptors, weavers and photographers. The stand-alone Brian Badcock Gallery is also well worth a visit.
Brayshaw Heritage Park is a mecca for aficionados of vintage cars and machinery, sweet-tooths will be in seventh heaven at Makana Confections, and the Marlborough Museum contains an impressive exhibition on the history of the region's world-famous wine.
If you're overnighting in Blenheim, the Chateau Marlborough is not just an architectural gem, but a five-star hospitality experience. Staffed by extra-friendly locals, the refined but unstuffy establishment has been undergoing a progressive renovation. Pamper yourself and book a Grand Studio Suite. Fully equipped with all the mod-cons, most have a balcony view overlooking the pool, superb furnishings and bathroom products - as well as complimentary port.
Guests can dine in-house at Quench cafe, bar and restaurant, operating from daybreak to late at night.
If your legs need a stretch before hitting the wineries, take the 25-minute climb to Rotary Lookout for a panoramic view across Blenheim and the Wairau Plains.
TOP TIPS
The Marlborough Wine Trail is loaded with exploration possibilities. A variety of cycling options are on offer, as are fully guided tours of select wineries. Or you can do it yourself. For details, check out the official wine country website - www.wine-marlborough.co.nz
If peddling your way through the vineyards appeals, Wine Tours by Bike has been catering to two-wheeled wine buffs in the region for 12 years. See www.winetoursbybike.co.nz