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    Awatere Valley

    New Zealand

    Awatere Valley

    Wine Region

    The Awatere Valley lies south of Blenheim beyond the Weld Pass; its central hub is the small town of Seddon. The valley is higher, cooler, and drier than the Wairau Valley, and its wines are considered fresher and more herbaceous.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. New Zealand
    7. Marlborough
    9. Awatere Valley
    The Awatere Valley lies south of Blenheim beyond the Weld Pass; its central hub is the small town of Seddon. The valley is higher, cooler, and drier than the Wairau Valley, and its wines are considered fresher and more herbaceous.Besides vineyards, sheep farms and the salt lakes of Lake Grassmere define the landscape. Most travelers drive through on State Highway 1 towards Kaikōura and stop for a tasting.

    Sehenswürdigkeiten

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Yealands Estate Winery

    1Yealands Estate Winery

    Large winery near Seddon by the coast, focused on sustainability from the start. With cellar door and tastings.
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    Weld Pass

    2Weld Pass

    Pass on State Highway 1 between Blenheim and Seddon, overlooking the Awatere Valley.
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    Lake Grassmere Saltworks
    Attraction

    3Lake Grassmere Saltworks

    Salt production in shallow evaporation ponds at Lake Grassmere, turning pink depending on algae and salinity. Easily visible from State Highway 1.
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    Essen & Trinken

    Winegrowing in South Marlborough

    Large-scale viticulture in the Awatere Valley only started in the 1980s; before that, it was sheep country. Today, it supplies a significant portion of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The town of Seddon was severely shaken by the 2013 earthquake, with the epicenter located nearby at Lake Grassmere.

    Arrival and On-Site

    From Blenheim, you drive for approx. 25 minutes via State Highway 1 to Seddon. Buses stop on the main road, but you'll need a car for the wineries and the back valley. The Awatere Valley Road inland is long and partly gravel.

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    Nearby

    Marlborough

    Marlborough

    Marlborough, located in the northeast of the South Island, is known for two things: the vineyards of the Wairau Valley and the intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. This is where ferries from Wellington arrive, making it the first impression of the South Island for many travellers.The area around Blenheim is one of the sunniest in the country. In the Sounds, you can hike the Queen Charlotte Track, paddle through tranquil bays, or take a mail boat to secluded accommodations.
    Blenheim

    Blenheim

    Blenheim is Marlborough's largest town, situated in the flat Wairau Valley, surrounded by vineyards. The town itself is quiet and compact, with cafés around Seymour Square and paths along the Taylor River.Most visitors come for the wineries, located just a few kilometres outside town. Other attractions include the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and walking trails in the Wither Hills on the outskirts.
    Renwick

    Renwick

    Renwick is a small village about ten kilometers west of Blenheim, nestled in the vineyards of the Wairau Valley. Within a few kilometers lie dozens of wineries, many on Rapaura Road, offering cellar doors and restaurants.The terrain is flat, so many visitors explore the wineries by bike. Bike rentals in the village provide maps and route tips.

    Picton

    Picton lies at the inner end of Queen Charlotte Sound and is the South Island's ferry port: Here, ships from Wellington dock. The small town, with its waterfront promenade, cafés, and marina, is a starting point for water taxis, kayak tours, and the Queen Charlotte Track.Many travelers continue directly to Blenheim or Nelson. Those who stay a night can walk to Bob's Bay in the evening and start a boat trip into the Sounds the next morning.
    Marlborough Sounds

    Marlborough Sounds

    The Marlborough Sounds are a network of sunken river valleys at the northern tip of the South Island. Forested hills descend into tranquil sea arms, the largest being Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, and Pelorus Sound. Many coves are only accessible by boat.Picton and Havelock are the starting points. From there, water taxis, mail boats, and kayak tours depart, while the Queen Charlotte Track runs along the ridge lines between the Sounds.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Pexels, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI