Blenheim is in the Marlborough region at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated on State Highway 1, 30 kilometres south of its South Island terminus at Picton.
Blenheim is located on the plains to the south of the Wairau River. The junction of two smaller rivers, the Taylor and Opawa Rivers is within the town.
Blenheim is named for the 1704 Battle of Blenheim, at which troops led by John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough achieved victory over a combined French and Bavarian force.
With a population of 26,500 residents, Blenheim is the largest centre of population in Marlborough. It has a burgeoning wine industry, centred on the highly praised Cloudy Bay vineyards.
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Last updated: 06-02-2005 17:25:31
