Renwick
Renwick is a small town in Marlborough. It is in the heart of the Wairau Valley wine growing district and could be an alternative to Blenheim as a base from which to explore the region. The small town's motto is "The heart of the wine country" and this is evident by the surrounding land being nearly entirely vineyards.
Get in
By car
Renwick is at the intersection between State Highways 6 and 63. Blenheim is 10 minutes east on State Highway 6, passing Blenheim Airport at Woodbourne. Havelock is 20 minutes north again on State Highway 6. Travelling to the West Coast on State Highway 63 will take travellers past St Arnaud (1 hour).
By bus
All buses and shuttles (Intercity, Atomic Travel Tours and Kahurangi) travelling Picton - Blenheim - Havelock - Nelson return travel through Renwick. Nelson Lakes Shuttles specialise in providing transport for trampers, hikers, climbers, mountain bikers and skiers. They run on demand and scheduled services to St Arnaud down State Highway 63, Nelson Lakes National Park, Kahurangi National Park, the Richmond Ranges as well as other tramping destinations further afield.
By plane
Renwick is 3 minutes from Blenheim Airport.
Get around
Renwick is accessible by foot. There is no local bus. For those without access to a car or a bicycle, taxis or tours are the only option
- Neal Shuttle Bus, ☏ +64 3 577 5277. Often meets planes at the airport. Is happy to arrange a wine trail. Seats 10 (but takes single rides too).
- Marlborough Taxis Ltd, ☏ +64 3 577 5511.
- Gateway Taxis, ☏ +64 3 577 2072.
See
- Renwick Library and Museum, 58 High Street, ☏ +64 3 572 8543. daily 9AM-5PM.
- Department of Conservation South Marlborough Area Office, Gee Street, ☏ +64 3 572 9100, fax: +64 3 572 8824, southmarlboroughao@doc.govt.nz. More an administrative office but is a place where up to date information about tracks can be obtained as well as hut passes.
Do
- Olde Mill House B&B - Bicycle Hire, 9 Wilson Street, ☏ +64 3 572 8458. $30 per day,Tandems $60 Bikes are free if you stay at the B&B, www.oldemillhouse.co.nz.
Buy
- Renwick Market, High St, ☏ +64 3 572 9196. Every Tu, 10AM-2:30PM. Indoor market day fund-raising for church, private stalls, fresh produce, crafts, collectables, etc.
- Riverlore Art Gallery, 1494 State Highway 6 (just north of Renwick, between Rapaura Rd and the Wairau River bridge), ☏ +64 3 572 8755. Tu-Sa noon-5pm Sep-Apr, Su-M by appointment; shorter hrs May-Aug - please phone.
Eat
- Woodbourne Tavern & Restaurant, Main Rd, ☏ +64 3 572 8007.
- Renwick Meat Market, Main Rd, ☏ +64 3 572 8656. "Famous Renwick Mince Pies"
Drink
- The Cork and Keg, 33 Inkerman St, ☏ +64 3 572 9328, savmad@xtra.co.nz. Quaint English pub. Taste locally brewed beers and local wines. Good food.
- Fromm winery - La strada, corner State Highway 6 and Godfrey's Rd, ☏ +64 3 572 9355, fax: +64 3 572 9366. Oct–Apr, daily 11AM to 5PM; May–Sep, F, Sa, Su 11AM to 4PM.
- Te Whare Ra Wines, 56 Anglesea St, ☏ +64 3 572 8581, fax: +64 3 572 8518, tewharera@xtra.co.nz.
Sleep
Budget
- Watson's Way Lodge, 56 High St, ☏ +64 3 572 8228, fax: +64 3 572 8228, staywatsonswaylodge@gmail.com. Tent site $15, van site $19, dorm bed $30, rooms from $88.
Mid-range
- Woodbourne Tavern & Motel (Bellamy Motel), 78 High Street, ☏ +64 3 572 8007, info@woodbournetavern.co.nz.
Splurge
- Anglesea House, 4 Anglesea Street, ☏ +64 3 572 8520, fax: +64 3 572 8521, info@angleseahouse.co.nz. $185 (2 persons).
Connect
Most accommodation will have some form of internet access. Internet cafes can be found in Blenheim. There is a post shop in the High St.