aussiedreamer

We have 10 days to explore, we've decided to drive a loop, from/to Christchurch heading North. Just wondering if anyone has suggestions for a great RV park in the Blenheim area? We will stay her for 3 nights at least, would love somewhere 'pretty/scenic' to come back to each day to enjoy the days spoils (i.e. wine). We loved the idea of a winery as we've heard that some let you park overnight. Unfortunately one us needs power and that's not available at the wineries.

Love your thoughts on any top place to visit/eat/drink or stay.

Rough plan, Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura (for seals and crayfish, maybe not a night) Blenheim, Nelson, Westport (area), Greymouth (area) and back to Christchurch via Arthur's Pass.

We are all in our early 50's, coming from Australia, we've all been to NZ several times, but not to this area. Traveling from the beginning of May.

Diamantina

Sorry, can't help with scenic RV park choices in Blenheim, but Punakaiki is a far more scenic choice than Greymouth. Nice walking tracks, beautiful beaches, weka (rare flightless rail), and, of course, the Pancake Rocks. Sandflies, too (but not after dark). Punakaiki Beach Camp suffered some erosion damage from recent king tides. See:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=11619730
However, recent reviews indicate this hasn't affected the campsites. https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Hotel_...th_Island.html
http://www.punakaikibeachcamp.co.nz

Greymouth has more dining choices, supermarkets, and is home to Monteith's Brewery. I like Greymouth, but Punakaiki is more scenic.

While I'm not familiar with RV parks in Blenheim, in general, I find Picton more scenic than Blenheim. My husband and I stayed in Picton as a base for touring Marlborough wineries on our most recent visit, but it's about a half hour drive from most of them.
Useful link (scroll down the page):
https://marlboroughnz.com/guides/cam...an-sites#guide

Diamantina

This stand north of Kaikoura is kind of famous (every time I've passed it, it's been closed).
http://www.christchurchnz.com/what-t...n-in-kaikoura/

Diamantina

There are good wineries in Waipara and around Nelson, too.

sartoric

I can't help with RV parks either, but consider Hokitika, it's not much further than Greymouth, about 45 kms. We thought it attractive and interesting. You can stop at Punakaiki on the way.

Melnq8

You might want to take a look at Lake Brunner, inland from Greymouth - plentiful RV spots and it's a beautiful area not often seen by visitors.

http://www.holidayparks.co.nz/west-c...otor-camp.html

deSchenke

I can't really help with a campsite in Blenheim. We did a similar trip a few years ago by campervan. Our's included Fox Glacier as an out-and-back. Here's a trip report: http://www.fmsreliability.com/advent...-christchurch/

We preferred the hills of the winery region at Upper Moutere, near Nelson, over Blenheim. But that's a personal preference. Our very favorite campground was Smith's Holiday Park in Linkwater. It would be a ways away from the winery region, but convenient to Marlborough Sounds and the Anakiwa end of Queen Charlotte's Track.

Charming Creek Walkway was well worth the short detour from Westport.

The sandflies were absolutely horrible where we stayed overnight along Buller Gorge. We literally remained prisoners inside our van until it got completely dark outside. Since it was December, that was quite late.

aussiedreamer

You guys are great...... Thank you.

Nins Bin already researched and being anticipated.

Diamantina

If you do make it as far as Upper Moutere, which is bit beyond Nelson city, then consider visiting Neudorf Vineyards. It's a beautiful winery with stand-out chardonnay; its pinot noir is highly rated as well. See:
http://www.neudorf.co.nz
Then maybe drive down to Mapua Wharf for a meal. We've dined at Jellyfish Cafe a couple of times and enjoyed the food, ambience, and water views:
http://www.jellyfishmapua.co.nz
There are a couple of other restaurants at Mapua Wharf as well. And, if you like smoked fish and mussels, the Smokehouse does a good job of this.
http://www.mapuawharf.co.nz

Diamantina

More eating and drinking suggestions...

If you like oysters, it's Bluff oyster season. The come from Bluff, in the deep south, so I don't know how fresh they'll be up north, but, as they're considered a delicacy and in great demand, they're distributed to other parts of the island fairly quickly. Fresh ones could probably be found at the fish counters of supermarkets and fish stores in Christchurch. If interested, I recommend buying the highest grade, and the freshest ones possible. You'll pay a lot more for them in restaurants.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/fo...-season-landed

Here's a link to the wineries of Waipara. Pegasus Bay has a lovely restaurant, worth looking at. The winery's been around for a while and their wines are very good. Many of the Waipara's wineries produced excellent wine.
http://www.waiparavalleynz.com