Discover Blenheim

During a stay in Blenheim, you can make cultural history and activities along the Taylor River different focuses of your plans. The city offers insights into aviation during both World Wars, changing art presentations, and exhibitions on archaeology and the wine industry. By the river, there is also a shared-use trail and a miniature railway to choose from. You can plan your day according to whether you would rather explore exhibitions or spend time outdoors on a route.

Museums and their different themes

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Omaka, Blenheim, presents rare aircraft from the First and Second World Wars. Creative exhibition techniques and the stories behind the aircraft shape the visitor experience, placing both the exhibits and the stories surrounding them at the centre. The centre is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Check the opening hours again before your visit so that your plans fit your travel day.

The Marlborough Museum has a different focus. Its archaeology exhibition on the Wairau Boulder Bank commemorates the arrival of Māori at Te Pokohiwi in 1250 AD. Another exhibition shows the history and importance of the wine industry to the region. The subjects differ both in what they cover and in their historical context: one focuses on archaeology and the arrival of Māori, the other on the development and regional significance of an industry.

Art and getting your bearings in the city centre

In central Blenheim, the Marlborough Art Gallery regularly presents changing exhibitions, programmes and events featuring works by local, national and international artists. Its changing programme offers a different focus from the archaeological and wine-history themes of the Marlborough Museum. In choosing what to visit, this means the gallery puts artworks and artists in the foreground, while the museum exhibitions cover specific historical themes.

Te Kahu o Waipuna houses the Blenheim Library, the Marlborough Art Gallery and the CBD at the Library café. Central Blenheim also has cafés, restaurants, shops, galleries and walking paths along the Taylor River Reserve. This mix offers different ways to spend time in the city centre: alongside exhibitions, dining, shopping or a walk by the river can take centre stage. Individual shops and offerings may change.

By the Taylor River: trail and miniature railway

The Taylor River Trail runs from Blenheim, near State Highway 1, along the Taylor River to the Taylor Dam Reserve. It is about five kilometres long, mostly flat, and easy for most users to walk or ride. The shared route is intended for walkers, runners and cyclists. Its length, route and permitted uses give you practical points of reference if you want to include a walk, run or bike ride in your plans.

The Blenheim Riverside Railway runs as a miniature train south from Riverside Park along the Taylor River to Brayshaw Park. The two options differ in their mode of transport and destination: the trail goes as far as Taylor Dam Reserve, while the railway goes to Brayshaw Park. The miniature railway’s departure arrangements may change, so check them before your visit.

For the broader travel overview: Blenheim.