MARLBOROUGH - NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE
22 DECEMBER 2022
Marlborough is a stunning region the northeast of the South Island, New Zealand and we have HEAPS of activities to share with you that are fun for the whole family and we've included lots of photos (and links to the blogs, if any), so we hope that you're inspired to get out and about in Marlborough.
We have spent a lot of time exploring different things in the area and our highlights were the Mt Vernon Track up the Wither Hills and the Runway Cafe near the airport. Or is it Whites Bay.... or Ward Beach? We can't decide!
What we love about Marlborough is that it's such a diverse region. Every beach seems to look so different from the other, there are super flat areas and mountains with no trees, then you have super lush forests next to picture perfect blue water - it's the perfect place for people who love to be outdoors.
The local markets on Saturday and Sunday are full of delicious food and treats to keep everyone happy.
We have spent a lot of time exploring different things in the area and our highlights were the Mt Vernon Track up the Wither Hills and the Runway Cafe near the airport. Or is it Whites Bay.... or Ward Beach? We can't decide!
What we love about Marlborough is that it's such a diverse region. Every beach seems to look so different from the other, there are super flat areas and mountains with no trees, then you have super lush forests next to picture perfect blue water - it's the perfect place for people who love to be outdoors.
The local markets on Saturday and Sunday are full of delicious food and treats to keep everyone happy.
Be The Pilot Of A REAL Plane!
Hold onto your seat, this cafe is about to take off with its delicious treats and coffee! Beside the cafe is a real-life cargo plane that cost just $2 per adult and is free for kids to enter. We had so much fun exploring it and it's really cool the kids get to pretend to be pilots and press the switches and pull the leavers in the cockpit.
When Bella, Sienna and I went on the aircraft ourselves, you could say it was an...unmanned... flight and it wasn't boeing at all! I'm sorry, are my puns not very funny? Well, you just have a bad altitude!
When Bella, Sienna and I went on the aircraft ourselves, you could say it was an...unmanned... flight and it wasn't boeing at all! I'm sorry, are my puns not very funny? Well, you just have a bad altitude!
Discover Round Boulders
Just 45 minutes southeast of Blenheim is one cool beach to explore. There are so many unique rock formations and even gemstones to find! Some of the rocks and boulders were uplifted over 2 metres in the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake!
It's a beautiful beach with amazing views wherever you look and there are so many treasures to be found, it's definitely worth a visit.
It's a beautiful beach with amazing views wherever you look and there are so many treasures to be found, it's definitely worth a visit.
Experience WWI & WW2
You don't have to be an aviation lover to enjoy the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. There are two huge areas filled with planes of all sizes and eras, loaned by plane enthusiasts, with the most incredible detailing on them as well as the figurines. It's no wonder they are so amazing as Peter Jackson is part of the centre and he got Weta Workshop and Wingnut Films to create these amazing masterpieces!
Pick And Eat Strawberries And Cherries Until You Turn Into One
Ok, ok this literally can't happen, but how good is it to go fruit picking and eat more than you probably put in the bags to buy? Blenheim has amazing soil for growing things, which is why there are so many vineyards here, and there are a few cherry orchards and strawberry fields where we love to go each summer to taste all the goodness.
The cherries have a short season which is generally from early December - early January. We love to go cherry picking at South Pacific Cherries which have the most amazing cherry trees with 99% of the cherries in perfect condition! In December 2023 we paid $16kg for the cherries we picked. Location: 67 Hammond Rd, Renwick
For strawberry picking and real fruit ice creams (mmm), we love Hedgerows because there is a shaded area to eat the ice creams and a few outdoor games to play. Location: 205 Old Renwick Road, Entrance on Rene Street, Blenheim
The cherries have a short season which is generally from early December - early January. We love to go cherry picking at South Pacific Cherries which have the most amazing cherry trees with 99% of the cherries in perfect condition! In December 2023 we paid $16kg for the cherries we picked. Location: 67 Hammond Rd, Renwick
For strawberry picking and real fruit ice creams (mmm), we love Hedgerows because there is a shaded area to eat the ice creams and a few outdoor games to play. Location: 205 Old Renwick Road, Entrance on Rene Street, Blenheim
Take A Short Walk To Some AMAZING Views!
If you're driving along the Queen Charlotte Drive, you'll find the Cullen Point Lookout along the way. It's just a 10-minute walk from the carpark and gives beautiful views of the Mahau Sounds and Havelock. It's a nice, shaded walk through the bush and there are all sorts of weird and wonderful things to find along the way.
Feed & Pat Cute Animals
The Walnut Ranch has open days every month where kids can interact with horses, rabbits, mice, chickens and more. The animals are all friendly (apart from a few pecking chickens!) and seem well cared for.
We spent an hour or so looking at the animals and feeding them popcorn and carrots that we got at the entrance. The girls went for a short pony ride too which they really enjoyed!
For more info click here.
We spent an hour or so looking at the animals and feeding them popcorn and carrots that we got at the entrance. The girls went for a short pony ride too which they really enjoyed!
For more info click here.
Visit Hawaii (But Not Really)
A little slice of heaven in the South Island! Whites Bay is a calm, sandy beach perfect for swimming and spending the day relaxing. There are stairs up the cliff where you'll see some pretty extraordinary views and there is a cool keyhole rock around the bay which makes for a good photo.
We spent 2 days in a row here, only beautiful sunny days and enjoyed swimming, rockpool hunting and making sandcastles. It's a really peaceful place and if you go on a weekday it's even more peaceful. The girls enjoyed swimming down the right end of the beach as the water was the calmest (not that it was even rough at all!!).
We spent 2 days in a row here, only beautiful sunny days and enjoyed swimming, rockpool hunting and making sandcastles. It's a really peaceful place and if you go on a weekday it's even more peaceful. The girls enjoyed swimming down the right end of the beach as the water was the calmest (not that it was even rough at all!!).
Get Ya Christmas On (Don't Be A Grinch!)
If you're in Marlborough in December, there is a great Christmas tree display at the Wairau Valley Anglican Church in Renwick, with all sorts of trees decorated by different clubs, schools and businesses.
We have been in both 2022 and 2023 and we love looking at all the gorgeously decorated trees. There is a gnome hunt which is a lot of fun for the kids, where they have to find a certain number of gnomes hidden around the rooms. We think this is pretty awesome as it means the parents get a good chance to spend time enjoying the trees without the kids getting too bored!
Location: Wairau Valley Anglican Church, 54 High Street, Renwick
We have been in both 2022 and 2023 and we love looking at all the gorgeously decorated trees. There is a gnome hunt which is a lot of fun for the kids, where they have to find a certain number of gnomes hidden around the rooms. We think this is pretty awesome as it means the parents get a good chance to spend time enjoying the trees without the kids getting too bored!
Location: Wairau Valley Anglican Church, 54 High Street, Renwick
Find HEAPS Of Amazing Shells
We felt like we were in Greece when we got out to Mussel Point because the rocks were so white and so was some of the coastline. There were so many treasures to find at this beach and so many cool rock formations that we hadn't seen before! This is one of our favourite beaches in New Zealand.
We found some really amazing and unique shells that we hadn't seen before and there were sooo many rock pools to explore! Low tide is a good time to go to see the rock pools and to see the rocks that were uplifted over 2 meters during the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake.
We found some really amazing and unique shells that we hadn't seen before and there were sooo many rock pools to explore! Low tide is a good time to go to see the rock pools and to see the rocks that were uplifted over 2 meters during the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake.
Chill Out At Seymour Square
Located in the heart of Blenheim is Seymour Square which features a 16.5m high historic clock tower and a beautiful fountain which lights up at night.
Kids can enjoy watching the fountain or splashing their hands about in it. There is heaps of space for them to run around or to have a picnic.
Kids can enjoy watching the fountain or splashing their hands about in it. There is heaps of space for them to run around or to have a picnic.
Eat A Burleigh Pie
Ok so we ate our pies WAY too fast that we never took any photos of them! Take our word for it, they are DEEEEELICIOUS! Our favourite were the pork belly pie and the Jamaican curry pie which has a good chilli kick to it. Their pies are so full of flavour and the pastry is super crispy. They can sell out super-fast, so you need to go early to make sure you get what you want. They sell frozen pies too for taking home.
These are the best pies we've ever had in New Zealand, and we are a big pie culture here, so this is a bold statement to make!
You can find them at: 34 New Renwick Road, Burleigh.
Hours:
Tue 07:30 am - 03:00 pm
Wed 07:30 am - 03:00 pm
Thu 07:30 am - 03:00 pm
Fri 07:30 am - 03:00 pm
Sat 07:30 am - 01:30 pm
Sun Closed
Mon Closed
These are the best pies we've ever had in New Zealand, and we are a big pie culture here, so this is a bold statement to make!
You can find them at: 34 New Renwick Road, Burleigh.
Hours:
Tue 07:30 am - 03:00 pm
Wed 07:30 am - 03:00 pm
Thu 07:30 am - 03:00 pm
Fri 07:30 am - 03:00 pm
Sat 07:30 am - 01:30 pm
Sun Closed
Mon Closed
Hike To The Top Of Blenheim
It's hard to miss the Wither Hills when you're in Blenheim, they are beautiful, rolling hills with plenty of walking and mountain bike tracks to choose from. There are tracks to suit all abilities and ages.
Hiking in the Wither Hills is one of our favourite things to do in Blenheim as it's so incredibly beautiful, especially at the top! Some of the tracks are mostly flat and easy like the Sutherland Stream Track, Gentle Annie and Lower Quail Stream Track and then there are some absolute killers like the Mt Vernon Track and Taylors Dam Lookout Track.
The views at the top are 100% worth and thigh pain! We try to go on a sunny day with a cool wind, as temps can soar during summer. You'll see plenty of sheep along the way and lots of cow poo splattered along the paths mmm.
Our favourite track on the hills starts on the Lower Quail Stream Track > Intersect Track > Taylor View Track > Reservoir Ridge Track and finishing on the Upper Harling Track back to the same carpark as we started. It's a 3 - 4 hour track which takes us 4 hours as we always stop for a picnic on the seat at the top of the Intersect Track and often spent 20 - 30 mins just enjoying the view. The Intersect Track is extremely steep so the rest is always welcomed! The rest of the track is fairly easy and flat in most places, then it starts going downhill towards the end (which can be hard on the knees and ankles). Arabella and Sienna love doing this track and they make it fun by playing games, saying hi to the cattle or sheep, rolling down hills and taking different paths than us.
Click to read the full Lower Quail Stream to Upper Harling Track blog
Click to read the full Mt Vernon Track blog
Click to read the full Sutherland Stream Track blog
Hiking in the Wither Hills is one of our favourite things to do in Blenheim as it's so incredibly beautiful, especially at the top! Some of the tracks are mostly flat and easy like the Sutherland Stream Track, Gentle Annie and Lower Quail Stream Track and then there are some absolute killers like the Mt Vernon Track and Taylors Dam Lookout Track.
The views at the top are 100% worth and thigh pain! We try to go on a sunny day with a cool wind, as temps can soar during summer. You'll see plenty of sheep along the way and lots of cow poo splattered along the paths mmm.
Our favourite track on the hills starts on the Lower Quail Stream Track > Intersect Track > Taylor View Track > Reservoir Ridge Track and finishing on the Upper Harling Track back to the same carpark as we started. It's a 3 - 4 hour track which takes us 4 hours as we always stop for a picnic on the seat at the top of the Intersect Track and often spent 20 - 30 mins just enjoying the view. The Intersect Track is extremely steep so the rest is always welcomed! The rest of the track is fairly easy and flat in most places, then it starts going downhill towards the end (which can be hard on the knees and ankles). Arabella and Sienna love doing this track and they make it fun by playing games, saying hi to the cattle or sheep, rolling down hills and taking different paths than us.
Click to read the full Lower Quail Stream to Upper Harling Track blog
Click to read the full Mt Vernon Track blog
Click to read the full Sutherland Stream Track blog
Take The Scenic Route To Picton From Blenheim
The Queen Charlotte Drive is one of the most scenic and breathtaking drives we have done in New Zealand! It has to be one of the best in the world too. It's a 40km long drive from Havelock to Picton (or the other way around!) with absolutely beautiful views along the way. It's best to do it from Havelock to Picton because all of the bays to stop are on the lefthand side of the road.
This is a drive you take when you have plenty of time to make the stops to enjoy the views. It's best done on a sunny day so you get to capture the full beauty of it.
There are places along the way where you can make your way down to the beach, like Governors Bay, so the kids can have a swim.
This is a drive you take when you have plenty of time to make the stops to enjoy the views. It's best done on a sunny day so you get to capture the full beauty of it.
There are places along the way where you can make your way down to the beach, like Governors Bay, so the kids can have a swim.
Explore An Old Shipwreck!
There are not many places you can explore a shipwreck but you can in the Waverly Lagoon just 15-minutes east of Blenheim. The 1 hour 15-minute walk takes you through salt marshes and you get beautiful views of the Wither Hills and the Blue Mountains. The walk itself is flat and monotonous but is easy and still enjoyable.
It's best to visit the shipwreck at low tide so you can get inside to explore it. To get inside, you'll need to squeeze through a rusty hole that's fairly smooth but be sure to watch your clothing doesn't catch.
It's a really fun place for kids to explore and we'd recommend going on a cool day as there is no shade cover at all on the walk.
It's best to visit the shipwreck at low tide so you can get inside to explore it. To get inside, you'll need to squeeze through a rusty hole that's fairly smooth but be sure to watch your clothing doesn't catch.
It's a really fun place for kids to explore and we'd recommend going on a cool day as there is no shade cover at all on the walk.
Chill Out In Picton
We can't resist getting an ice cream from Scoop each time we head into Picton, especially in summer! Their flavours change each time we go, but my favourite so far has to be the red velvet and cream cheese ice cream.... drool!!
They are located in the main street - click here for their location on Google Maps.
They are located in the main street - click here for their location on Google Maps.
Get The Best Views Across The Sounds From The Tirohanga Track
We reckon the Tirohanga Track in Picton is one of the best hikes in the region! The hike to the top of the track through the forest is a lot of fun for the kids because there is so much cool stuff to discover along the way. The views at the top are AMAZING, especially on a clear day (we highly recommend you do the track on a clear day) and the track itself isn't actually very difficult at all. There are some muddy parts, even in summer, but that's what adventures are about, right?
Spend The Day At The Picton Foreshore
Picton is a picturesque little town, right at the top of Marlborough, where all the cruise ships come in as well as the ferries from the North Island. The foreshore at Picton is the perfect place to spend the day where you can take a dip at Waikitohi Bay, have a picnic on the large grass area, say hello to the friendly ducks on the beach and even look for cool rocks in the sand! There are also some pretty stones and gemstones that can be found along the foreshore which is no surprise as we have found loads of amazing ones in the South Island.
There is also a really cool pirate playground at the foreshore, with ropes, swings and even a splash pad for those hot summer days! I would recommend kids wearing boat shoes if you have them as it can get slippery... both our girls plus 90% of the other kids on it were all slipping over!
Beside the playground is a merry-go-round which has horses, unicorns and a rocket to choose from and of course Arabella & Sienna always chose the unicorn! In the same area is an 18-hole mini golf course which we've played and had a lot of fun doing and it always seems to be quiet during the week which we love.
One of the cheapest activities we have done in all around travels around New Zealand (aside from the free stuff, of course) is paid 20c each to go on the miniature train rides that run every Sunday on the foreshore! Yes - 20 cents! It's a lot of fun for the kids and so affordable to be able to get the whole family on the train for under $1 (unless you're a large family then it might cost you $2 ;) )
There's lots of grass, paved areas and bench seats to enjoy the beautiful views across the beach and over to the Sounds - it's super picturesque on a clear day and it's a really nice place to chill on a sunny day.
There is also a really cool pirate playground at the foreshore, with ropes, swings and even a splash pad for those hot summer days! I would recommend kids wearing boat shoes if you have them as it can get slippery... both our girls plus 90% of the other kids on it were all slipping over!
Beside the playground is a merry-go-round which has horses, unicorns and a rocket to choose from and of course Arabella & Sienna always chose the unicorn! In the same area is an 18-hole mini golf course which we've played and had a lot of fun doing and it always seems to be quiet during the week which we love.
One of the cheapest activities we have done in all around travels around New Zealand (aside from the free stuff, of course) is paid 20c each to go on the miniature train rides that run every Sunday on the foreshore! Yes - 20 cents! It's a lot of fun for the kids and so affordable to be able to get the whole family on the train for under $1 (unless you're a large family then it might cost you $2 ;) )
There's lots of grass, paved areas and bench seats to enjoy the beautiful views across the beach and over to the Sounds - it's super picturesque on a clear day and it's a really nice place to chill on a sunny day.
Get Lost At The Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
We love the tracks at Pelorus as there are a mixture of flat, easy tracks and some hilly ones, with lots of things to find and photograph along the way. We found lots of 'shrooms and the girls made very cool nature costumes from bits and pieces they found in the forest (just like they did on the Rail Tunnel Loop in the Karangahake Gorge in the North Island).
The Pelorus River is a beautiful emerald colour and you get peeks of it along some of the tracks in the reserve. The tracks are mostly sheltered so on a hot summer's day or even a cloudy or drizzly day it's a great place to get some exercise and enjoy nature.
Hikes we have done so far are:
Elvy Waterfall Track
Tawa Track
Circle Track
The Pelorus River is a beautiful emerald colour and you get peeks of it along some of the tracks in the reserve. The tracks are mostly sheltered so on a hot summer's day or even a cloudy or drizzly day it's a great place to get some exercise and enjoy nature.
Hikes we have done so far are:
Elvy Waterfall Track
Tawa Track
Circle Track
Monkey Around At Monkey Bay
You would expect to find Monkeys at Monkeys Bay right? Sadly there are no monkeys here but to make up for the disappointment, the views are seriously unreal once you get around the corner and see Monkey Bay - it feels like you're in Thailand but really, you're 30-minutes north of Blenheim.
The beach is small and it has GORGEOUS gemstones and rocks here. We spent ages collecting them and we found if we waited by the shoreline for the waves to come up and go away, it uncovered new rocks every time.
Lots of driftwood collects on the beach, which is awesome as the kids can make huts and there are also caves and caverns in the area to explore. I love the rock formations at Monkey Bay - they are so fascinating and unique at different parts of the beach.
The beach is small and it has GORGEOUS gemstones and rocks here. We spent ages collecting them and we found if we waited by the shoreline for the waves to come up and go away, it uncovered new rocks every time.
Lots of driftwood collects on the beach, which is awesome as the kids can make huts and there are also caves and caverns in the area to explore. I love the rock formations at Monkey Bay - they are so fascinating and unique at different parts of the beach.
Explore The Rivers And Parks In Blenheim
Blenheim has so many stunning parks with huge trees and clear rivers and we have spent so much time over spring, summer and autumn scootering in the parks, catching leaves from the big trees when they were falling (the leaves that is, not the trees!), swimming in the rivers (cold, even in summer!) and throwing rocks into the water.
As Blenheim is so flat, the paths along the parks are ideal for scootering, biking, walking and running. Most of the parks are dog friendly too, so the furry members of the family can join too!
One time Sienna and I found a huge area beside a river that was filled with fennel which was taller than me! She had a lot of fun walking through it and seeing how far she could go.
As Blenheim is so flat, the paths along the parks are ideal for scootering, biking, walking and running. Most of the parks are dog friendly too, so the furry members of the family can join too!
One time Sienna and I found a huge area beside a river that was filled with fennel which was taller than me! She had a lot of fun walking through it and seeing how far she could go.
Take A Dip At Governors Bay Beach
There are a few beaches in Picton which are great for swimming at and Governors Bay Beach is the perfect spot to take a dip in summer (or winter if you dare!). The beach is small with golden sand and crystal-clear water and views out to the Sounds.
There is a 5-minute walk downhill to the beach through the beautiful NZ bush and parking can be limited, so going early is ideal. The only downside is we did go in the height of summer and there were a few pesky wasps hanging around, so we didn't stay too long!
There is a 5-minute walk downhill to the beach through the beautiful NZ bush and parking can be limited, so going early is ideal. The only downside is we did go in the height of summer and there were a few pesky wasps hanging around, so we didn't stay too long!
Follow The Yellow Brick Road (Or The Water Pipe)
The Barnes Dam Track in Picton is a 5.6km there-and-back track that walks through native bush to the Barnes Dam at the end of the track. It can be quite narrow and slippery in some parts so little ones really will need their hand held. It's an interesting track to walk, especially when the water pipe seems to get in the way! At the end of the track there is a small but beautiful waterfall and the Barnes Dam. You can climb the stairs to peek over the top of it, but there is a locked gate so you can't get into the dam (probably for the best!).
The girls loved finding an entrance to the rivers along the way and throwing in rocks and watching leaves float down. Even if you don't go right to the end of this track, it's fun to play in the river!
The girls loved finding an entrance to the rivers along the way and throwing in rocks and watching leaves float down. Even if you don't go right to the end of this track, it's fun to play in the river!
An Easier Alternative To The Yellow Brick Road
The Humphries Dam in the Esson Valley, Picton, starts at the same trailhead as the Barnes Dam Track and it's a much easier track and takes 1.5 hours return. We love hunting for the insects and animals pointed out on the information signs along the track and especially love eating the sweet liquid from the beech insects butts (seriously, read the blog to see how serious I am!).
This track is ideal in all weather because it's so sheltered by the forest.
This track is ideal in all weather because it's so sheltered by the forest.
Swim, Swim, Swimmy, Swim, Swim
Nothing beats a rainy-day swimming indoors! The pools at Stadium 2000 in Blenheim are heated and there are 5 pools in total including a toddler's pool, leisure pool (where our girls swim the most as they can reach the bottom) and even a lazy pool which is super fun as you can sit back and relax and let the water take you away (don't worry, it's a figure 8 shape so you'll come back eventually)! There is also a spa for the adults to relax in and if you've forgotten your togs then you can sit on one of the many seats around the pool and get splashed by the kids. There is also an outdoor pool here and a gym.
There are baby changing facilities, men's & women's changing rooms plus family changing rooms which are private.
There are baby changing facilities, men's & women's changing rooms plus family changing rooms which are private.
Take A Short Walk To Karaka Point
If you're feeling like a short and easy walk then the Karaka Point Track in Picton is 10 - 15 minutes return. It takes you out to a small beach, which is best accessed at low tide (trust us, we learnt the hard way!) and has crystal clear water. The views out to the Sounds are stunning and if you don't want to head down the stairs to the beach, you can enjoy the view from the bench seat before the stairs, or even have lunch at the picnic table beside the carpark.
Burn Energy Off At The Little Red Fox
There aren't too many indoor activities in Blenheim, so when we're in town and the Little Red Fox is open on a rainy day then we love to take the girls there. The owners are really kind people and are very friendly and they've done a great job with setting the place up.
The hub has a slide that goes into a ball pit, an air ball machine (that sucks them up and shoots them into the air), ball gun (take down thy enemy) and a bouncy castle. The room is small but honestly our girls NEVER get bored, they can play there for hours! There is also an area with a wooden kitchen and dolls which is popular with the younger ones.
While the kids play, there are a few chairs and a small couch for us parents to relax and chat, although sometimes we love to have a ball fight with the kids!
Check them out on Instagram here.
The hub has a slide that goes into a ball pit, an air ball machine (that sucks them up and shoots them into the air), ball gun (take down thy enemy) and a bouncy castle. The room is small but honestly our girls NEVER get bored, they can play there for hours! There is also an area with a wooden kitchen and dolls which is popular with the younger ones.
While the kids play, there are a few chairs and a small couch for us parents to relax and chat, although sometimes we love to have a ball fight with the kids!
Check them out on Instagram here.
Scooter On The Road + Have A Go On The Flying Fox
Oliver Park in Blenheim has a really cool scooter park which looks like a real road. There's give way signs and pedestrian crossing and curbs! Our girls love it here and when we're in Blenheim, you'll find us here most days!
The playground is a lot of fun with the usual swings, slides and seesaws plus a really cool flying fox. The playground backs onto a huge park (Oliver Park) where we love to throw the frisbee around as there is so much room.
The playground is a lot of fun with the usual swings, slides and seesaws plus a really cool flying fox. The playground backs onto a huge park (Oliver Park) where we love to throw the frisbee around as there is so much room.
Step Back In Time At Brayshaw Park
Brayshaw Heritage Park in Blenheim is the perfect place for families who want to have a blast from the past. They have an open day once a year and it's like a time machine...but instead of going forward, you'll go waaaaaay, way back to a time when steam trains ruled the land and vintage cars were the hottest thing on four wheels.
It's a place where you can take a ride on a train that's older than your great-grandma and see cars that your grandpa used to drool over and there are plenty of food stalls to keep you fueled up for the journey back in time!
Certain parts of the park are also open at different days and times of the year. The girls LOVE the rock and gem building where there are rock enthusiast ready to tell you stories and give you their knowledge about all things gems and all things rocks. There are loads of rocks and gems to purchase and you can also hire out the equipment in the back room to cut and polish your own rocks! It's kid friendly too and $4 per machine.
The miniature train also runs every now and then (you'll need to contact the park to find out dates and times).
The Marlborough Museum is open daily and is actually really interesting and fun with some interactive things to keep the kids interested.
So if you're ready to experience Marlborough's history in the most entertaining way possible, grab your family and head to Brayshaw Heritage Park. Just remember to leave your DeLorean at home - we don't want any time paradoxes, now do we?
It's a place where you can take a ride on a train that's older than your great-grandma and see cars that your grandpa used to drool over and there are plenty of food stalls to keep you fueled up for the journey back in time!
Certain parts of the park are also open at different days and times of the year. The girls LOVE the rock and gem building where there are rock enthusiast ready to tell you stories and give you their knowledge about all things gems and all things rocks. There are loads of rocks and gems to purchase and you can also hire out the equipment in the back room to cut and polish your own rocks! It's kid friendly too and $4 per machine.
The miniature train also runs every now and then (you'll need to contact the park to find out dates and times).
The Marlborough Museum is open daily and is actually really interesting and fun with some interactive things to keep the kids interested.
So if you're ready to experience Marlborough's history in the most entertaining way possible, grab your family and head to Brayshaw Heritage Park. Just remember to leave your DeLorean at home - we don't want any time paradoxes, now do we?
Experience Pollard Park To Its Fullest
One of our favourite seasons in Blenheim is autumn and for good reason - just loooook at all the pretty yellow leaves! It's gorgeous all year around and the park is huge which means there's so many areas to picnic, hang out or play frisbee. There are beautifully manicured and maintained gardens at Pollard Park and we love the rose garden as every rose bush is completely different!
The acorn playground is a lot of fun, especially the big slide, and there are musical instruments to play (so warning to parents, don't sit near them cause some kids play them foreeeeeeever) and there's even a swing for wheelchair users!
The water in the river is crystal clear so it's easy to see any eels (they love wet cat food) and there's always plenty of ducks around to feed.
The acorn playground is a lot of fun, especially the big slide, and there are musical instruments to play (so warning to parents, don't sit near them cause some kids play them foreeeeeeever) and there's even a swing for wheelchair users!
The water in the river is crystal clear so it's easy to see any eels (they love wet cat food) and there's always plenty of ducks around to feed.
Read And Play At The Marlborough District Library
There is a huge library in central Blenheim that is new and super comfortable. Not only do they have a huge number of books (you'd hope so, right??), but there is also a lego and duplo station! These are popping up all around New Zealand now, with so many libraries upgrading their goodies to attract more kids. I didn't get too many photos last time we went, so I had to take clips from the videos I took! Will update with new pics next time we're there ;)
You can find the library at 15 High Street, Blenheim Central.
You can find the library at 15 High Street, Blenheim Central.
Go On A Hike To Fundraise Money For The Kaipupu Sanctuary
The Kaipupu Sanctuary is a little island in Picton which has volunteers doing an incredible job of looking after the island to make sure it's predator free. We heard about the fundraiser hike up Gondola Hill in Picton (on private land) and we jumped at the chance to do a new hike AND help raise money for the Kaipupu Sanctuary. Get in touch with the Kaipupu Sanctuary to see when their next fundraising hike is and take the whole family!
Skate, Laugh, Repeat
When we're in Blenheim and the weather is good, we love taking the girls to the local skating club so they can skate around for a couple of hours. The sessions run from 11 - 1pm every Sunday (weather dependent) and it's $5 for skate hire or $2 if you have your own skates - it's a social club so you can just go casually, you don't need to be part of the club. We love how cheap it is and the girls always have so much fun. The team and parents are SO helpful and are always giving our girls tips and helping them improve their skating... it's seriously one of the best groups we have been part of!
They have roller skates or inline skates available in lots of different sizes. Also included in the price is the use of knee, elbow and wrist pads.
(Note, the skating rink is being taken down in January 2024 and a new one will be built elsewhere, but they're not sure where yet!).
Click here for the address and for more info, click here for the Blenheim Skating Club's Facebook page.
They have roller skates or inline skates available in lots of different sizes. Also included in the price is the use of knee, elbow and wrist pads.
(Note, the skating rink is being taken down in January 2024 and a new one will be built elsewhere, but they're not sure where yet!).
Click here for the address and for more info, click here for the Blenheim Skating Club's Facebook page.
A Different Perspective
Every November there is a lights festival at the A&P grounds in Blenheim and it's full of carnival rides and food stalls, plus you get to see (and hear) the fireworks up close and personal BUT if you're like us and like to enjoy the finer things in life without the crowds, then watching the fireworks from the Wither Hills is a must do!
The best view from the Wither Hills is up the Mt Vernon Track, where you park at the Redwood Street Gateway carpark and walk as far up the track as you want to. Walk over the bridge from the carpark and head over the cattle stop or gate and anywhere on the hill up on the right is the perfect spot.
We were surprised how busy it was when we went but everyone kept to themselves so it was nice and peaceful and we had the best view of the fireworks. We took a whole lot of fun glowsticks with us for the girls to wear and play with (headbands, earrings, bracelets and wands) which they LOVED and it was funny seeing these little lights moving around in the dark.
The best view from the Wither Hills is up the Mt Vernon Track, where you park at the Redwood Street Gateway carpark and walk as far up the track as you want to. Walk over the bridge from the carpark and head over the cattle stop or gate and anywhere on the hill up on the right is the perfect spot.
We were surprised how busy it was when we went but everyone kept to themselves so it was nice and peaceful and we had the best view of the fireworks. We took a whole lot of fun glowsticks with us for the girls to wear and play with (headbands, earrings, bracelets and wands) which they LOVED and it was funny seeing these little lights moving around in the dark.
Rolling Hills And Wavy Thrills
We found this super cool scooter and skate park near Wither Hills in Blenheim, right on Rifle Range Place, off Forest Park Drive. The girls had a blast on the crazy wavy course that takes you up and down like no other skate park. It's not your average one, for sure! Looks a bit like a work in progress though, with the grass inside not getting much love, so I'm not sure if they're planning to expand or if this is the finished product. Either way, it's a total blast for the kiddos, and the course is a real unique gem! It's a quiet area too, which we love, with the Wither Hills as a beautiful backdrop.
You can follow a gravel path from the carpark to the skate park, and there's plenty of grass to kick a ball around or set up a picnic.
Click here for the location on Google Maps.
You can follow a gravel path from the carpark to the skate park, and there's plenty of grass to kick a ball around or set up a picnic.
Click here for the location on Google Maps.
Walk Through The Sounds
The 10km there and back Snout Track in Picton guarantees the best views not only at the end of the track, but the beginning too! We couldn't believe our eyes when we parked up and looked out to the Sounds... the view was incredible! The track itself is up and down, mainly through the bush (and muddy in some parts), but there are a few open spaces where you can stop to enjoy the view without having trees in your way. If you're short on time or are unable to do the whole 10kms, walking to just the Queen Charlotte View around halfway along is so worth it.
Catch The Bluebridge Ferry Across To Wellington
When you've done all there is to do in Marlborough, why not catch the Bluebridge Ferry across to Wellington to explore the capital of New Zealand.
Read all about our experience on the Bluebridge Ferry from Wellington to Picton... don't worry, it's the same from Picton to Wellington ;)
Read all about our experience on the Bluebridge Ferry from Wellington to Picton... don't worry, it's the same from Picton to Wellington ;)
More to do in the South Island
LAKE TEKAPO
CANTERBURY An absolute paradise in the South Island where you can throw rocks, swim in the (cold, glacial) water and soak up the mountain views.
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OHAU POINT
CANTERBURY One of THE BEST spots in NZ to see hundreds of seals and their pups, up close and personal FOR FREE and you may even spot dolphins!
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HOOKER VALLEY TRACK
MT COOK An easy track for the family to enjoy incredible mountain and lake views all year round. The kids will enjoy crossing the 3 swing bridges.
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