Search
Popular Searches
go biking go to qcs do a wine tour host an event film in marlborough
Blenheim

Wairau Valley

Map
Here you will find
The Wairau Valley is often referred to as the birth place of our nation. Te Pokohiwi-o-Kupe or the Wairau Bar, a gravel bar on Marlborough’s Cloudy Bay coastline where the Wairau River flows into the sea, is a place of historical significance.

The discovery of these significant cultural sites led to the excavation of 40 graves of Rangitāne tūpuna or ancestors. Ultimately several thousand taonga or sacred treasures and artefacts were unearthed. Tools, personal ornaments, Moa bones and eggs, kōiwi tāngata or human remains and even Pā or buried fortified dwellings have been discovered.

The word Wairau meaning 'Many Rivers' describes the braided river beds that flow through the landscape.

The Wairau Valley is made up of a few townships of Blenheim, Renwick and Spring Creek.

Marlborough's main town, Blenheim, has great cafes, galleries and shops wrapped up within the picturesque Taylor and Opawa rivers, a short distance to the region's world famous wineries.

There's an abundance of vineyards and cellar doors housed in the valley to explore and discover why the world is in love with Marlborough wine.

Central Blenheim is best explored by foot, with an abundance of great cafes, restaurants shops and galleries, along with popular walkways along the Taylor River Reserve.

The Marlborough Farmers’ Market is held at the A&P Showgrounds every Sunday morning and the Marlborough Artisan Market is on in town on Saturdays.

A short drive or bike ride along the Taylor River will take you to the world-class Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, where WWI and WWII exhibitions feature Sir Peter Jackson’s personal collection is brought to life in sensational sets created by the internationally acclaimed talent of WingNut Films and Weta Workshop.

Explore the many cellar doors for a taste of Marlborough’s flagship Sauvignon Blanc, along with award winning Aromatics, Pinot Noir and Sparkling Wines.

Lunching at a vineyard restaurant and taste some world class local cuisine. This includes garlic, asparagus, olive oil, cherries, King (Chinook) salmon, oysters and Greenshell Mussels from the Marlborough Sounds.

Map

Here you will find