From the sky

Only 5km from Blenheim CBD, the Omaka Airfield is home to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, and home to a huge array of information and equipment from WW1 and WW2. Experience for yourself what it is like to fly in some of the same planes that were flew during this time.

What will you choo-choose?

There is nothing quite like the wind in your hair as you wind your way alongside the picturesque Taylor River on the Blenheim Riverside Railway. Run by a team of volunteer train enthusiasts, these small scale trains are sure to excite the little ones!

Ship shape

Picton is the gateway to the North Island across the Cook Strait, and has some great activities based around the seashore. One of which is visiting the Edwin Fox, one of the world’s oldest merchant ships. Wander the decks, dress up and see what conditions were like for the passengers back in the day.

The Picton Foreshore is also a great day out for kids of all ages – carnival rides, mini golf, sailing yachts, mini trains and the Aquarium where you can see the gorgeous little Blue Penguins.

Take to the water

Pelorus Eco Adventures offers kayaking trips for as young as 4 year olds, getting them out on the clear waters of the Pelorus River in an inflatable kayak. Swim in the waters, see where some of The Hobbit Trilogy was filmed, and drink from 10,000 year old natural spring water!

No whining at the wineries

There is no way to visit the Marlborough region without visiting the wineries, but it isn’t exactly the most exciting place for the kiddies – unless you partake in a wee tipple at Vines Village or Forrest Wines.

The Vines Village has boutique shops, a café, tasting rooms and a fantastic area for kids to run around and play. Forrest Wines is a winery for all ages, where kids can safely explore the garden in view of the main building.

Need something easier on the wallet??

Make a splash

The Picton foreshore is the place to be in those popular summer months, with a free family interactive splash park and pirate ship playground.

Picnic in Pollard Park

Whatever the time of year, a picnic is a winner. Spend time at the large new playground and extensive gardens, stroll along the stream from the Pagoda to the Rose Gardens, and maybe even if you are lucky, grab a round of golf at the nearby Blenheim Golf Club.

Walk till your heart’s content

The Wairau Lagoons Walkway is a great walk for the family, being a flat and gentle, and approximately a 3 hour loop.

If it is a range of walks you are after, the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is the ideal stop. There are 10 minute walks to the swing bridge, 30 minute loops in the native forest, or longer hikes for those who are a little keener.