Last updated October 2026
Brayshaw Heritage Park is a heritage precinct in Blenheim that brings together museums, volunteer-run clubs, restored buildings and a narrow-gauge railway on land that was once a rubbish dump.
Established in 1968 to house Norm Brayshaw’s collection of vintage agricultural machinery, the park has grown into a multi-organisation site featuring the replica village of Beavertown, the Marlborough Museum and several enthusiast societies.
The standout attractions include period-furnished buildings, extensive vintage farm machinery displays and the Blenheim Riverside Railway, whose heritage trains leave from Brayshaw Station in the park. The park is managed almost entirely by volunteers and hosts its major annual event, Heritage Day, on 6 February.
Practical Information
- Location
- 26 Arthur Baker Place, Redwoodtown, Blenheim
- Established
- 1968 on former rubbish-dump site
- Beavertown
- Constructed in the 1960s as a replica 1900s street
- Key attractions
- Marlborough Museum, Farm Machinery Museum, Beavertown, Blenheim Riverside Railway (2 ft / 610 mm gauge)
- Entry
- Park access free; the museum and some societies charge entry (see their own pages)
- Heritage Day
- 6 February each year with demonstrations and full activations
- Parking
- Free on site
- Access
- Off New Renwick Road; open year-round with varying society hours
About Brayshaw Heritage Park
Brayshaw Heritage Park occupies several acres of parkland on Blenheim’s south-west boundary. It was established in 1968 through the efforts of local historian Norm Brayshaw and the Marlborough Historical Society to preserve and display his growing collection of vintage farm machinery. The site was transformed from a former rubbish dump into an attractive heritage precinct that now hosts multiple organisations.
The replica village known as Beavertown forms a visual centrepiece. Built in the 1960s by volunteers, it recreates a 1900s Blenheim street complete with furnished shops, stables, a jail, dentist’s surgery, bank, newspaper office and fire station. The buildings function as interpreted period rooms rather than empty shells.
Resident groups operate independently within the park. The Marlborough Museum presents regional history displays, while the Farm Machinery Museum holds an extensive collection of vintage tractors, engines and agricultural equipment. Other societies include the Vintage Car Club, Rock and Mineral Club and Marlborough Associated Modellers.
The Blenheim Riverside Railway runs a 2 ft narrow-gauge line from Brayshaw Station in the park along the Taylor River through the middle of town to Beaver Station in central Blenheim, with a branch to Omaka Station by the aviation museum.
Heritage Day
Heritage Day on 6 February is the park’s flagship annual event. Volunteer groups open fully, demonstrate pioneer skills and lost trades, operate working machinery and provide guided or self-guided access to all collections. It offers the best opportunity to see the entire precinct active at once.
Where to Learn More
Marlborough Museum – Brayshaw Park: official overview of the park’s history, layout and resident organisations.
100% Pure New Zealand – Brayshaw Heritage Park: practical visitor information including location and opening details.
Marlborough Museum – Brayshaw Park Communities: details on the societies and clubs based at the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Brayshaw Heritage Park?
26 Arthur Baker Place, Redwoodtown, Blenheim, off New Renwick Road. Free parking is available on site.
When was the park established?
1968, on a former rubbish-dump site, to house Norm Brayshaw’s collection of vintage agricultural machinery.
What is Beavertown?
A replica 1900s Blenheim street with fully furnished buildings including shops, a jail, dentist, bank, newspaper office and fire station, constructed in the 1960s.
Is entry to the park free?
General park access is free. The Marlborough Museum and some other societies charge entry; see their own pages for current fees.
Can you ride a train at the park?
Yes. The Blenheim Riverside Railway runs 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge heritage trains from Brayshaw Station in the park to Beaver Station in central Blenheim and to Omaka Station on its open days, listed at riversiderailway.nz.
When is Heritage Day?
6 February each year, featuring demonstrations, working machinery and full access to all resident clubs and collections.
What organisations are based at the park?
Marlborough Museum, Farm Machinery Museum, Vintage Car Club, Rock and Mineral Club, Marlborough Associated Modellers and the Blenheim Riverside Railway.
Are there opening hours or restrictions?
The park grounds are open year-round. Individual societies and the museum have their own opening days and hours; the museum is typically open Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am–3pm.
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