Last updated June 2026
Burleigh is an inner suburb of Blenheim in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. It lies on the southern side of the town centre and is home to Ōmaka Marae, the marae of the Tarakaipa hapū of Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō. The marae features the Te Aroha o te Waipounamu wharenui, which was opened in 1985. The suburb sits directly beside the Omaka Aerodrome and is a short distance from Brayshaw Heritage Park. Burleigh functions primarily as a residential area rather than a visitor destination.
Practical Information
| Location | Inner Blenheim, southern side of the town centre |
| Type | Established residential suburb |
| Marae | Ōmaka Marae at 120 Aerodrome Road |
| Associated hapū and iwi | Tarakaipa hapū of Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō (shared with other iwi) |
| Wharenui | Te Aroha o te Waipounamu (opened 1985) |
| Adjacent sites | Omaka Aerodrome, Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, Omaka Classic Cars, Brayshaw Heritage Park |
| Access to CBD | A few minutes’ drive to central Blenheim |
About Burleigh
Burleigh is one of Blenheim’s established inner residential suburbs. Its defining feature is Ōmaka Marae, a working community facility rather than a public tourist attraction. The marae belongs to the Tarakaipa hapū of Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō and includes the Te Aroha o te Waipounamu wharenui, opened in 1985. Visitors must respect the marae’s private status and should not enter the grounds without an invitation.
The suburb’s location places it immediately beside the Omaka Aerodrome on Aerodrome Road. This proximity puts Burleigh next to several well-known visitor sites, including the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and Omaka Classic Cars, although the suburb itself remains largely residential and off the main visitor circuit.
Burleigh also contains local amenities such as the Omaka Medical Centre and nearby parks, including Burleigh Park. The area retains a quieter, established character compared with newer outer suburbs of Blenheim.
What Visitors Often Say
Skipped – no real visitor accounts found for the suburb itself.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Burleigh, New Zealand: Overview of the suburb including location details and Ōmaka Marae information with cited sources.
Te Ara — Ōmaka marae: Video and description of the wharenui and marae history.
Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō: Iwi history and context for the Tarakaipa hapū and marae connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Burleigh located in Blenheim?
Burleigh is an inner suburb on the southern side of central Blenheim, adjacent to the Omaka Aerodrome.
Is there a marae in Burleigh?
Yes, Ōmaka Marae at 120 Aerodrome Road serves the Tarakaipa hapū of Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō and is shared with other iwi.
What is the wharenui at Ōmaka Marae?
The Te Aroha o te Waipounamu wharenui was opened in 1985.
Can visitors enter Ōmaka Marae?
The marae is a working community space. Visitors should not enter without an invitation and must show respect for its private status.
What attractions are near Burleigh?
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and Omaka Classic Cars are at the adjacent Omaka Aerodrome, with Brayshaw Heritage Park a short distance away.
Is Burleigh a good base for exploring Blenheim?
Its central location offers easy access to the town centre and nearby heritage sites, though it remains primarily residential.
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