Brayshaw Heritage Park is a 4.5 km-from-CBD collection of historic buildings, museums and working heritage clubs, founded in 1968 on a former rubbish-dump site to house Norm Brayshaw’s collection of vintage agricultural machinery. The standout features are Beavertown — a fully furnished replica 1900s Blenheim street with shops, a jail, dentist, bank, newspaper office and fire station — plus the largest vintage farm machinery collection in the Southern Hemisphere, the Marlborough Museum, and the Blenheim Riverside Railway (a two-foot-gauge ride through the park). Run largely by 80+ volunteers, with Heritage Day on 6 February each year.
Practical Information
| Location | Brayshaw Park, Blenheim — 4.5 km from town centre, access from SH1 or SH6 |
| Established | 1968 (originally to house Norm Brayshaw’s vintage farm machinery collection) |
| Beavertown built | 1960 (replica 1900s street) |
| Resident organisations | Marlborough Museum, Vintage Car Club, Farm Machinery Museum, Rock and Mineral Club, Marlborough Associated Modellers, Blenheim Riverside Railway |
| Notable claim | Largest vintage farm machinery display in the Southern Hemisphere |
| Heritage Railway | Blenheim Riverside Railway — two-foot-gauge train ride through the park |
| Heritage Day | 6 February each year — pioneer skills, lost trades, full park activation |
| General entry | Free (some specific attractions or societies may charge) |
| Parking | Free, ample, easily accessible from main highways |
| Volunteers | 80+ — the park is run almost entirely by volunteer organisations |
About Brayshaw Heritage Park
Brayshaw Heritage Park was set up in 1968 on a piece of former rubbish-dump land south of Blenheim, originally to house the assortment of vintage agricultural machinery Norm Brayshaw had collected. Since then it has grown into a multi-organisation heritage precinct — the Marlborough Museum, several enthusiast clubs, and a network of restored buildings spread across the park. The land transformation from rubbish dump to heritage park is itself an unusual piece of Blenheim history.
The replica village Beavertown — built in 1960 — is the visual centrepiece. It recreates a 1900s Blenheim street with fully furnished shops, stables, a jail, dentist’s surgery, bank, newspaper office, and a replica fire station with early firefighting equipment. The buildings aren’t a backdrop — they’re interpreted as period rooms with their furnishings.
What’s On Site
Multiple resident organisations operate from the park, each with their own collection or activity. The Farm Machinery Museum holds what’s described as the largest vintage farm machinery display in the Southern Hemisphere, with rare tractors, engines and equipment. The Marlborough Museum covers regional history and runs collection-based displays. The Vintage Car Club, Rock and Mineral Club and Marlborough Associated Modellers all have their own presences. The Blenheim Riverside Railway runs a two-foot-gauge train ride through the park grounds.
Heritage Day — 6 February
Heritage Day on 6 February each year is the park’s flagship event — pioneer skills demonstrations, lost-trades activations, working machinery, and the resident clubs all open for the day. It’s the best day to visit if you want to see everything in operation at once.
Where to Learn More
Brayshaw Park — Beavertown official page — official park site with detail on Beavertown’s buildings and the current presentation of the replica street.
Marlborough Museum — Brayshaw Park Communities — the museum’s overview of the resident organisations and clubs sharing the park.
100% Pure NZ — Brayshaw Heritage Park — Tourism NZ’s listing with opening hours, location and visitor practical info.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Brayshaw Heritage Park?
About 4.5 km from central Blenheim, accessed from SH1 or SH6. Ample free parking on site.
When was Brayshaw Park established?
1968 — on a former rubbish-dump site, originally to house Norm Brayshaw’s vintage farm machinery collection.
What is Beavertown?
A fully furnished replica 1900s Blenheim street built in 1960, with shops, stables, a jail, dentist, bank, newspaper office and a fire station.
How much does it cost to visit Brayshaw Park?
General access is free. Some specific attractions or resident organisations may charge a small fee.
What is special about the Farm Machinery Museum?
It holds the largest vintage farm machinery display in the Southern Hemisphere.
Can you ride a train at Brayshaw Park?
Yes — the Blenheim Riverside Railway is a two-foot-gauge train ride through the park grounds.
When is Heritage Day?
6 February each year — pioneer skills, lost trades, working machinery and all resident clubs open.
For more Blenheim heritage and history sites see the historical and cultural sites guide. The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is another standout Marlborough museum.
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