Last updated October 2026
The Esson’s Valley Tracks are two bush walks on the edge of Picton that lead to Humphries Dam and Barnes Dam, small concrete dams built for the town’s water supply. Both start together from the Garden Terrace car park, at the end of Devon Street, and split about 10 minutes in.
Marlborough District Council’s Picton brochure grades both moderate: the Humphries Dam Track is 40 minutes and 2,380 m, and the Barnes Dam Track 45 minutes and 2,716 m, one way. The council notes that glowworms may be seen at points along the walk at night.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check with Marlborough District Council for updates on Esson's Valley tracks on the day you walk.
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Practical Information
- Start
- Garden Terrace car park, at the end of Devon Street, Picton
- Distance from the city
- About 23 km from Blenheim
- Walking time
- Humphries Dam 40 min; Barnes Dam 45 min (one way)
- Track length
- Humphries Dam 2,380 m; Barnes Dam 2,716 m (council brochure)
- Grade
- Moderate
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads
- Bikes
- No cycling (Marlborough Walkers Guide)
- Facilities
- Picnic tables beside the dam and along the way; no toilets in the valley
- Managed by
- Marlborough District Council
- Status
- Check Marlborough District Council’s alerts page before you go.
About Esson’s Valley Tracks
Esson’s Valley lies on the southern side of Picton, about 15 minutes’ walk from the town centre according to the Marlborough Walkers Guide. The two tracks begin as one from the end of Garden Terrace and climb the valley beside the Waitohi River, through native forest that Marlborough Online describes as largely undisturbed, with many ferns including large tree ferns.
The Humphries Dam Track is the gentler of the two. The Walkers Guide says it follows a formed road and then a track of easy gradient through native forest to a picnic area. Marlborough Online describes the picnic area as sitting beside the lake formed by the dam.
The Barnes Dam Track turns off the Humphries Dam Track about 10 minutes from the start. The Walkers Guide says a steep stairway leads to the top of the dam structure at the end. It is the longer of the two, at 2,716 m one way.
The walks suit most fitness levels, according to the Walkers Guide, but are not suitable for wheelchairs. The Tirohanga Track, a steeper climb to a lookout over Picton, also starts at Garden Terrace, and Marlborough Online suggests it is easy to walk the dam tracks and the Tirohanga Track in one outing.
Picton’s Water Supply Dams
These dams are part of the story of Picton’s water. Marlborough District Council’s Picton water supply page explains that the town’s supply began in 1891 with a dam in the Waitohi Stream catchment, and that Humphries Dam was added in the 1920s. In the 1950s a new impounding dam and reservoir were built in Esson’s Valley.
Today the council says the early dams are no longer used. Picton’s water now comes from the Speeds Road bores and the Esson’s Valley water treatment plant, which is fed by gravity from Barnes Dam. That makes Barnes Dam part of the working supply.
Glowworms and Track Conditions
The council’s Picton brochure notes that glowworms may be seen at various points along the walk at night. If you go after dark, take a torch.
The Walkers Guide warns of several steep drop-offs along the tracks and says climbing over the barriers onto the dam wall is not recommended. Keep children close near the dams and stay on the track.
Where to Learn More
Marlborough District Council: Picton by Foot or Bike brochure and map (PDF): grades, times and distances for both dam tracks.
Marlborough District Council: Marlborough Walkers Guide (PDF): track descriptions, dog and cycling rules and facilities.
Marlborough District Council: Picton Water Supply: the history of the Esson’s Valley dams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the Esson’s Valley Tracks start?
Both start from the Garden Terrace car park, at the end of Devon Street in Picton.
How long do they take?
The council gives 40 minutes one way to Humphries Dam and 45 minutes one way to Barnes Dam.
Which track is harder?
Both are graded moderate. The Humphries Dam Track has an easy gradient for much of the way, while the Barnes Dam Track ends with a steep stairway to the top of the dam.
Can I take my dog?
Yes, on a lead, according to the Marlborough Walkers Guide.
Can I cycle the tracks?
No. The Walkers Guide says cycling is not permitted.
Are there glowworms?
Yes. The council’s brochure says glowworms may be seen at various points along the walk at night.
Are there toilets?
No toilets are provided in the valley, but there are picnic tables beside the dam and along the way.
Where can I check if the track is open?
Check Marlborough District Council’s alerts page before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track line and facts: Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission, from LINZ and DOC data (CC BY 4.0). Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.