Last updated November 2026
Beaver sculptures by the water in Riverside Park recall a time when Blenheim was known as “The Beaver”, a name that, according to the privately run Marlborough Online website, came from the town’s frequent floods. The park follows the Taylor River through central Blenheim, with access from High Street, Symons Street and Sinclair Street.
Marlborough District Council calls it “a tranquil rest stop along the Taylor River”: boardwalks, concrete paths and bridges cross and follow the river, and amphitheatre steps lead down to the water, where you can paddle your feet. There are lawns for a picnic and a boardwalk for feeding the ducks. The paths have wheelchair and pram access.
Practical Information
- Location
- High Street, central Blenheim, with access from High Street, Symons Street and Sinclair Street
- Distance from the city
- In central Blenheim
- Managed by
- Marlborough District Council
- Dogs
- On a leash, in the designated dog-on-leash area
- Facilities
- Boardwalks, concrete paths and bridges, amphitheatre steps to the water, picnic lawns; wheelchair and pram access
- Status
- Marlborough District Council: Riverside Park facility page
About Riverside Park
Riverside Park is centred on the Taylor River. The council describes boardwalks, concrete paths and bridges that give access both across and along the water, and the park also works as a walking link between the surrounding streets.
The same guide places it between the Hutcheson Street bridge and the Boathouse Theatre. The guide says the amphitheatre stands where a road bridge once carried State Highway 1 traffic over the river. When a new bridge was built nearby to realign the road, the old one was demolished and the recreational structures went in on its site.
The beaver sculptures near the water recall the town’s early names, “The Beaver” or “Beavertown”, which the guide links to frequent flooding. The same guide notes that the Blenheim Riverside Railway runs between Brayshaw Park and Riverside Park.
By the Water
The amphitheatre steps go down to the river’s edge, and the council suggests them as a place to dip your feet in the water. Nearby, a boardwalk is set aside for feeding the ducks, and the lawns give room to spread out a picnic rug.
Dogs are welcome on a leash in the designated dog-on-leash area. Keep an eye on young children near the river edge.
The Quays
Next to the park, the council’s small reserve called The Quays links High Street with Riverside Park and has seating.
Designed by Studio Pacific Architecture for Marlborough District Council after a design competition, it has grassy north-facing slopes, an accessible zig-zag path down to the river, a jetty-like lookout and gabion walls filled with local river stone, and it connects to the existing riverside boardwalk. It won an Award of Excellence in the urban spaces category of the 2019 New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects awards.
Where to Learn More
Marlborough District Council: Riverside Park: the park’s features, access streets and dog rules.
Marlborough District Council: The Quays: the small reserve linking High Street with Riverside Park.
New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects: The Quays: the award-winning design beside Riverside Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Riverside Park in Blenheim?
On the Taylor River in central Blenheim, off High Street, with access from High Street, Symons Street and Sinclair Street.
Can you paddle in the river at Riverside Park?
The council says the amphitheatre steps lead down to the water, where you can paddle your feet.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash in the park’s designated dog-on-leash area.
Is the park accessible for wheelchairs and prams?
Yes. The council lists wheelchair and pram access.
Can I feed the ducks?
Yes, the council mentions a boardwalk for duck feeding.
Why are there beaver sculptures in the park?
According to the Marlborough Online guide, they recall Blenheim’s early names, “The Beaver” or “Beavertown”, which came from frequent flooding.
What is The Quays?
A small council scenic reserve with seating that links High Street with Riverside Park. Its design won a New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Award of Excellence in 2019.
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