The Wairau River at Ferry Bridge on Peninsula Road near Spring Creek is one of Marlborough’s most visited summer swimming spots — a wide gravel-bed river with sandy banks and good flow about 10 km west of Blenheim. Important: this site is currently closed to swimming until at least June 2027 while Marlborough District Council carries out major stopbank repair works. The works are essential flood protection for the Spring Creek community but make the river hazardous during the construction period. Check current status before planning a visit.
Practical Information
| Location | Ferry Bridge, Peninsula Road, Spring Creek — 10 km west of Blenheim |
|---|---|
| Current status | Closed to swimming until at least June 2027 |
| Closure reason | MDC stopbank repair works; machinery disturbing river silt |
| Normal access | Roadside parking off Peninsula Road at Ferry Bridge |
| Lifeguards | None — unpatrolled site |
| Water quality | Monitored at this site in season; check LAWA |
| River character | Wide braided river; deep sections; strong current possible |
| Cost | Free |
About the Site
Ferry Bridge takes its name from the flat-bottomed ferry that once crossed the Wairau River here before a bridge was built. The site on Peninsula Road has long been a popular access point to the river — the bank is gentle, there are small sandy areas at the water’s edge, and the wide gravel riverbed provides open space for families.
When open, the water is characteristically cold — the Wairau is a major braided river fed from alpine sources. The sandy sections attract swimmers but the depth is significant in the main channel and the site is not suitable for non-swimmers or young children without supervision. The river is not patrolled.
The Current Closure
In late 2025, Marlborough District Council closed Ferry Bridge to swimming until at least June 2027. The closure is to allow urgent repair of two sections of stopbank along Peninsula Road near Spring Creek. The stopbanks were damaged in the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake and further affected by the 2021 and 2022 floods. With large machinery operating on both sides of the Wairau River and silt being disturbed throughout the repair zone, the area has been assessed as too hazardous for public use.
The stopbank repairs protect the Spring Creek community from flooding in high-flow events. MDC has indicated they would consider temporary access if safe windows present themselves, but no firm reopening date before June 2027 has been set.
Water Quality (When Open)
The Ferry Bridge site is one of Marlborough’s officially monitored swimming sites. When open, E. coli levels are tested regularly during summer. For current water quality data check LAWA (lawa.org.nz/swim) under the Wairau River at Ferry Bridge listing. The standard river advice applies: avoid swimming for 2–3 days after heavy rain.
Where to learn more
- LAWA — Wairau River at Ferry Bridge — water quality data and current site status
- Marlborough District Council — stopbank works updates and access information
- Marlborough Online — Best swimming spots — full list of swimming locations around Marlborough
FAQ
Is Ferry Bridge swimming area open?
No — the site is closed to swimming until at least June 2027 due to MDC stopbank repair works on the Wairau River.
Why is it closed?
Large machinery carrying out flood protection works is disturbing silt throughout the river in this section, making the area unsafe for swimming. The stopbanks being repaired protect Spring Creek from flooding.
When will it reopen?
The expected closure is until June 2027. Check the MDC website for updates — temporary reopening windows may occur if conditions allow.
Are there alternative swimming spots nearby?
Whites Bay is the closest managed beach. The Wairau River at the Blenheim Rowing Club (Maxwell Road) is another monitored river site and is unaffected by this closure. See the Swimming in Blenheim hub for alternatives.
Is this the same as Spring Creek swimming?
Yes — Ferry Bridge on Peninsula Road is the main access point to the Wairau River at Spring Creek.
For other swimming options near Blenheim, see the Swimming in Blenheim hub. Whites Bay is the closest supervised coastal beach, about 20 minutes from central Blenheim.
