Last updated October 2026
Blenheim sits on the Whale Trail, the Marlborough and Kaikōura cycle trail, and two of its open sections start or finish in town.
The Wairau section runs 14.6 km from the Te Ārai o Wairau historic site at Tuamarino, across the Wairau River on a cycle bridge and into Blenheim, a ride of about 30 to 40 minutes. Heading south, the Awatere section covers 32.4 km from Blenheim over Redwood Pass to Seddon, allowing 120 minutes or more.
Practical Information
- Wairau section
- Tuamarino (Te Ārai o Wairau historic site) to Blenheim Railway Station: 14.6 km, about 30 to 40 minutes
- Awatere section
- Blenheim to Seddon: 32.4 km, 120 minutes or more
- Waitohi section (open parts)
- Factory Road towards the Picton Elevation (out and back), and the Picton Elevation through the Para Wetlands to Tuamarino
- Surface
- Sealed shared paths, gravel trail, and sealed and gravel roads
- Facilities
- On the Awatere section: Roadhouse coffee stop, Redwood Pass rest area, rest area and toilet at Constellation vineyard
- Managed by
- Marlborough Kaikōura Trail Trust
- Iwi partners
- Include Ngāti Rārua and Rangitāne o Wairau
- Status
- Check the Whale Trail’s trail warnings and alerts page for current closures before you ride
About the Whale Trail
The Whale Trail is made up of sections between Picton and Kaikōura. The Marlborough Kaikōura Trail Trust holds the trail’s name and logo. The trail’s website shows Marlborough District Council, Kaikōura District Council, the Rātā Foundation and the Provincial Growth Fund as foundation funders, and Ngāti Rārua and Rangitāne o Wairau among its iwi partners.
Around Blenheim, the Wairau and Awatere sections are open, and parts of the Waitohi section from Picton are open. Further south, the Flaxbourne (Seddon to Ward) and Kaikōura (Hapuku to Kaikōura) sections are open. Further sections are planned; the trail’s section list shows each one.
For Blenheim riders that means two very different rides from town. The Wairau section is a short run across the Wairau Plain that starts at the Te Ārai o Wairau historic site. The Awatere section is a longer outing through vineyards and over Redwood Pass to Seddon.
The Wairau Section: Tuamarino to Blenheim
The Wairau section begins at Te Ārai o Wairau, the Wairau Affray historical site at Tuamarino. From the site the trail crosses the Wairau River on a dedicated cycle bridge, joins the sealed shared path from Spring Creek and finishes at Blenheim Railway Station. The whole section is 14.6 km, about 30 to 40 minutes of riding.
Blenheim to Spring Creek shared path
The last part of the Wairau section uses the Blenheim to Spring Creek shared path, an easy, sealed 4.6 km walking and cycling path that runs beside State Highway 1. Marlborough NZ suggests turning back at Spring Creek, or carrying on along State Highway 6 to the cellar doors, which means riding on the road itself.
The Awatere Section: Blenheim to Seddon
The Awatere section is 32.4 km, and the trail allows 120 minutes or more. It leaves Blenheim heading east on a sealed shared path to Riverlands Cob Cottage, then follows a gravel trail through a Pernod Ricard vineyard and crosses State Highway 1. About 700 m later is the Roadhouse coffee stop.
From there the route heads to Redwood Pass Road and climbs over Redwood Pass, at 179 m, first on seal and then gravel, to a rest area built by the Blenheim South Rotary Club. A descent of about 3 km on gravel brings you back to seal and a rest area with a toilet at Constellation vineyard.
A sealed road leads almost to State Highway 1, and a flowing trail takes you to the 1902 Awatere road and rail bridge, before the route passes behind the golf course, turns onto Nursery Road and follows the blue line into Seddon. Look out for views of Tapuae-ō-Uenuku along the way.
Check the Whale Trail alerts page before you set out.
The Open Parts of the Waitohi Section
North of Tuamarino, two parts of the Waitohi section towards Picton are open: a short out-and-back ride from Factory Road towards the Picton Elevation through tōtara stands, which the trail suggests for families, and the trail from the Picton Elevation through the Para Wetlands to Tuamarino.
Where to Learn More
The Whale Trail: Trail sections: every section from Picton to Kaikōura, with its current status.
The Whale Trail: Trail warnings and alerts: closures and detours across the trail.
Marlborough NZ: Blenheim to Spring Creek: the regional tourism page for the shared path beside State Highway 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Whale Trail from Tuamarino to Blenheim?
The Wairau section is 14.6 km, about 30 to 40 minutes of riding.
Where does the Wairau section start?
At Te Ārai o Wairau, the Wairau Affray historic site at Tuamarino. It finishes at Blenheim Railway Station.
How long does it take to ride from Blenheim to Seddon?
The Awatere section is 32.4 km, and the trail allows 120 minutes or more.
Are there toilets on the Awatere section?
Yes, at the rest area at Constellation vineyard. There is also a coffee stop at the Roadhouse and a rest area at Redwood Pass.
Which parts of the Waitohi section are open?
A short out-and-back ride from Factory Road towards the Picton Elevation, and the trail from the Picton Elevation through the Para Wetlands to Tuamarino, where the Wairau section into Blenheim begins.
Is the Blenheim to Spring Creek path part of the Whale Trail?
Yes. The Wairau section joins the sealed Spring Creek to Blenheim path for its run into town.
What surfaces will I ride on?
The Awatere section mixes sealed shared path, gravel trail and sealed and gravel roads, including about 3 km of gravel down from Redwood Pass.
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