Grovetown Lagoon

This quiet inland wetland near Blenheim was originally part of Wairau Pa and the marae is just across the river.

The lagoon was formed when the Wairau River changed its course during a massive flood in 1861, turning a bend into a circular lake. It is home to a variety of birds, for example, pukeko, kingfisher, coot, scaup, black swan, black shag, heron, paradise duck, hawks, and welcome swallows. For this reason it was traditionally a source of kai and held great value.

During the flood, the shape of the Pa changed, with the area for the living being separated from the Urupa, and the Pakeha-built steam wharf which facilitated coastal shipping here became inaccessible. Stopbanks were then installed on the river which made the changes permanent.

Unfortunately, like many wetlands, the lagoon was disrespected for a long period and fell into a poor state, the primary problem being pest English Willow Trees which are incompatible with a healthy natural environment.

The Te Whanau Hou - Grovetown Lagoon Project was the saviour, with mammoth cleanup and planting efforts since 2002 culminating in the track opening in 2014 and a full circuit being created with the addition of a bridge in 2016. The circuit track outside the oxbow is 3.8 kilometres long and dogs are allowed on a lead but not encouraged. It is OK to kayak here, the launch point is halfway along the Steam Wharf Road.

Those involved in the project have now moved on to improving the river bank area, where the Wairau Rowing Club has it's home. They club has an imposing concrete shed for their boats and row on the river, not the lake.

Image Credit: Alison Stephens