Flood Control and Lakeside Reserve
Taylor Dam is a large earthen flood protection structure built on the Taylor River to shield Blenheim from flood events. Since its completion in 1965, a lake has formed below the dam, and the surrounding land has been designated as a public reserve. The river runs past the lake and passes through a narrow channel. The lake also drains into the river through a narrow channel. Camping for self-contained camper vans is permitted in an area at the top of the access road.
The reserve also links to the Taylor River Reserve upstream, connecting to the Taylor River Trail all the way to Riverside Park in Blenheim.
Paths, Wildlife, and Facilities
A loop trail of about 1.9 km (1.2 miles) runs around parts of the dam lake, suitable for a gentle walk of about 25 minutes. The lake margins attract many water birds, including black swans (which can be touchy and aggressive in Spring), mallard ducks, coots, pūkeko, shags, and occasionally kāhu (harrier hawk). Eels inhabit the deeper water near the dam outlet. However, swimming is not recommended, but fishing for trout is permitted.
Picnic tables and seating are scattered throughout the reserve, and toilets are located in the northwest corner. Trees, mostly big exotic oaks and willows, provide shade in summer.
Engineering, History, and Purpose
Frequent floods in the Wairau-Taylor plain once threatened Blenheim. The Marlborough Catchment Board built the dam in 1965, and it is the largest earth flood protection structure, using compacted earth and rock. It includes a concrete outlet to regulate flows and an earth spillway for extreme overflow events.
Getting There
From central Blenheim, take Taylor Pass Road heading south-west. After about 7 km, turn into the upper reserve access gate off Taylor Pass Road. Parking is available near the reservoir and camping area, as well as in front of the lake.
If you’re walking or cycling, you can travel from Taylor Dam north via the Taylor River Trail to Riverside Park in central Blenheim. For further exploration, you can also access the Wither Hills Farm Park from Taylor Pass Road.
