Popular Marlborough Swimming Spots Closed for Summer

Another popular swimming area in Marlborough will be closed this summer because of flood repairs.

The Marlborough district Council announced that Ferry Bridge will be closed until June 2027 while crucial stopbank repairs are completed.

Richard coningham, the Council’s infrastructure and services manager, said that the repairs will involve heavy machinery working on both sides of the Wairau River.This will stir up silt, making the water unsafe for swimming.

“We didn’t make this decision easily. Our top priority is public safety, and we need to complete this importent flood control work to protect the Spring Creek community,” Coningham said.

Coningham added that if it’s possible to temporarily open Ferry Bridge for swimming, they will. Though, he couldn’t guarantee it.

“The Council is sorry for any trouble this causes. We certainly no this area is very popular,” he said. “But Marlborough has many other rivers and beaches. We encourage peopel to explore new places.”

Whites bay beach is also closed. The Department of Conservation (DOC) closed the Whites Bay campsite in July due to “important flood damage” and is asking people to stay away.

Stacey Wrenn, DOC operations manager, said that as the campsite is closed, there is no way to access the beach.

The Council encourages people to explore other swimming spots in the Marlborough region.