Population
At the last New Zealand census in 2013, the combined population of the Marlborough and Kaikoura regions was 49,857. The majority of these people are located in the towns
of Blenheim, Picton and Kaikoura. Blenheim, which is located on the fertile Wairau Plain, has a population of over 24,000; Picton, at the terminus for the
Wellington-Picton ferries, has a population of over 2,500; and the Kaikoura township has a population of 3,555.| Main population centres: | |
| Blenheim | 24,183 |
| Renwick & Woodbourne | 2,517 |
| Picton | 2,745 |
| Havelock | 489 |
| Seddon | 507 |
| Kaikoura | 3,555 |
| Population mix: | |
| European | 93% |
| Maori | 13% |
| Pacific Island | 1% |
| Asian & Other | 1% |
| Age mix: | |
| Under 15 | 20% |
| 15 to 64 | 64% |
| 65+ | 16% |
Statistics from Statistics New Zealand
It's a Fact...
BEAVERTOWN
Because of its frequent floods and nearby swamps, Blenheim was once known as Beavertown. In February 1868, three days of heavy rain at Blenheim and in the surrounding hills caused major flooding. The rainfall for the three days at Blenheim was 104.5mm, causing the Wairau, Taylor and the Omaka rivers to become swollen. A Presbyterian church still being built floated downstream to lodge against the Omaka bridge.
Because of its frequent floods and nearby swamps, Blenheim was once known as Beavertown. In February 1868, three days of heavy rain at Blenheim and in the surrounding hills caused major flooding. The rainfall for the three days at Blenheim was 104.5mm, causing the Wairau, Taylor and the Omaka rivers to become swollen. A Presbyterian church still being built floated downstream to lodge against the Omaka bridge.