Marlborough
For stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds on a tight schedule, try the three-hour return Snout Track. Starting in Victoria Domain, every step presents a gorgeous vista.
Havelock
route from Picton winds around the coast of Kenepuru Sound, presenting two-and-a-half hours of jaw-dropping views.
ORCAS Between October and March, orca visit Marlborough Sounds, often congregating close to shore. To see them, join a dedicated cruises .
THE LINK PATHWAY This 42km walking and mountain bike track connects Picton, Anakiwa and the Queen Charlotte Track, with the final link to Havelock completed in 2021.
ART GALLERIES The Diversion
Picton Picton © Adobe Stock BELOW: Havelock © MarlboroughNZ
PICTON HARBOUR Where picturesque village meets a bustling harbour. Watch the ferries coming and going from Wellington and dine on the foreshore, this busy marina never fails to feel jubilant.
Blenheim
QUEEN CHARLOTTE SOUND
Picton is on the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound. Explore by boat, bike, kayak and car, or take to the skies.
EDWIN FOX SHIP AND VISITOR CENTRE Home to the world’s oldest merchant ship. Built in 1853,
Marlborough the Edwin Fox remains wonderfully intact, despite its rich and colourful
past. Step inside to learn more.
Picton wharf.
PICTON HERITAGE & WHALING MUSEUM Discover the stories that
SWIM WITH DOLPHINS Very little enthrals as much as spotting wild dolphins. Swimming beside them in the sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds is bucketlist marvellous.
shaped the town you see today, including its whaling history. This period, albeit confronting, is conveyed via comprehensive displays.
VICTORIA DOMAIN Overlooking Picton Harbour and Queen Charlotte Sound, the domain is cloaked in forest and enveloped by water. TIROHANGA TRACK Stride out on a short but steep track through tree ferns to a hilltop graced with good views. Another good walk from Picton is to Bob’s Bay – 20 minutes from
Sounds
Havelock
CRUISE & STAY SAIL to a secluded lodge. Following a scenic cruise, both Beachcomber Cruises and Cougar Line drop their guests at accommodations often only accessible from the water.
THE KENEPURU ROAD Enjoy a scenic drive, windows down and views spilling through. This 100km
Picton
for great food, service and ambience, this bistro specialises in green-shell mussels and seafood. Dine alfresco or cosy-up next to the fireplace.
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THE SEAFOOD ODYSSEA CRUISE A cruise for the senses; treat your eyes to a landscape dotted with fish farms, and your taste buds to a mountain of local seafood and wine.
KAIPŪPŪ POINT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Ten minutes by boat or water taxi from Picton in Shakespeare Bay. If you’re feeling energetic, you could even kayak here. The 2.7km circular walking track snakes through bush-clad hills, home to native flora and fauna.
HAVELOCK MUSEUM Catching
PELORUS BRIDGE What New
up on the town’s history and stories from bygone residents will enrich every subsequent experience. Don’t miss the story of Pelorus Jack, the dolphin that guided ships through Cook Strait’s waters between 1888 and 1912.
Zealand does best: fabulous naturemade days out. Where the bridge crosses Pelorus River, walk to the waterfall and rock pool for refreshing swims; kayak in crystal-clear water; hike to a 417m peak or forge a route through forest.
PELORUS MAIL BOAT Operating three days a week, join the team at New Zealand Post to deliver mail by water. Crossing Queen Charlotte Sound, meet the locals while dropping off letters and groceries to The Sounds’ most remote places.
WAKAMARINA RIVER Nineteenth century folk struck gold in these waters. These days fortunes are found in the form of swimming holes and trout fishing. Stay at the Butchers Flat DOC campground for easy river access and nearby walking and MTB tracks.
GREENSHELL™ MUSSEL CRUISE
THE MUSSEL POT Consistently smashing the hospo hat trick
Gallery is an emporium of contemporary fine art near Picton’s waterfront; Good Day Gallery sits on High Street, open Thursday to Sunday and The Stevenson Collection sits just behind. A museum-cum-private art collection, free tours take place most days at 11am.
If leisurely cruises on azure water with freshly steamed mussels and sauvignon blanc sounds like you, jump on board for an indulgent halfday cruise.
HAVELOCK MUSSEL FESTIVAL As you’d expect, there are mussels aplenty at this one-day jamboree, as well as live music, entertainment, foods of all ilk, fine wine and local beer. Held every March.
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