7 minute read
ROAD TRIP - Blenheim to Havelock
A journey through Blenheim
Blenheim to Wairau Valley via SH 6 and SH 63, 30min, 38km
Advertisement
Blenheim to Havelock via Picton and SH 1 1hr 11min, 61.5km
Linkwater to Portage (Marlborough Sounds) via Kenepuru Rd 47min, 29km
Head north from the flat grape-growing plains of Blenheim with its regimental lines of vines, driving towards the picturesque port of Picton, gateway to the South Island. You’ll pass historic sites and dramatic woodlands before arriving at the Cook Strait ferry terminal.
From Picton the road continues to Havelock along one of the country’s most scenic stretches – Queen Charlotte Drive. Allow plenty of extra time to stop and take photos along this portionof your journey to the quaint aquaculture centre of Havelock. This is the start of the Treasured Pathway – a heritage highway which ends at Collingwood in Golden Bay.
Picton from the air © Destination Marlborough
PICTON
The Cook Strait ferries come and gofrom here so there is always a buzz inthe air. In summer Picton has a realresort feel, especially on the foreshore.
Highlights of this pretty town include its jostling marina and a landscape that throbs with island sanctuaries and wildlife; the Edwin Fox Ship & Visitor Centre (complete with namesake 166-year-old ship) and the Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum sits on London Quay. Art lovers should nip into the contemporary Good Day Gallery, which hosts hundreds of artworks and hides an art museum just behind: open for free art tours most days at 11am. For adventurers, Blumine Island’s scenic reserve is 22km off Picton’s shoreline, with native birdlife, historical war bunkers and a Department of Conservation campsite. Water taxis or kayaks are your best means of getting there.
> Queen Charlotte Track
> Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum
> Tirohanga Track
> Havelock Museum
> Edwin Fox Historic Ship
Ferry on the Cook Strait © Johnny Hendrikus
WAIRAU BAR
ONE OF AOTEAROA’S OLDEST ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES, THIS 19-HECTARE GRAVEL BAR HAS FORMED IN CLOUDY BAY,WHERE THE WAIRAU RIVER MEETS THE SEA.RECOVERED ARTEFACTS DATE BACK TO 1300 CE AND CORRELATE TO NEW ZEALAND’S EARLIEST HUMAN INHABITANTS. DRIVE FROM PICTON IN 20 MINUTES.
Havelock © Only Marlborough
HIGHLIGHTS
PICTON HARBOUR Where picturesque village meets a bustling harbour. Dine on the foreshore and absorb the busy marina.
TAYLOR RIVER TRAIL, BLENHEIM As the trail winds its way along the riverbank, you’ll pass the exit to the Wither Hills Farm Park and Mountain Bike Park, plus access to the Ben Morven Track.
KAYAK QUEEN CHARLOTTE SOUND Launch from Ngākuta Bay, 20 minutes from Picton, and discover beautiful bays, quiet coves, land and sea-based wildlife.
LOCHMARA LODGE Take a 20-minute boat trip from Picton to this popular ecohotel and arts destination on the shores of Queen Charlotte Sound. It’s also a wildlife recovery centre and education centre with an underwater observatory.
MARLBOROUGH WINE TOUR & SEAFOOD CRUISE Visit Marlboroughwineries and taste their wares, then relax on a seafood cruise and learn about marine farming while sampling freshly steamed seafood and wine.
KAIPŪPŪ WILDLIFE SANCTUARY in Shakespeare Bay, near Picton. A mainland island accessible by boat with a 2.7km walking track through bush full of protected birdlife.
WHITES BAY Grab a picnic and hit Whites Bay, just over the hill from Rārangi between Picton and Blenheim. The myriad of walking tracks through the bush and the small surf makes it ideal for families to enjoy.
BOB’S BAY RESERVE The bay is pebbled but what it lacks in fine sand, it makes up for in aqua-blue water, sheltered swims and a grassy verge. It’s 30 minutes on foot from Shelly Beach near Picton.
MUSSELS Havelock is green-shell mussel capital of New Zealand.
Going by both its English moniker, SHIP COVE, and its original Māori name, MERETOTO, this bay was navigated by both renowned Māori voyager, Kupe, and Captain James Cook. Interpretation panels detail the stories of both men.
TUAMARINA CEMETERY, 10km north of Blenheim, includes a memorial to the Wairau affray in 1843, the first conflict between the Māori and the Europeans following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
EDWIN FOX SHIP & VISITOR CENTRE at Picton’s Dunbar Wharf is the resting place of the world’s ninth oldest ship, built 166 years ago in Calcutta.
THE PELORUS MAIL BOAT Hop aboard the country’s longest officially licensedNew Zealand Post mail run for insight into life in remote parts of The Sounds.
TOP WALKS
Walking, Marlborough Sounds © Destination Marlborough
QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK Walk or bike this iconic, well defined 70km stretch of the Marlborough Sounds, from Ship Cove (the most popular starting point) to Anakiwa. Most walkers allow four or five days.
NYDIA TRACK A moderate two-day, 27km tramp with superb views from the top of the two saddles it crosses. The snout From Picton’s Victoria Domain, a wide driveway links to walking and cycling tracks and a bush walk that begins with an uphill climb with glimpses of the Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton Wharf and township.
TIROHANGA TRACK Give yourself 50 minutes each way to climb to the top of the track for startling views over The Sounds and Picton.
LINK PATHWAY An historic track that follows an old bridle trail. This is a 42km walking and mountain bike track that connects Havelock, Picton, Anakiwa and the Queen Charlotte Track.
The Link Pathway © Destination Marlborough
SPRING CREEK
DISCOVER THIS SLEEPY TOWNSHIP 20 MINUTES SOUTH OF PICTON. THE SPRING CREEK HOLIDAY PARK OFFERS A FAMILY- FRIENDLY CAMPSITE BESIDE THE FLOWING SPRING CREEK.
SIDE TRIP TO WAIRAU VALLEY
The Golden Mile © Destination Marlborough
Opening out onto the Wairau Plain where Renwick and Blenheim are sited, this valley is where Marlborough’s most famous wine industry is found.
RAPAURA RD in the heart of Marlborough’s top grape growing region, discover various vineyards and the Vines Village, with boutique shopping, a café and even tastings at the Gin Room.
THE GOLDEN MILE is actually a 6km bike ride through Rapaura and Renwick that features nine wineries. Win a prize by becoming a Golden Mile champion.
CORK & KEG You’ll get a warm welcome at this popular English-style pub in Renwick.
RENWICK MUSEUM Opened in 1967, this museum follows the town’s journey from the pioneering days of the 1850s.
DROP INTO HAVELOCK
The Mussel Pot, Havelock © Destination Marlborough
This peaceful port grants access to the Mahau, Kenepuru and Pelorus sounds, with many boat trips on offer and water taxis available. The Pelorus Mail Boat departs from here while other boat trips include the popular Greenshell Mussel Cruise, which highlights the crustacean’s influence on the area. Located in the Havelock Marina, Mills Bay Mussels is open Wednesday to Sundayfor free mussel tastings, and the famed Mussel Pot bistro specialises in green-shell mussels and fresh seafood.
SIDE TRIP TO MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS
Marlborough Sounds © Destination Marlborough
Ship Cove waterfall © Mike Heydon
The pristine waters of the Marlborough Sounds – with 1500km of winding coastline – is stunning at every twist and turn, every beach and bay. These ancient valleys now filled with water accommodate amazing marine life including dolphins, seals and whales. Boat trips, kayaking, tramping and mountain biking are all popular. You’ll find many options for accommodation – from luxury lodges and eco-sanctuaries to camping grounds.
Ship Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound was the base for Captain James Cook and his crew when they travelled here in The Endeavour in 1770. A monument commemorates the visit. During their stay they raised a flag on nearby Motuara Island to claim sovereignty over the surrounding area and named it Queen Charlotte Sound in honour of King George III’s consort. Māori have always known it as Tōtaranui (‘nui’ meaning big and ‘tōtara’ the tree, due to the tree-like shape made by the inlets).
Ship Cove can be reached by boat but also by walking the Queen Charlotte Track, the views from which are stunning, including not just of Queen Charlotte Sound but also, on the other side of the peninsula, Kenepuru Sound. The largest though is Pelorus Sound, which is 42km long.
