Weave, wend and wind your way round the scenic Sounds or go straight to Picton, the gateway to the whole of the North Island if you want to do a really serious road trip over the water, (our cars are insured to drive in both islands). With it’s cafes and marina it’s got to be the most charming ferry terminal anywhere, and it makes a great base for some further water borne exploring or Steam Train adventures via the Marlborough Flyer.
En route you could take in the legendary Queen Charlotte walking track and scenic drive alongside the Marlborough Sounds, a marvellous maze of inlets, coves and places to get away from it all. Turning off at Linkwater, you can track quite a way up to visit beautiful small bays on the narrow and very winding roads, but the views (for the passengers!) are worth it. Plus you get a really pleasant drive from Nelson via Havelock, the Green Mussel capital of the World, (sample them fresh from a boat trip or eat at the Slip Inn by the marina), and en route cross over the Pelorus River, with its cool easy woodland walks and safe refreshing bathing in the vivid blue green waters, where part of The Hobbit was filmed.
We recommend you visit the Love Marlborough website to plan your escape.
