Skip to content

This 325km loop encompasses some lovely delights local to Nelson and Marlborough wine regions.

The engaging switchback hill climb up the Whangamoa Saddle, the superb vineyards of Blenheim, the twisting wonderful views of the Marlborough Sounds, the long straight blast to woodland or Alpine walks around the tranquil Nelson Lakes at St Arnaud…and when you want a break from driving there’s even the opportunity for a Steam Train ride from Picton.

The Top of the South Nelson to Blenheim Loop

Delights that await you...

Click through the gallery below to see just some of the delights that await you en route, some of which were taken on my own adventures, (you can probably spot those ones….)

Melrose House Cafe
Melrose House Cafe

Take Afternoon Tea in fine style at Melrose House, Nelson

Don't flex your mussels, eat them on a boat cruise...trust me they are delicious

Who would have thought a Ferry Terminal could look this attractive? Picton perfect...

A better way to let off steam, running from Picton to Blenheim

Vineyards at Blenheim

Lake Rotoiti

The tranquil Nelson Lakes in winter

An evening stroll on the waterfront, Rocks Rd, Nelson

Melrose House CafeLake Rotoiti

Of further interest...?

Saab Driving in New Zealand sign post

Driving in New Zealand

New Zealand roads must surely be the best kept secret in the motoring world.            

Read more

Road Trip Driving Routes

  Whether you fancy a drive to last a day or a lifetime, have we got the routes, the roads and the rental car rarities…

Read more
Chauffeured, any Nelson car $75/hr

Chauffeur / Private Driver Tours

We do the driving in any of our cars, you soak in the scenery & sunshine... ...even from a convertible, as our private driver services…

Read more
UE Roll Bluetooth Portable Speaker - Link to SmartPhone - $15nzd

The Best Driving Music

Contentious waters but basically we know we're right here...hire our Portable Bluetooth Speaker and feast your ears on this lot....

Read more

Which car to take...?

Our 2008 BMW John Cooper Works Mini would surely be screaming ‘pick me, pick me!’, and with good reason. The Queen Charlotte scenic route from Havelock to Picton is one of the twistiest in New Zealand and that’s just where this car excels. It would also be brilliant on the long straights and sweeping curves, and at finding a parking place right outside the charming cafes in Picton…

Back To Top