Suggested Day Trips From Havelock Holiday Park
Day Trip 1
One of the most popular reasons for coming to Havelock is to experience the Pelorus Mail Boat. It’s a day trip in its own right, heading out at 10:00am and returning around 4:00-4:30pm , so this is the trip to plan all your other activities around. We can book it for you.
- Pelorus Mail Boat – discover the fascinating life of a Sea Postie
Day Trip 2
Most people think of Abel Tasman or Kaikoura when kayaking is mentioned. On our doorstep is a small but very busy kayak company that provides some cool options for those wanting a less passive experience on the water. The best time to be on the water in a kayak is in the morning so on your way back to Havelock, I’d suggest stopping off at Cullen Point for a short walk.
- Guided Kayak trip in Queen Charlotte Sound – you might prefer to kayak by yourself or a combination Kayak/Hike, Kayak/Bike or just a Mountain Bike hire. Whatever you wish can be organised through a local company that is known for its’ expertise and quality equipment. They are sometimes able to pick up from our Reception for a small charge.
- Cullen Point – admire the excellent views of the Pelorus Sounds and Havelock from the car park if you are short of time. If you have up to an hour to spare then you must walk the Cullen Point Loop Track to experience the views that make this one of the nicest short walks around. It’s well worth the effort. Hint: The Cullen Point Trig track is what most people walk as its short. Whilst it gives you a great cardio workout it’s views are very disappointing. The Loop Track is by far the better of the two.
Day Trip 3
Some people are not interested in a full day on the water, so this suggestion combines a bit of boat time and some time on land checking out the township. Start your morning off with breakfast or coffee, follow it up with visits to the Museum and the Art Gallery.
- Havelock Museum – a collection of pioneer stories told through photos, collections and implements.
- Havelock Art Gallery – visitors are always amazed at the local talent in Havelock. Passionate volunteers are always happy to guide visitors through the artworks on display and for sale.
Continue through the township and then try either of these walks:
- The Waterfall walking track – (approx: 1 hr return) winds uphill through a gully of native bush until it reaches a picturesque waterfall. Intrepid adventurers can clamber up to the top of the hill for amazing views but the path for this part of the adventure is unformed and a very good workout.
- The Motuweka Pathway – (approx: 45 min return) walk through the historic Havelock Cemetery and then along the South Mole out to the entrance of the Havelock Marina. It’s a popular walk as it is flat and a good opportunity to view the varied bird life that lives in or visits the Kaituna Estuary.
- or have a go at the Takorika track – (approx 3-4 hours) – Takorika (721 m) is a hill immediately west of Havelock. A network of
tracks provide several options for reaching the summit. Takorika’s
eastern slopes form the catchment of the town’s former water supply and
feature some nice native bush and two waterfalls.
Then take one of these boat trips in the afternoon. You’ll need to book beforehand so check with us the day before for prices and availability.
- Pelorus Water Taxi – short cruises for those that don’t want to spend all day on the water. Learn all about the local history and mussel farms while picking up or dropping off trampers and locals around the Sounds.
- Greenshell Mussel Cruise in Marlborough Sounds – visit a mussel farm, learn about the process of growing and taste the results.
- Pelorus Eco Adventures – inflatable Kayak trips down the Pelorus River. No experience necessary. Visit some of the film locations for the Hobbit Movie.
If you still have some energy, then after dinner, try this short walk.
- At night, a short 10 minute walk up the Waterfall track will bring you to a wall of Glow Worms. A great walk after dinner but take a torch and wear shoes with a decent tread.
Day Trip 4 (Only available 11th June – 20th August)
2017 was the first time that there will be Whale Watching Tours being offered out of the Marlborough Sounds.
Humpback Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales have been migrating through the Cook Strait for millions of years following this traditional route to their summer feeding grounds. This is the only place in New Zealand were it is possible to be so close to shore and see the migrating giant baleen whales, maybe you will see the largest creature on the planet, the Blue Whale.
During this 4-5 hr tour you will be taken to see the only restored whale station in New Zealand where you can see the professional audio/ visual presentation in the restored recreation room. This room also now has actual family photos and also DOC information panels showing how life was for the workers, families and whales from 1920-1964. Then you will head out with a small exclusive 14 passenger Whale Watching boat with your own set of binoculars and Whale ID card to find a whale . The boat will be guided from shore by our whale spotters whom will locate and direct your boat to a whale just as it was done for over 150 years.
Check with us for more details of this exciting trip. It is only for 10 weeks a year so it is very special.
Day Trip 1
French Pass is a narrow and potentially treacherous stretch of water between d’Urville Island and part of the northern end of the South Island. With a large body of water on either side of the pass, the tidal changes are worth witnessing. The water can race through at up to eight knots resulting in strong eddies, currents and whirlpools making it a dangerous stretch of water during tidal changes. Tourists and locals assure me that you can hear the water moving when this occurs.
- French Pass via Okiwi and Elaine Bays
It takes two hours to drive to French Pass from Havelock Holiday Park. It pays to check the tide charts beforehand so that you can arrive at the right time of day to witness this phenomenon. Depending on the tides, you will have time to visit Okiwi and Elaine Bays on the way there or back.
Day Trip 2
Another great trip is the loop – Havelock to Nelson, then on to the Nelson Lakes and return to Havelock.
- A large Saturday Market operates in Nelson all year round, with a plethora of food, crafts and locally made goods. On Sunday, it becomes Monty’s Sunday Market where you can find “recycled treasures, collectables, vintage, new, brunch and more.”
- Most visitors to Nelson make sure they fit in a visit to the incredible wearable art displays at the WOW Museum. If it gets too much for the guys then part of the complex is filled with classic and vintage cars. Both parts of the museum are worth visiting by both sexes.
- After leaving the WOW Museum, continue heading along SH6 past Richmond and Wakefield, turn left into SH63 and head for the alpine village of St Arnaud. Once in the township turn right into Kerr Bay Rd and drive down to the waters edge. Be prepared for two things:
- – the untamed beauty of the Nelson Lakes National Park
- – and sandflies
- Leaving St Arnaud, continue along SH63 until you reach Renwick then it is left onto SH6 and head back to Havelock.
Day Trip 3
A popular day trip is taking the 45 minute drive to Picton. There are several routes, all with very different scenery. Some are well known but hopefully the following will give you some new ideas.
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Route 1
- Head towards Renwick and Blenheim, turn left into Queen Charlotte Drive just before you leave Havelock
- Stop at the Cullen Point carpark at the top of the hill
- Walk around the loop track for many amazing views of Havelock and the Sounds (35 – 60 mins)
- Walk up to the Lookout (10 mins)
- if you do not have the time or cannot handle walks with medium to steep slopes, then walk to each end of the carpark to get a sample of the views available.
- Stop at the artists galleries as you come down the other side of the hill. It is well sign posted so you will have no problems finding them.
- Stop at the lookout point just before the road descends into Picton
- Pick from the list below for Picton based activities that interest you
- Return to Havelock by heading on SH1 towards Blenheim and turning right into Rapaura Rd when you come into Spring Creek.
- Stop at Makana Chocolate Factory to sample what I believe is the best chocolate in NZ (open until 5:30pm)
- Check out one or two of the wineries for a spot of wine tasting (open until 4pm)
- Keep an eye out for the turn off to Moa Brewing Company
- Vines Village where there are 8 Artisan Shops, wine tasting, bike hire and a whole lot more
- Turn right at the end of Rapaura Rd and it is only 10-15 minutes drive back to Havelock
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Route 2
- Head towards Renwick
- You have a choice when you reach the Rapaura Rd turn off
- either continue into Renwick and stop at the Renwick Bakery to pick up some lunch or a late breakfast
- the pies are fantastic and the bread rolls / sandwiches look good too
- or turn left into Rapaura Rd and avoid temptation
- either continue into Renwick and stop at the Renwick Bakery to pick up some lunch or a late breakfast
- Along the length of Rapaura Rd there is a large choice of places to visit
- Vines Village where there are 8 Artisan Shops, wine tasting, bike hire and a whole lot more
- Keep an eye out for the turn off to Moa Brewing Company (open until 5pm)
- Check out one or two of the wineries for a spot of wine tasting (open until 4pm)
- Stop at Makana Chocolate Factory to sample what I believe is the best chocolate in NZ (open until 5:30pm)
- Turn left onto SH1 when you get to the end of Rapaura Rd and then right into Hunter Rd when you get to Tuamarina.
- Hunter Rd becomes Pembers Rd and then it becomes Rarangi Rd. Stay on Rarangi Rd until it reaches the beach and follow it to the left where it becomes Rarangi Beach Rd. Follow the road to the end of the beach where it runs into Port Underwood Rd.
- Port Underwood Rd follows the coastline all the way back to Picton. It is a mixture of sealed roads and unsealed (1/3 sealed, 1/3 unsealed, 1/3 sealed). The unsealed section can get a bit rough at times but if it is in good condition you are treated with some lovely views of the outside of the Marlborough Sounds. Along the way you will pass:
- Whites Bay which is Blenheim’s swimming beach
- Robin Hood Bay
- Ocean Bay
- and numerous others until you reach Picton.
- Pick from the list below for Picton based activities that interest you
- Return to Havelock via Queen Charlotte Road
Picton Activities
- EcoWorld Aquarium – see the local sea life in Picton including many different fish species from the Marlborough Sounds, Little Blue Penguins, Seahorses, Tuatara, Giant Weta, Lizards, Turtles and Kakariki. Make sure you get there for the tours @ 11am and 2pm.
- Mini Golf – 18 holes on the Foreshore
- Edwin Fox Fox Maritime Museum – Built in Calcutta in 1853, apparently these remains are from the 9th oldest ship in existence. The decision was made to preserve, rather than restore this interesting wreck. Well worth a visit, your admission fee includes a tour of the ship.
- Sea Kayaking, walking, mountain biking
- Dolphin swimming and viewing in Marlborough Sounds
- Diving and Snorkeling in the Sounds. There are several wrecks and reserves that provide lovely opportunities for divers of all experiences.
- Ride the miniature train or sail a miniature yacht. Sundays 10am to 4pm. Only 20c a go, so it’s great for the kids.
- various walks in and around Picton ranging from 10 minutes to 3 hours.
Day Trip 1
We are only fifteen minutes from the majority of the wineries in Marlborough. You have a few ways of checking out the wineries and their wares.
Drive yourself. This gives you the freedom of going exactly where you want to go. However, if you do not have the luxury of a designated driver, you will be limited to the number of wineries that you can visit and carry out tastings. Please be very aware of our lowered Drink Drive Limit which has made it very difficult to work out what you are allowed. My guess is that two wineries would bring you dangerously close to the legal limit.
Bike Hire. You can explore the local wineries at your own pace on a bicycle – if you have not brought your own bike, there are several bike hire companies that we can put you in touch with. Armed with a wine map, tons of advice and a well-equipped bike you can head out to the nearby wineries. With the extra time that it takes between wineries and the energy required turning the pedals, I have never seen anyone return feeling tipsy. It does pay to be cautious though and the responsibility is always yours.
3/ Another, safer option is to take an Organised Wine Tour. You often have input as to where you would like to go but the tours have to try and please everyone, so your guide will always have the last say. Several Blenheim based wine tours will pick up from Havelock but have to charge an extra surcharge as Havelock is outside their normal routes. The big advantage is that they will pick you up and drop you off afterwards so you do not have to drive anywhere.
Marlborough is lucky to house a diverse group of painters, potters, sculptors, ceramic and glass artists that open their galleries and studios to visitors. While you soak up this picturesque region, why not spend the day visiting these talented people and share their interpretations of the region they live in.
- Artists of Marlborough have produced a booklet showcasing their creations along with a map to help you find them. Check them out online and pickup the booklet from our reception.
Don’t forget to check out our very own Art Gallery in Havelock before you head out. Although small, it is packed with creations from our extremely talented locals. It should be on your “must see” list.