From Picton Through the Marlborough Sounds to Nelson
A two-day drive from the Cook Strait ferry along Queen Charlotte Drive and SH6 to Nelson, with sound views, mussels and river forest.
- Distance
- 178 km (110 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 56 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 9
- States
- New Zealand
- Updated
- May 8, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 178 km (110 mi) with 9 stops, from Picton to Centre of New Zealand Walk. About 1 h 56 min of driving in total.
More road trips in New Zealand
Route description
Picton sits at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, where the Cook Strait ferries dock; check Interislander and Bluebridge timetables, as sailings and terminals change. Drive Auckland Street to the foreshore, then walk to the Edwin Fox, the old ship that survived voyages from Australia to the Crimea. Fuel up in town, as services along Queen Charlotte Drive are few.
Queen Charlotte Drive leaves Picton and climbs and falls beside the sound for about 35 km to Havelock. The road is narrow and winding, with long sections of no overtaking and several one-lane bridges; allow about an hour and use pull-offs. Anakiwa, near the end, has the start of the Queen Charlotte Track and a quiet bay for a break.
Havelock is the mussel town, so stop for lunch at the marina. From here SH6 runs west through the Pelorus Valley to Pelorus Bridge, a DOC reserve with a campsite and short river walks, about 25 km further on. A side trip to French Pass is a full-day gravel excursion; skip it with a large vehicle or in wet weather.
From Pelorus Bridge, SH6 crosses the Rai Saddle (around 15 minutes of bends) and drops to Nelson, about 65 km. The total from Picton is about two and a half hours without stops. Walk to the Centre of New Zealand lookout above the city. Freedom camping is restricted around Nelson, so book a holiday park or check council signs and use certified self-contained vehicles only.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Picton
New Zealand - 21 km
Edwin Fox Museum and Picton Foreshore
HistoryPicton, New ZealandThe Edwin Fox, built in 1853, is the world's second-oldest surviving merchant sailing ship and sits in a dry dock beside the foreshore. Combine the museum with a stroll along the harbour; parking by the marina is signposted and busy when the ferries arrive.
- 39 km
Anakiwa and Queen Charlotte Track Start
NatureHavelock, New ZealandA quiet bay at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound where the Queen Charlotte Track begins its 70 km run to Ship Cove. A short out-and-back on the first section gives sound views through beech and fern; park at the road end and check the tide at the foreshore.
- 414 km
Havelock
New Zealand - 50 km
Havelock Marina and Mussel Cafes
FoodHavelock, New ZealandHavelock calls itself the green-lipped mussel capital, and the working marina is lined with cafes serving fresh Pelorus Sound mussels. Sit by the water, then walk the short Skiff Track on the foreshore. Lunch is the busiest time when tour coaches stop.
- 620 km
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve and Campsite
NatureHavelock, New ZealandA DOC reserve of podocarp forest around a clear green river, crossed by an old iron bridge on SH6. Short loop walks lead to swimming holes and the Pelorus River Track; the riverside campsite is popular with campervans and should be booked ahead in summer.
- 758 km
French Pass and D'Urville Island Gateway
ViewsHavelock, New ZealandA remote hamlet on a narrow channel where tides race through at up to eight knots, reached by a long and partly unsealed road from Rai Valley. Allow at least two hours each way, avoid large motorhomes on the winding gravel sections, and bring fuel and food.
- 873 km
Nelson
New Zealand - 91 km
Centre of New Zealand Walk
ViewsNelson, New ZealandA steady twenty-minute climb through Botanical Hill reserve to the survey point marking the geographic centre of the country, with views across Nelson and Tasman Bay. Start from the Botanical Reserve near the Maitai River; the car park is small, so arrive early.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Picton → French Pass and D'Urville Island Gateway · 103 km · 1 h 07 minOn the way: Edwin Fox Museum and Picton Foreshore, Anakiwa and Queen Charlotte Track Start, Havelock, Havelock Marina and Mussel Cafes, Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve and Campsite.
- Day 2: French Pass and D'Urville Island Gateway → Centre of New Zealand Walk · 75 km · 0 h 49 minOn the way: Nelson.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is From Picton Through the Marlborough Sounds to Nelson?
2-day road trip of about 178 km (110 mi) with 9 stops, from Picton to Centre of New Zealand Walk. About 1 h 56 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for From Picton Through the Marlborough Sounds to Nelson?
We suggest 2 days: about 1 h 56 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does From Picton Through the Marlborough Sounds to Nelson start and end?
It starts in Picton and ends in Centre of New Zealand Walk.
Which states does From Picton Through the Marlborough Sounds to Nelson pass through?
New Zealand.
When is the best time for From Picton Through the Marlborough Sounds to Nelson?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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