Queen Charlotte Drive
A roughly 35 km Marlborough Sounds coastal road from Picton to Havelock, with bends that link a string of bays and lookouts.
Queen Charlotte Drive connects Picton, the ferry port at the northern tip of the South Island, with Havelock, the self-proclaimed green-lipped mussel capital of the world. The road covers about 35 km and follows the edges of Queen Charlotte Sound and Pelorus Sound. It is a scenic alternative to Nelson for travellers who disembark from the Cook Strait ferry. The road winds along the hillsides past small bays including Ngākuta Bay, Momorangi Bay and Governors Bay. Multiple viewing platforms overlook Grove Arm and forest-covered islands. Some bays have picnic areas and campsites, and the bays are popular for swimming and kayaking in summer. In Havelock, visitors can taste fresh green-lipped mussels before continuing to the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve and Nelson. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours, or about 50 minutes of driving without stops. The road is narrow with many sharp bends, and it is frequently shared with cyclists and campervans, so overtake with care. Night driving is not recommended. Trailers and large campervans should take State Highway 6 via Blenheim instead.
Along the route
- Marlborough
- Marlborough
- Momorangi Bay
- Marlborough
- Marlborough