The drive from Nelson to Picton takes in some of the best scenery the top of the South Island has to offer, including beautiful views of the Marlborough Sounds, a lovely riverside walk and heaps more. It only takes two hours to drive, but I’ll let you know the best detours and places to stop so you can make a day of it (or more).
Cable Bay
Cable Bay is the first place you’re likely to stop at, either for an uphill walk to see the views, some beach time or something a little more adrenaline-fueled at Cable Bay Adventure Park. The walk above Cable Bay is awesome — one of the best views in Nelson I reckon. Check out our post for details about the track.
A Detour to French Pass
From Cable Bay you’ll head over a big hill and then down into Rai Valley. From there you can do the long detour to French Pass (90 minutes +) or keep driving to Pelorus Bridge. If you’re in a rush you’ll have to skip the detour to French Pass, but those with time on their hands should consider it. It’s a long drive and the road is rough — beautiful views throughout though and lots of little bays and viewpoints to stop at.
At the end of the road you’ll find the tiny village of French Pass. You’re a long way from proper civilization here so unless you’re staying the night (a few places to stay along the road and in French Pass itself) you’ll have to turn around and head all the way back.
Pelorus Bridge
Unless you’re doing the detour to French Pass, Pelorus Bridge is the first place I’d recommend stopping at (Or Alfred Stream Reserve if you’re keen to freedom camp). Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve features short walks by the Pelorus / Rai rivers. One track takes you to some waterfalls while the main track passes through some stunning sections of river.
Havelock
Sir Ernest Rutherford called Havelock home for a spell during his childhood — you can learn more about him and the history of the area at Havelock Museum and the Rutherford – Pickering Memorial.
Havelock is also famous for its green-lipped mussels — there are a few places where you can try them in town. If you’re doing the drive from Nelson to Picton over multiple days it’d make sense to spend a night in Havelock.
Cullen Point Lookout
Just outside of Havelock is Cullen Point Lookout. A short track through the forest takes you to a series of clearings, with awesome views of Pelorus Sound. It’s the perfect length of walk for a drive like this.
Queen Charlotte Drive
From Cullen Point Lookout onwards you’ll be treated to beautiful roadside views. There are lots of little car parks and roadside clearings to stop at — definitely the most scenic part of the drive between Nelson and Picton! There are a few bays to stop at along Queen Charlotte Drive, some with camping grounds. We stayed at Aussie Bay a few years back (basic DOC camping ground) and next to it is Momorangi Bay (bigger camping ground).
Queen Charlotte Track
The Queen Charlotte Track starts near Anakiwa, a short drive off the main road just past Linkwater. You used to be able to drive further down that peninsula, all the way to Titirangi Bay but the road was damaged due to a storm a couple of years ago. You could do a short walk along the Queen Charlotte Track from the trailhead near Anakiwa or organise a boat to another section from Picton. That’s how we did it, staying at Lochmara Lodge and doing a small part of the track from there.
Ngakuta Bay
Ngakuta Bay is a good place to stop and stretch your legs along Queen Charlotte Drive — a picturesque little bay with a pier and nice views across Grove Arm.
Governors Bay
Governors Bay is just around the corner from Ngakuta Bay. It’s one of the top beaches in the Marlborough Sounds and is a popular boating spot for locals.
You’ll get an awesome view of Governors Bay from the car park / viewpoint above it (just past the main beach car park towards Picton). It takes 10 minutes or so to walk down to the beach from the road — a great spot for picnic!
Above Picton
The road continues around Queen Charlotte Sound before arriving at Picton. There are viewpoints above town, and a walking / cycling trail.
Nelson to Blenheim
The road from Nelson to Blenheim branches off in Havelock. From Havelock to Blenheim isn’t too exciting — nothing compared to the beauty of the Havelock to Picton leg. It takes just under two hours to drive between Nelson and Blenheim. From there, it’s 25 minutes to Picton or longer on the scenic route along the upper east coast (Whites Bay pictured below).
Picton
For many people it’ll be straight to the ferry terminal in Picton, but if you’ve got time to kill there’s heaps to see and do. There are some fun short walks (Snout Track / Tirohanga Track), beaches, a cute marina area with great views of the harbour and a good selection of food and drink options in the heart of the action.
READ MORE: 12 of the Best Things to Do in Picton
Are you planning a trip to New Zealand? Check out our South Island travel guide!
Jon Algie
Latest posts by Jon Algie (see all)
- Best Things to Do in Dunedin with Babies / Toddlers - March 8, 2025
- Supermarkets in New Zealand: A Guide For Tourists - February 10, 2025
- 8 of the Best Parks in Dunedin - December 16, 2024