Billy Connolly Drives New Zealand

Day 8: Wellington to Kaikoura

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Wellington - Picton 3 hrs  98/61 Picton - Blenheim 0.5 hr  28/18 Blenheim - Kaikoura 1.75 hrs  129/81   Totals for Day 5.25 hrs  255/159

Wellington - Picton - Blenheim - Kaikoura

Wellington City is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot. Enjoy cafes, restaurants, museums and all kinds of shops. Dance, theatre and musical performances are a Wellington specialty. As New Zealand’s capital, this city is rich in political history.

The passage across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds is one of the most scenic ferry trips in the world. The fast ferry makes the trip in just over 2 hours, the cruise-style ferry takes 3 hours. Both types of vessel can transport vehicles. Highlights along the way include the Red Rocks seal colony, Tory Channel, Cook’s Lookout and the beautiful coves of the sounds.

The picturesque seaside town of Picton is the South Island base for the ferry service that links the North and South islands of New Zealand. It’s also the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. Museums and interesting walks will keep you entertained while you’re here.

Scenic Highlights

Archives New Zealand
At Archives New Zealand, you can view fascinating displays based on historic documents, maps, paintings, photos and films.

Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
Enjoy sweeping views from hiking and riding trails in this historic forest park. Learn about Maori history while you relish the farm-fresh air.

Wellington Walkways
Views, forests, parks and gardens keep things interesting along these signposted Wellington walkways.

Wrights Hill Fortress and Recreation Reserve
Wrights Hill offers 360 degree views of Wellington and the surrounding area, as well as walking tracks and picnic areas.

Marlborough Sounds
Enjoy long sheltered inlets, clear waters and sandy bays. Hike through the forest or kayak around the headlands to discover a fresh location each day.

Zealandia - The Karori Sanctuary Experience
This significant conservation attraction is located in a secluded suburban valley - just 2.5 kilometres from Wellington's central business district.

Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve
A boat trip to the Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve is an inspired way to enjoy the extraordinary scenery of the Marlborough Sounds.

Makara Track
Makara Walking Track combines spectacular long-range views with a walk along a wild, west coast beach.

Matiu/Somes Island
Maori history, early European history, war stories and wildlife - this island, in the middle of Wellington Harbour, has it all.

National War Memorial and Carillon
In a beautiful art deco setting, learn about defining times in New Zealand's history and discover a huge musical bell instrument.

Mount Victoria
Breathtaking views and great walking tracks reward those who venture to the top of Mount Victoria.

Wellington Central Waterfront
Explore Wellington's waterfront on foot and visit Queens Wharf, Te Papa, Chaffers Marina and Oriental Bay.

Old Government Buildings
Feel the grace and elegance of the 1800s at Government Buildings, the largest wooden building in the southern hemisphere.

Wellington Botanic Garden
From ancient forests to colourful flower beds, the Wellington Botanic Garden is a delightful experience, completed by great views of the city and harbour.

Red Rocks Reserve
Put half a day aside for this easy coastal walk to Red Rocks and a fur seal colony on the south side of Wellington.

Activities

Marlborough
Boat Cruises (12), Kayaking – Salt Water (5), Sailing (4)

Wellington
Arts & Crafts (4), Galleries (4)

Wellington - Picton - Blenheim - Kaikoura

The picturesque seaside town of Picton is the South Island base for the Interislander ferry service, which links the North and South islands of New Zealand. It’s also the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. Museums and interesting walks will keep you entertained while you’re here.

The short drive to Blenheim takes you across the Wairau Plains past vineyards and wineries. Diversions along the way include a golf course and farm parks.

Blenheim is the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. You’ll find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and golf courses. Character accommodation is another Blenheim delight – everything from homestays to boutique hotels. There are more than 20 wineries within driving distance of the town, and nearly all of them welcome visitors.

Scenic Highlights

d'Urville Island
Catch a water taxi and escape to a large tranquil island to swim, fish, kayak and explore native forests trails.

Marlborough Sounds
Enjoy long sheltered inlets, clear waters and sandy bays. Hike through the forest or kayak around the headlands to discover a fresh location each day.

Queen Charlotte Track
Walk or bike for days through native forests with views across the Marlborough Sounds. Lighten your load by ha your pack transferred between your overnight stays.

Queen Charlotte Drive
Navigate the spectacular winding road that links Havelock to Picton. This is like cruising the Marlborough Sounds without a boat.

Lake Grassmere Saltworks
Discover a seaside lake with large pink ponds and mounds that sparkle white against summer?s light-brown, hillside pastures.

Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve
A boat trip to the Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve is an inspired way to enjoy the extraordinary scenery of the Marlborough Sounds.

Activities

Marlborough
Boat Cruises (12), Walking/Trekking (9), Wineries (21)

Wellington - Picton - Blenheim - Kaikoura

Blenheim is the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. You’ll find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and golf courses. Character accommodation is another Blenheim delight – everything from homestays to boutique hotels.

State Highway 1 takes you through the coastal foothills, and then out into the picturesque Awatere Valley. In the township of Seddon you’ll find authentic New Zealand crafts. The Lake Grassmere saltworks is an interesting stop - the ponds turn coral pink in late summer. After the small town of Ward, the road turns toward the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast. Just north of the Ure River is a road that leads to the walking trails of the Sawcut Gorge.

Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish. A whale watch tour can take you to see Minke, Humpback and Southern Right whales mixing it with dolphins and orcas. You can also walk to see fur seal colonies and spy on big seabirds such as mollymawks, albatross and petrels.

Scenic Highlights

d'Urville Island
Catch a water taxi and escape to a large tranquil island to swim, fish, kayak and explore native forests trails.

Queen Charlotte Track
Walk or bike for days through native forests with views across the Marlborough Sounds. Lighten your load by ha your pack transferred between your overnight stays.

Queen Charlotte Drive
Navigate the spectacular winding road that links Havelock to Picton. This is like cruising the Marlborough Sounds without a boat.

Lake Grassmere Saltworks
Discover a seaside lake with large pink ponds and mounds that sparkle white against summer?s light-brown, hillside pastures.

The wildlife of Kaikoura
The Shoreline Walk from Point Kean leads you to colonies of fur seals and sea birds. Pack a picnic and a camera.

Activities

Christchurch - Canterbury
Bird Watching (8), Dolphins (5)

Marlborough
Arts & Crafts (8), Diving (3), Galleries (2)