DHL Lions Series - Test Match Route

Day 6: Nelson to Wellington

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Nelson - Blenheim 1.5 hrs  115/72 Blenheim - Picton 0.5 hr  28/18 Picton - Wellington 3 hrs  98/61   Totals for Day 5 hrs  241/151

Nelson - Blenheim - Picton - Wellington

Nelson is home to a fascinating community of beach, bush and art lovers. From here you can organise yourself an eco-adventure or become immersed in the local creative culture. Every year the city hosts the Montana New Zealand Wearable Art Awards, where art comes off the wall and onto the body.

The drive to Blenheim is both beautiful and interesting. Rai Valley has a delightful cottage museum, and at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim. Nearby Canvastown gives you the chance to explore old gold mining fields – thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s. Havelock is the place for a seafood meal – it’s known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. When you reach Renwick, which is surrounded by vineyards, it will be clear that you’ve arrived in wine country.

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.

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.

Activities

Marlborough
Hunting (1), Walking/Trekking (7), Wineries (7)

Nelson
Cycling/Mountain Biking (2), Fishing – Fresh Water (6), Fishing – Salt Water (1)

Tour and Sightseeing

Marlborough
Walking/Trekking (1), Wineries (8)

Tour and Sightseeing

Nelson
Cycling/Mountain Biking (2)

Nelson - Blenheim - Picton - Wellington

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.

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

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.

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 (13), Walking/Trekking (7), Wineries (7)

Tour and Sightseeing

Marlborough
Boat Cruises (3), Walking/Trekking (1), Wineries (8)

Nelson - Blenheim - Picton - Wellington

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.

The passage through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait 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 ferry can transport vehicles. Highlights along the way include the beautiful inlets and coves of the sounds, Cook’s Lookout, Tory Channel and Red Rocks seal colony.

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.

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 (13), Kayaking – Salt Water (7), Sailing (3)

Wellington
Arts & Crafts (2), Galleries (2)

Tour and Sightseeing

Marlborough
Boat Cruises (3)