Nelson - Greymouth - Nelson

Day 6: Kaikoura to Nelson

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Kaikoura - Blenheim 1.75 hrs  129/81 Blenheim - Nelson 1.5 hrs  115/72   Totals for Day 3.25 hrs  244/153

Kaikoura - Blenheim - Nelson

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.

The road north is dominated by the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast. Quinnat salmon are known to run in the Clarence River and just north of the Ure River is a road that leads to the walking trails of the Sawcut Gorge. After the small town of Ward you’ll come to the Lake Grassmere saltworks - an interesting stop, particulrly in late summer when the ponds turn coral pink. In the township of Seddon you’ll find authentic New Zealand crafts.

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.

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 (3), Dolphins (4)

Marlborough
Arts & Crafts (5), Diving (4), Galleries (4)

Tour and Sightseeing

Christchurch - Canterbury
Bird Watching (1)

Kaikoura - Blenheim - Nelson

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.

The journey to Nelson begins with the town of Renwick, which is surrounded by vineyards. Then you’ll cross the Wairau Plains to Havelock, known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. Nearby Canvastown is a place to explore old gold mining fields – thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s. At Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim. And if you’d like a glimpse of local life in 1890, Rai Valley has an interesting cottage museum.

The city of 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.

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 (5), Fishing – Salt Water (1)

Tour and Sightseeing

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

Tour and Sightseeing

Nelson
Cycling/Mountain Biking (2)