Wellington - Nelson - Wellington

Day 2: Nelson to Blenheim

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Nelson - Murchison 1 hr  88/55 Murchison - Blenheim 1.25 hrs  102/64   Totals for Day 2.25 hrs  190/119

Nelson - Murchison - Blenheim

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.

The shortest route to the Nelson Lakes National Park begins on State Highway 6. After Richmond, a lively community at the head of beautiful Tasman Bay, a string of settlements leads you to Belgrove, where you’ll turn left towards St Arnaud. Enjoy a mixture of forest, farmland and hill country until you reach Lake Rotoiti.

The alpine village of St Arnaud sits on the edge of the lake against a stunning backdrop of mountains. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand’s second-largest national park. There are magnificent hiking trails – short and long. Local adventure operators offer you a choice of kayaking, river rafting, mountain biking, horse trekking and 4WD motorbiking.

Activities

Nelson
Bird Watching (3), Cycling/Mountain Biking (2), Kayaking – Fresh Water (2), Kayaking – Salt Water (10)

Tour and Sightseeing

Nelson
Cycling/Mountain Biking (2), Kayaking – Salt Water (4)

Nelson - Murchison - Blenheim

The alpine village of St Arnaud sits on the edge of Lake Rotoiti against a stunning backdrop of mountains. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand’s second-largest national park. There are magnificent hiking trails – short and long. Local adventure operators offer you a choice of kayaking, river rafting, mountain biking, horse trekking and 4WD motorbiking.

For most of your journey to Blenheim, you’ll follow the Wairau River. Spread a picnic rug by the river bank or flick a rod and try for a trout. From the Wairau River Valley, walking tracks lead into the Mount Richmond Forest Park. 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. There are more than 20 wineries within driving distance of the town.

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
Cycling/Mountain Biking (4)

Nelson
Cycling/Mountain Biking (2), Walking/Trekking (12)

Tour and Sightseeing

Marlborough
Cycling/Mountain Biking (2), Off Road Driving Adventure (1)

Tour and Sightseeing

Nelson
Cycling/Mountain Biking (2), Walking/Trekking (13)