What to do & see
Stay awhile. Take the opportunity to experience New Zealand village lifestyle at its best. Our aim is to ensure that your visit to Havelock and the Marlborough Sounds is one you will want to repeat.
The Mail Boat Pelorus Express
The Link Pathway
Sea Kayaking
Available Local Amenities
Mussel Pot Restaurant - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - www.themusselpot.co.nz
Captains Daughter - Lunch and Dinner - www.captainsdaughter.co.nz
Blue Kaff - Breakfast and Lunch
Sneaky Beach - Breakfast and Lunch
Ray’s Place – Breakfast and Lunch
Havelock Hotel - Lunch and Dinner
Slip Inn Restaurant - Lunch and dinner
Havelock Takeaways – Lunch and Dinner
Havelock 4 Square Supermarket- Opening Hours 8am-6pm daily
The Havelock Information Centre (I-Site)- located between Town Hall & Police Station
Havelock Garage –Besides petrol, general car maintenance and gas they have a small selection of general supplies
Havelock Chemist and Post Office – A Gift shop fitted out with beautiful and unusual items for every occasion
Legends Hair Salon
Bow to Stern – Boat rentals, general boat maintenance and a good selection of spare parts, clothing and general boating equipment www.bowtostern.co.nz
ITM Building Suppliers
ATM's for New Zealand card holders only at both the Havelock Garage and the 4 Square Supermarket. If you have an International Credit Card and need cash, make sure you visit an ATM in one of the larger towns
Explore the Sounds by boat
Take the opportunity to enjoy the exquisite Pelorus, Kenepuru and Mahau Sounds from the water. These unspoilt, quiet waterways are the unsung treasurers of the Marlborough region.
Havelock is the world centre for green-lipped mussels - these are grown in the purest and most ideal water conditions – Visit the unique mussel beds with the locals who have the knowledge.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sundays during the summer months you have the opportunity to join the world famous Pelorus Mail Run in the Marlborough Sounds. You'll visit isolated homesteads nestled in quiet secluded bays, delivering crucial supplies and mail the same way it has been done for decades. View mussel farms and see why Pelorus Sound is the mussel capital of the world. Old timers row out in dinghies to meet us, while some receive their supplies on tiny, unspoilt beaches. The people of the Marlborough Sounds are as much a part of the area as the history and majestic beauty. Join us on our mail boat for the experience of a lifetime. Let us take you on our spectacular mail run or drop you at your accommodation in the Marlborough Sounds.
10% discount if booking made by the Havelock Garden Motel
Exclusive charters and group enquiries also welcome. www.themailboat.co.nz
Or join the Greenshell Mussel Cruise for a unique wine and food experience meandering through the tranquil Pelorus Sounds. www.greenshellmusselcruise.co.nz
10% discount if booking made by the Havelock Garden Motel
Alternatively if you have the skills required, hire a vessel from Bow to Stern, check out their web site. www.bowtostern.co.nz
Pelorus / Wakamarina River Trips
Pelorus Eco Adventures offer a wonderful half day kayaking experience on the local scenic rivers. One of which was used for the barrel scene in Peter Jackson's Hobbit movie. Truly a wonderful trip for the whole family. Call Ash on 021 133 3705.
www.kayak-newzealand.com
Sea Fishing
The many sheltered beaches and secluded bays in the Sounds provide excellent fishing opportunities. There's nothing to stop you bringing your own rod and spending an afternoon dangling your line but the best way to guarantee results is by boat. You can fish just about anywhere from Havelock to the Cook Straits. Contact Leon & Michelle at Bow to Stern, www.bowtostern.co.nz, to tailor make a package to suit your needs.
Walks
Exceptional bluffs and dramatic landscapes add to the pleasure of walking and tramping in the region. Skills and duration vary greatly but there is something for everyone.
Cullen Point
A scenic lookout point 5 minutes drive away on the opposite side of Havelock marina. Either take the 10 minute walk to the point to enjoy the spectacular views or spend an hour following the circular path around the point through native flora.
The Link Pathway
A community project created a 42 kilometre walk / cycle path that links between Picton and Havelock.
Nydia Track
A local Mule track created over a 100 years ago to link farms and serve the hardwood logging industry. The Department of Conservation (DoC) has linked these tracks to form a peaceful 27 km walkway called the Nydia Track. For more information see www.nydiatrack.org.nz
Pelorus Bridge
A 15 minutes drive. Numerous walks taking anything from 15 minutes to 4 hours. Choose a gentle stroll or a hearty uphill slog but always finish with morning eleven's or afternoon tea at Pelorus Café.
The Queen Charlotte Track
Beginning at historic Ship Cove (where English explorer Captain James Cook made his NZ base), the Queen Charlotte Track winds its way over 71km. Passing through lush coastal native bush, around pristine bays & along skyline ridges with unsurpassed views, marvels abound throughout this Marlborough Sounds walk. See www.queencharlottetrack.co.nz
Golf
Nopera Golf Club
situated in the stunning Keneperu Sound Nopera Golf Club offers a picturesque and tranquil golf course. You can access to golf course either by road or boat. Contact them to find out the latest information.
www.tasmangolf.co.nz/nopera-golf-club phone 0221 406-092
Blenheim Golf Club, situated in heart of Blenheim
9-hole course positioned on the skirts of Blenheim's Pollard Park. This flat course is a gentle walk in a pleasant park setting.
Telephone 03 578 4320
Marlborough Golf Club Fairhall, Blenheim
18 holes surrounded by mature trees and with views of the beautiful Richmond Range and local vineyards. Challenge yourself on this picturesque course made up of flats, hills, streams, ponds and watered fairways. Visitors welcome to play casual rounds or join in with club events. Green fees: $20 affiliated Members $30 non-affiliated Members. Special rates for groups. Situated on the road between Renwick and Blenheim. Just after Renwick, look for the turning on the right-hand saying Fairhall. Course 5 kms or so on the right-hand side of the road.
Telephone 03 578 7646
Picton Golf Course
This very pretty and tranquil 9 hole course is situated at the foot of Mount Pleasant, in a small town called Koromiko. Green fees $15, which entitles you to two rounds Situated on State Highway 1 on the right-hand side of the road driving toward Picton. Next door to Marlborough Marine.
Telephone 03 573 7750
Rarangi Golf Club, Blenheim
A Coastal18 holes of easy walking tree lined, watered fairways with greens that will test all players. Green fees $15.
Telephone 03 570 5709 e-mail
Wairau Golf Club, Wairau Valley
9 holes set in the heart of the countryside. For total peace and quiet with nothing but the sound of the birds to disturb your concentration. Green fees $10, which entitles you to two rounds.
Situated on Highway 63, 20mins west of Renwick.
Other Activities
Swimming
You can swim at many of the beaches and coves surrounding the sounds but be aware of the rocks and reefs at low tide.
Alternatively you can take a river dip at the Pelorus Bridge or visit the Onamalutu Reserve and cool yourselves in the water hole.
We have a key to the Havelock School swimming pool which you are more than welcome to use during the school holidays and after school or if you're visiting Blenheim, why not pop into the local sports centre, Stadium 2000, Kinross Street (Next to Mitre 10).
Tennis
Havelock has two public tarmac courts two minutes walk from the motel which can used free of charge.
Bowls
The local Bowling Club welcomes guests from out of town to their excellent green and clubhouse. Bowls can be borrowed from the club at no cost.
Bird Watching
Not only are the motel grounds home to a number of ducks but also you can watch the fantail perform its graceful dance or wake up to the Tui and Bellbird. The Sounds has a great diversity of bird life from the common to the rare. The local Department of Conservation Offices (DoC) has up-to-date information on the latest sightings.
Museums, Arts & Crafts, Gardens
Local Museum - Town folk have been working on this attraction and have over the last few years been renovating and added artefacts that included items that date back to old gold mining days.
The Gallery Havelock is a non profit trust set up to showcase Marlborough artists. Volunteers run the gallery and profit from the sale of artwork is donated back to community groups. Open Daily 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Closed Good Friday, ANZAC 10-1pm, Oct 14 & Christmas Day. Phone: (03) 574 2821. www.thegalleryhavelock.com
There is also a superb aviation museum on the outskirts of Blenheim (30 minutes away). Peter Jackson (film director) and the Weta Workshop have been hugely influential in the development of the Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre. Each plane is set in a life like war scene and appeals to all age groups whether you are in your 90's or a toddler of 2, you really do not need to be an aero enthusiast to love this Museum. Really worth a trip. www.omaka.org.nz
A golf course, tennis courts and Croquette rinks surround Pollard Park in the heart of Blenheim. These mature gardens with streams and a large duck pond are well worth a visit.
Take a trip to the The Vines Village (between Picton and Havelock) where, in their wine tasting room, you can sample award winning Marlborough wines. Pop into the adjacent Quilter's Barn and browse through the quality gifts, patchworks, quilting and embroidering supplies and then enjoy a delicious snack or meal in the café. www.thevinesvillage.co.nz
Drives
Superbly scenic country roads are a great way to see the different communities that make up the sounds. From the best known, Queen Charlotte Drive to Tennyson Inlet, Croisilles to French Pass and Kenepuru, these roads introduce you to the special characters and insightful vistas of the waterways. You will find a map of the outer Sounds at reception.
4WD Drives - Some of the back roads take you down early pioneer trails and past spectacular scenery. These roads are usually well maintained, even though ford crossings are common. However they are weather dependent.
Vineyards & Wineries
Marlborough is the biggest wine growing region in New Zealand and has a plethora of Wineries to visit. The local Information Centre can provide a map to help guide you to all the vineyards. The trail commences about 20 minutes away from Havelock on the Rapaura Road. Guided tours available by Cycle or vehicle.
Marlborough is famous for its wineries with a world-wide distribution network. A wine trail is perhaps the best way to visit the traditional, new and boutique wineries. There are pamphlets at reception to help you choose one of the many operators. A unique experience, for the fitter of us, is run by "Wine Tour by Bike". You are able to either hire a bike and set off on your merry way (not too merry we hope) or go with a party guide who will show you the best Marlborough has to offer.
More
Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory is a very pleasant experience for those of us who have a passion for hand-made chocolate. Watch these delicious confectioneries being made and taste a few free samples, mmmm a great one for the kids. www.makana.co.nz
The Havelock information centres is situated on the main road between the Town Hall & Police Station. They will be more than happy to help with any booking enquiries you may have, contact them via www.marlboroughnz.com/listings/havelock-i-site-visitor-information-centre or call in.
Husband out fishing for the day and desperate for a wash and blow dry or to get those locks trimmed? See what Legends Hair Salon can do for you, situated on Main Street a minute away from the motel.
Problems with your boat? Contact Bow to Stern situated on Main Street for assistance. www.bowtostern.co.nz
Keep an eye out for the posters advertising locally produced plays that are put on regularly in the Town Hall, lots of fun. Bring your own wine and nibbles, all welcome.