Havelock, Marlborough top sights things to do
Havelock there are plenty of things to do.
- Pelorus River rafting, finding a water hole to soak in or enjoying sunning on a warm rock
- Havelock Museum
- Explore Link pathway either on foot or by cycling the track
- Greenshell Mussel Cruise
- Pelorus Mail boat Cruise, join a sea postie and meet and greet the locals
- Kayak past Lord of the Rings film locations, Pelorus River
Cullen Point Track
Walk the beautiful loop track for views of Pelorus Sound and Havelock or consider a short 10 minute walk to a lookout track for views of Mahua Sound and Kaituna and Pelorus estuaries.
The walk commences from the carpark on Queen Charlotte Drive.
- Length: 3km
- Duration: 1 hour
- Grade: Easy (DOC managed walking track, no dogs allowed)
Pelorus scenic reserve
Havelock to Pelorus Reserve
Approximately 15 minutes
The reserve has a well stocked convenience store, a camping ground with powered and non-powered sites and several glorious short easy walks throughout the regenerating bush. The reserve is home to one of the last stands of river flat forest in Marlborough.There is a swing bridge across the Pelorus River. All walks are well signposted and start either from behind the grocery store or opposite on the other side of the road. Check the travel pack section for a detailed map of walking tracks. There are walks suitable for wheelchair access.
Take a short detour and check out the gold mining history of Canvastown. There is a hotel and store and not much else. There are plaques describing the settlement’s heyday as a vibrant gold mining pop up town.
Pelorus Sounds sea kayaking
In either double sea kayaks or singles get away from popular visitor locations on the water. Visitors will experience a self guided day on the water exploring the Marlborough Sounds. Hire a kayak and explore Tennyson Inlet and other remote places in the beautiful Pelorus Sound.
Queen Charlotte drive
The well known road trip between Havelock and Picton with views that are postcard worthy around every corner. Allow plenty of time to navigate the narrow winding road and wait your turn to pass cars coming in the opposite direction.
If kids suffer from car sickness then reconsider the Queen Charlotte Sounds road with its panoramic views. It is winding and narrow with plenty of sharp curves to unsettle stomachs.
Havelock & mussels
The hint as you enter Havelock is the enormous sculpture of a greenshell mussel. Havelock’s next big thing is the mussel. Seafood buffs rejoice. There are plenty of roadside cafes serving visitors piping hot mussels as soup, BBQ or in fritters. There are marinated mussels, mussels in spicy sauces the choice is endless. Havelock has a permanent population of around 500 residents. It is largely dependent on tourism and shellfish processing. The town’s gold mining past has left a legacy of characteristic timber facade colonial buildings, now galleries and cafes.
Heritage and Art in Havelock
Havelock Museum – a collection of pioneer stories told through photos, collections and implements. Havelock Art Gallery – Volunteers are always happy to guide visitors through the artworks on display and for sale. The Art Gallery is a local collective.
Charter fishing, water taxis
The marina is the place to go to check out what is available for the day. Explore the Pelorus and kenepuru Sounds while spending the day leisurely fishing from your charter boat.
In the peak season forward bookings are recommended.
Where to take great selfies in Havelock, Marlborough
- OMG did you miss the enormous greenshell mussel as you entered town
- Sea kayaking in the Pelorus Sound
- Walking the Queen Charlotte Track
- Feasting on mussels, where else, of course but Havelock
Havelock’s social media
Big business: It’s all about the sea around here, with the marina and mussel farming providing plenty of work and income.
Festivals in Havelock
Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival, held each March, which features cooking demonstrations, plenty of pop up food trucks, mussel-shucking competitions and street entertainers
Where is Havelock located?
Havelock is a small settlement at the mouth of the Pelorus and Kaituna Rivers as well as the port for Pelorus Sound.
Every town adds to the richness of things to do and see. For more details about the region check Blenheim & Marlborough Region nearby attractions and events.
Travel pack information
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