The must-do road trip is about breath-taking views of the iconic Marlborough Sounds. Things to see and do range from photo opportunities galore, sea kayaking, visiting artists studios and soaking up views of quiet bays and inlets.
The distance is short, approximately 40 kms however it is a journey winding its way through the Marlborough Sounds and is one of New Zealand’s top scenic drives. Not sure whether to take a motorhome, check out FAQ’s for helpful hints and best way to get there.
Excited by the road trip and want to find out more about check out what to see and do on the Queen Charlotte Track attractions, things to do, places to go.
Brilliant every day
Journey description is Havelock to Picton
The road demands the driver’s attention. The hilly topography, narrow and winding road means the driver has little time to focus on the views. Take time and pull over to enjoy the views and relax into Queen Charlotte Drive time.
ROUTE MAP
Queen Charlotte Drive Havelock to Picton (or reverse)
Including detour to Kenepuru Heads
What’s so great about Havelock is green lipped mussels, seafood delicacies, art galleries and an interesting museum narrating the story of saw milling, settlers and pre-European Maori activities.
The historic town is fronted by Victorian era wooden buildings reflecting the brief gold rush in the 19th century. Consider joining a boat cruise exploring the Marlborough Sounds or a fishing charter. A favourite is a trip to a mussel sea farm.
The day starts with a bang. Within fifteen minutes of the Havelock turnoff to Queen Charlotte Drive you have the first of many lookouts. Cullen Point Lookout with its views of Pelorus / Te Hoiere Sound.
From the Cullen Point Lookout you are travelling the coastal route of the Mahakipawa Arm of the Pelorus Sound with little bays, coves and inlets swinging into view.
Mahakipawa is too shallow to be used by other than small trailer boats. The inlet has a number of holiday homes with private access to the emerald green water, often paths leading to a boat shed.
A wonky sign, bent and slightly faded states, ‘Lookout’ pull over and park. The view is brilliant, breathtaking and it’s the Marlborough Sounds.
The narrow winding road and the Sounds disappear from view as you enter the Linkwater straight (6 km). The straight road is where the river flats support dairy cows. The three largest streams in the area are Cullen Creek, Linkwater Stream and Ada Creek.
A gaily coloured flag is up indicating an art studio. Pull and park (and it’s probably tricky as the road is narrow). Take the opportunity to browse art galleries and crafty places for holiday souvenirs that are unique.
Linkwater is a thriving community with a primary school, pub and is one of the Marlborough Sounds Music Festival venues. In the vicinity is Sea Kayaking and Smith Holiday Park.
WANT TO STRETCH YOUR LEGS? LINKWATER PATHWAY TRAIL
The Link Pathway is a 42-kilometre walking and mountain bike track that connects Havelock, Picton, Anakiwa and the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough.
There is only 5 km of landmass between the head of Pelorus Sound and the head of Queen Charlotte Sound at Linkwater. No surprise in the 19th century the idea of a canal between the two Sounds was promoted. Sailing between the two Sounds is a 100 km journey.
Linkwater is the detour point for Kenepuru Sound. It is the road access for two well known resorts. A road trip is approximately 2 hours to the end of the no exit road (you have to return on the same route).
The road climbs up a saddle above Endeavour Inlet of the Queen Charlotte Sound and then loops, winds its way around the side of Mt Stokes, above Gore Bay, and finally down to the north into Titirangi Bay.
PUNGA COVE RESORT is road accessible via this route as is MISTLETOE ECO-RESORT. A gem is unwrapped at the end of the road. Titirangi Bay is a pretty remote beach; the reward for turning up. From there the road continues down to a small camping ground where you can access the beach. The small campground has no powered sites. The Titirangi Farm Park campground has toilet and shower (cold) facilities.
The road is gravel for approximately 20 km. This is a genuine off the beaten track short journey. The road is narrow, winding and the views are sometimes ‘blocked’ by large trees. This is not a road trip for anyone who suffers from vertigo or car sickness. For visitors who want to stay awhile check out Kenepuru Head campsite managed by the Department of Conservation. Turn off Queen Charlotte Drive at Linkwater into Kenepuru Road and follow for 40 km to Kenepuru Head. Sealed, narrow and winding road. The closest boat launching is at Sandy Bay, 2.5 kms before the camp travelling from Portage.
It is advisable to check for road conditions before planning a road trip to Kenepuru Sound as storm damage can lead to temporary closures.
Queen Charlotte Drive is weaving past Aussie Bay campsite and Momorangi Bay. Momorangi Bay is one of the visually stunning bays of the Marlborough Sounds and a popular location for photographers.
Momorangi Bay campsite and the nearby wharf is a favourite for water bombing and fishing from the jetty. Kayaking and SUP, stand up paddleboarding.
One place you definitely want to visit is Governors Bay. It’s a 5-10 minute walk down to the narrow beach. The lush forest brushes fine gold sand and the sheltered shallow waters invite you to paddle or swim.
The 15 minute short easy walk to the beach is a great reason to stretch the legs and take great gulps of fresh air as you soak in the scenery of the Marlborough Sounds. Governors Bay is part of a Department of Conservation reserve with a grass picnic area and compostable toilet. There is no drinking water available.
You will start to get glimpses of Picton as you are now approaching the end / entrance to Queen Charlotte Drive.
Your average speed is 40 km/hour due to the hairpin bends, narrow road and the awareness there is not much room between you and the drop to the sea.
Make sure you leave enough time to make plenty of stops along the way. Don’t expect to average more than 40km/hour, but ultimately it is well worth the effort as the views through the ferns to turquoise bays are magical.
Watch for cyclists as this is a popular route for them. The road is narrow in parts and there are lots of bends.
The end of September is school holidays so the road may be quite busy especially if the weather is good. The road really does twist and turn uphill and downhill, but you don’t see many vehicles and have lots of time to take in the wonderful views.
Havelock as you will be positioned on the coastal side of the road, with the best views of the sea, the Sounds.
New Zealand is left-hand drive so the driver gets great views when they are not glued to what’s coming next on the road. You are also in the best position to pull over into a lookout point and re-enter the road.
YES, it is sealed.
Definitely however care is needed.
Yes as of September 2021 however continue to check local government online resources for updates. Although the road is open there are restrictions for vehicles and towing of up to 12.6 metres in length – essentially a single truck unit or small vehicle with a trailer, because of the fragility of the road.
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