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Queen Charlotte Drive Itinerary - Things to Do in 2025

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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.

Trip Overview

Brilliant every day

Queen Charlotte Drive Highlights:

  • Glorious views of the Marlborough Sounds, South Island
  • Sea kayak in safe sheltered inlets and bays with experienced locals
  • Discover Linkwater Pathway track, take a walk
  • Discover artists studios and creative talent whose marketing is a roadside flag
  • Enjoy exploring Havelock, sampling green lipped mussels fresh from the ocean
  • Wonder about the detour and what is at the end of the road
  • Superb insight into the sunken river valleys that make up the Marlborough Sounds
  • An itinerary to take the headache of what to see and do while on the Queen Charlotte Drive

Duration: 1 or several days
Start Havelock / Picton
Finish Picton / Havelock
Year round
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NOTE

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

 

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TIP

A wonky sign, bent and slightly faded states, ‘Lookout’ pull over and park. The view is brilliant, breathtaking and it’s the Marlborough Sounds.

 

 

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TIP

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.

 

 

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.

Queen Charlotte Track view, New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Track view
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INTERESTING FACT

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.

 

 

Punga Cove bay view balcony, Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand @Punga Cove Resort
Punga Cove bay view balcony, Queen Charlotte Sound @Punga Cove Resort

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.

 

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TIP

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.

 

 

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NOTE

It is advisable to check for road conditions before planning a road trip to Kenepuru Sound as storm damage can lead to temporary closures.

 

 

FAQ

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.

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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If we have accidentally used your photograph without your permission, we are sorry and will remove the photograph as soon as possible. Any use without permission is an oversight… for more information regarding our Terms and Conditions check HERE.

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AFFILIATE PARTNER STATEMENT
Our editors independently visit tour operators, purchase tickets, pay for accommodation, and rate products and places. We are not paid to go on a tour or visit a place. We only make money if you decide to purchase a product through our website links. We promise to never accept free products from manufacturers in return for boosting their products. Read more about our affiliate programme in the terms and conditions HERE.

 

BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.

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