The stunning Queen Charlotte track has just got better with connections between the two towns of Havelock and Picton. Link pathway (Te Ara Tuhono) is a dedicated shared trail, hike or cycle between Picton, Anakiwa and Havelock.
Top sights on the Link pathway trail, Marlborough Sounds
- Glorious Marlborough Sounds views
- Lesser known Link Trail has fewer people creating a sense of solitude and silence with the sound of the bush as company
- Dogs on leash allowed
- Follows, in part historic stock trails, ancient walking paths between Havelock and Picton
- 22.00 km cycle route largely ascends and descends following the ridge lines of the Marlborough Sounds
- Firm packed earth surface although can be slippery when wet
- The Link Pathway can be completed in a day
- Scenery ranges from dense native bush with sea views of the Marlborough Sounds. There are patches of original podocarp forest, a salt-marsh boardwalk and beech forest remnants
- Havelock end of the Link Pathway has the scenic Motuweka Havelock Boardwalk with arched bridges over the Kaituna Estuary
Marlborough Sounds Link pathway trail shortcut
SECTION from Ngakuta Bay to Momorangi Bay is 3 km (one way) and is accessible by vehicle from Picton. Get transport back to Picton and a coffee and snacks in Momorangi Bay (with its attractive camping grounds). In less than an hour you have completed a section of the Link Pathway. Dogs allowed on a leash.
The Link Pathway is virtually off road for its entire length between Havelock and Picton and runs parallel to Queen Charlotte Drive. For up to date information about the trail check out the trail’s Facebook page.
Motuweka Havelock boardwalk
This short walk takes you to the head of the Havelock Marina inlet.
Top sights on the Motuweka Havelock boardwalk
- Shore birds foraging in the Kaituna Estuary as well as swooping and diving both commercial and recreational boats for snacks.
- Bush and sea views with a seat to take time and soak up the serenity of the place
- Nearby is the well known Cullen Point walk, part of the LINK PATHWAY TRAIL
Cullen Point walk
Cullen Point Track is located on the Havelock entrance of Queen Charlotte Drive. The hairpin turns into Mahua Sound look for the signposted car park and entrance to the short walk. Cullen Point Walk is a signposted walk on the LINK PATHWAY TRAIL.
TOILETS on the Motuweka Havelock Boardwalk are located in the town.
Weather on the Link pathway trail, Marlborough
In summer sunscreen is necessary for the hot dry days as well as plenty of water. Remember to check the weather forecast as it can rain throughout the year.
Accommodation on the Link pathway trail, Marlborough
Picton and Havelock are tourist towns with a large variety of accommodation choices from budget camping grounds to luxury resorts dotting the Marlborough Sounds.
Scroll through 10 awesome places for families to camp in Marlborough with. Smiths Farm Holiday Park a popular bike stop (note Smiths Farm Holiday Park offers kayak hire). Smiths is located on the Linkwater flats.
Getting to Link pathway trail
Picton is the South Island port for the interisland ferries. Picton is also a bus terminus and the Coastal train terminates in Picton (service from Christchurch) in the summer. Check the Marlborough Regional Guide, transport for details
Travel pack information
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