Queenstown (more)
High: 21 Low: 7 Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.
| Travel time | Km | (Miles) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaikoura - Blenheim | 1.75 hrs | 129 | 81 |
| Blenheim - Picton | 0.5 hr | 28 | 18 |
| Picton - Wellington | 3 hrs | 98 | 61 |
| Totals for Day | 5.25 hrs | 255 | 159 |
129 km (81 miles)
Approximately 1.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds—it's also a great place to eat crayfish. A whale watch tour can take you to see Minke, Humpback and Southern Right whales mixing it with dolphins and orcas. You can also walk to see fur seal colonies and spy on big seabirds such as mollymawks, albatross and petrels.
The road north is dominated by the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast. Quinnat salmon are known to run in the Clarence River and just north of the Ure River is a road that leads to the walking trails of the Sawcut Gorge.
After the small town of Ward you'll come to the Lake Grassmere saltworks—an interesting stop, particulrly in late summer when the ponds turn coral pink. In the township of Seddon you'll find authentic New Zealand crafts.
Blenheim is the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. You'll find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and golf courses. Character accommodation is another Blenheim delight—everything from homestays to boutique hotels.
28 km (18 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway
Blenheim is the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. You'll find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and golf courses. Character accommodation is another Blenheim delight—everything from homestays to boutique hotels. There are more than 20 wineries within driving distance of the town, and nearly all of them welcome visitors.
The short drive to Picton takes you across the Wairau Plains past vineyards and wineries. Diversions along the way include a golf course and farm parks.
The picturesque seaside town of Picton is the South Island base for the Interislander ferry service, which links the North and South islands of New Zealand.
It's also the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. Museums and interesting walks will keep you entertained while you're here.
98 km (61 miles)
Approximately 3 hours
Road Conditions: By Sea
The picturesque seaside town of Picton is the South Island base for the ferry service that links the North and South islands of New Zealand. It's also the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. Museums and interesting walks will keep you entertained while you're here.
The passage through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait is one of the most scenic ferry trips in the world. The fast ferry makes the trip in just over two hours, the cruise-style ferry takes three hours. Both types of ferry can transport vehicles.
Highlights along the way include the beautiful inlets and coves of the sounds, Cook's Lookout, Tory Channel and Red Rocks seal colony.
Wellington City is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot.
Enjoy cafes, restaurants, museums and all kinds of shops. Dance, theatre and musical performances are a Wellington specialty. As New Zealand's capital, this city is rich in political history.
View more Queenstown driving routes.
Kaikoura, Canterbury:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Visitor Information
Blenheim, Marlborough:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Picton, Marlborough:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Wellington:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
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