Driving Route : Rotorua - Christchurch - Invercargill
Day 6 : Wellington to Nelson
- Overview
- Day 1 : Rotorua to Taupo
- Day 2 : Taupo to National Park
- Day 3 : National Park to Wanganui
- Day 4 : Wanganui to Palmerston North
- Day 5 : Palmerston North to Wellington
- Day 6 : Wellington to Nelson
- Day 7 : Nelson to Murchison
- Day 8 : Murchison to Hanmer Springs
- Day 9 : Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
- Day 10 : Christchurch to Mt Cook Village
- Day 11 : Mt Cook Village to Queenstown
- Day 12 : Queenstown to Te Anau
- Day 13 : Te Anau to Milford Sound
- Day 14 : Te Anau to Invercargill
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Route Summary
Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.
Travel time | Km | (Miles) | |
---|---|---|---|
Wellington - Picton | 3 hrs | 98 | 61 |
Picton - Nelson | 1.75 hrs | 145 | 91 |
Totals for Day | 4.75 hrs | 243 | 152 |
Wellington - Picton
98 km (61 miles)
Approximately 3 hours
Road Conditions: By Sea
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.
The passage across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds 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 vessel can transport vehicles. Highlights along the way include the Red Rocks seal colony, Tory Channel, Cook's Lookout and the beautiful coves of the sounds.
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.
Picton - Nelson
145 km (91 miles)
Approximately 1.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway/Arterial
The picturesque seaside town of Picton is 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 drive to Nelson first takes you to the town of Havelock, which is known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. Nearby Canvastown is a place to explore old gold mining fields—thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s.
At Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim, depending on the time of the year. And if you'd like a glimpse of local life in 1890, Rai Valley has a beautifully preserved cottage museum.
The city of Nelson is home to a fascinating community of beach, bush and art lovers. From here you can organise yourself an eco-adventure or become immersed in the local creative culture.
- Overview
- Day 1 : Rotorua to Taupo
- Day 2 : Taupo to National Park
- Day 3 : National Park to Wanganui
- Day 4 : Wanganui to Palmerston North
- Day 5 : Palmerston North to Wellington
- Day 6 : Wellington to Nelson
- Day 7 : Nelson to Murchison
- Day 8 : Murchison to Hanmer Springs
- Day 9 : Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
- Day 10 : Christchurch to Mt Cook Village
- Day 11 : Mt Cook Village to Queenstown
- Day 12 : Queenstown to Te Anau
- Day 13 : Te Anau to Milford Sound
- Day 14 : Te Anau to Invercargill
View more Rotorua driving routes.
Directory Information
Wellington:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Picton, Marlborough:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Nelson:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information