Nelson (more)
High: 22 Low: 13 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 - Blenheim | 0.5 hr | 28 | 18 |
| Blenheim - Kaikoura | 1.75 hrs | 129 | 81 |
| Totals for Day | 5.25 hrs | 255 | 159 |
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.
28 km (18 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway
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.
The short drive to Blenheim takes you across the Wairau Plains past vineyards and wineries. Diversions along the way include a golf course and farm parks.
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.
129 km (81 miles)
Approximately 1.75 hours
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.
State Highway 1 takes you through the coastal foothills, and then out into the picturesque Awatere Valley. In the township of Seddon you'll find authentic New Zealand crafts.
The Lake Grassmere saltworks is an interesting stop—the ponds turn coral pink in late summer. After the small town of Ward, the road turns toward the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast. Just north of the Ure River is a road that leads to the walking trails of the Sawcut Gorge.
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.
View more Specialised New Zealand driving routes.
Wellington:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Picton, Marlborough:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Blenheim, Marlborough:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Kaikoura, Canterbury:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Visitor Information
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