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Day 6 : Nelson to Wellington

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Nelson - Blenheim	1.5 hrs	115	72
Blenheim - Picton	0.5 hr	28	18
Picton - Wellington	3 hrs	98	61
Totals for Day	5 hrs	241	151

Nelson - Blenheim

115 km (72 miles)
Approximately 1.5 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

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.

The drive to Blenheim is both beautiful and interesting. Rai Valley has a delightful cottage museum, and at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim.

Nearby Canvastown gives you the chance to explore old gold mining fields—thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s. Havelock is the place for a seafood meal—it's known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World.

When you reach Renwick, which is surrounded by vineyards, it will be clear that you've arrived in wine country.

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.

Blenheim - Picton

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.

Picton - Wellington

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.