Glaciers in New Zealand
Maori children
Northland, New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Sound
Routeburn Track
Boating in Taupo
Tongariro, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

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Day 17 : Blenheim to Palmerston North

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

  Travel time Km (Miles)
Blenheim - Picton 0.5 hr 28 18
Picton - Wellington 3 hrs 98 61
Wellington - Palmerston North 1.75 hrs 139 87
Totals for Day 5.25 hrs 265 166

Blenheim - Picton

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

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.

Wellington - Palmerston North

Wellington - Palmerston North

139 km (87 miles)
Approximately 1.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

Wellington 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.

There's never a dull moment on the Kapiti Coast route to Palmerston North. Offshore from Waikanae is Kapiti Island, a nature reserve for close encounters with rare birds. A car museum and gourmet cheese factory are other local attractions.

Further north is Levin, which has a thriving clothing industry and many factory shops. At Levin you'll turn onto State Highway 57 towards Shannon—take a break here to enjoy the owl sanctuary.

One of New Zealand's largest provincial cities, Palmerston North has an attractive historic heart. Many of the original stores built in the 1920s and 1930s have been restored and now function as boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Rose gardens and museums should also be on your agenda of things to see.

View more Specialised New Zealand driving routes.

Directory 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

Palmerston North, Manawatu:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

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