marlborough

Marlborough

Highlights

  • Greenshell Mussels
  • Walking and hiking
  • Greenshell Mussel Festival

Proximity

In the historic town of Havelock you can enjoy Greenshell Mussels, browse art galleries and organise a boat trip for fishing or sightseeing.

Located at the meeting point of the Pelorus and Kaituna Rivers on the coast northwest of Blenheim, Havelock calls itself the "Greenshell Mussel capital of the world". Once a gold mining settlement, the town has many quaint colonial buildings which today house boutique galleries and eating places (be sure to order the mussels). The Havelock Museum has interesting displays that explain the town's past.

At Havelock's marina there are water taxis and charter boats ready to take you fishing or show you around Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds. Sea kayaks can also be hired here for guided or independent paddling tours.

Local accommodation includes private holiday homes, a camping ground, lodges, B&Bs, homestays and motels.

Consider these activities while in Havelock:

  • Taste the local delicacy - green-lipped mussels.
  • Visit the historic gold mining township of Canvastown, the scenic splendour of Pelorus Bridge Reserve and rural Rai Valley.
  • Get on board a charter boat and go snapper fishing or learn the eco-history of the Pelorus and Kenepuru sounds.
  • Follow the Nydia Track to Tennyson Inlet. The walk takes two days.
  • Visit the tiny settlement of French Pass and offshore D'Urville Island.
  • Do the Pelorus Bridge Walks - 18 kilometres west of Havelock.

Functional facts: Approx. population 490, good range of shops and services.

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