What to Do in Havelock, the Greenshell Capital of New Zealand
There’s something for foodies, adventurous types and even Lord of the Rings nerds in the little Marlborough town of Havelock.
While the nearby towns of Blenheim and Picton are the more popular jaunts in this northern region of the South Island, it’s definitely worth getting off the beaten track to discover this beautiful little town on the edge of the Marlborough Sounds.
Havelock has proximity to exciting hiking trails, the stunning Pelorus River, Pelorus and Kenepuru Sound, as well as greenshell mussel farms making Havelock have the proud title of the “Greenshell Mussell Capital”.
Find out more about how you can experience this delicacy and much more in this list of things to do in Havelock!
While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 5 Marlborough Sounds Must-Dos and the 10 Marlborough Must-Dos.
Table of Contents
1. Walk, Swim or Camp by the Pelorus River
While the Marlborough Sounds might get most of the attention for its stunning landscape, it’s worth setting your sights on the spectacular Pelorus River. Nestled among towering rimu, kahikatea and beech trees, this hidden gem offers a perfect combination of adventure and tranquillity.
The Pelorus Bridge Campsite is an ideal base for exploring, offering both powered and non-powered sites directly on the riverbank.
Swim in the crystal-clear waters, traverse easy walking tracks through native lowland forest, or simply relax with a picnic by the river.
For the more adventurous, kayaking and fishing are popular activities. The campsite’s facilities, including showers and a kitchen, make it suitable for families and solo travellers alike.
Walks range from an easy 30-minute loop on the Tawa Walk to a 4-hour mission on the Daltons Track, offering glimpses of rare birdlife and untouched landscapes.
Location: State Highway 6, 18 km (11 miles) west of Havelock
© MarlboroughNZ.com2. Visit the Havelock Museum
If you get caught on a rainy day or simply want to culture yourself, you can rely on the Havelock Museum for a fascinating visit. Set within a lovingly restored old Methodist church, this charming local repository offers a captivating journey through regional history.
We’re particularly drawn to its thoughtful displays across seven themed bays, exploring both Māori and European settlement.
According to our very own editor-in-chief, Laura, the museum holds an interesting collection of relics from Havelock’s colonial past, including sawmilling artefacts and treasures from the 1890s gold rush era. You’ll also find footage of a regional mascot, Pelorus Jack the dolphin.
As a coin donation venue, it adds a personal touch to your visit, authentic, informative, and easily accessible.
Location: 47 Main Road
© Mattinbgn on Wikipedia3. Walk or Cycle the Link Pathway
Experience the stunning beauty of the Marlborough Sounds on this community-built walkway and cycleway connecting Havelock and Picton.
The 42 km (26 mi) trail, which begins just after crossing the river onto Queen Charlotte Drive, offers spectacular views and a mix of challenging terrain. While still under development, significant portions can be enjoyed from both the Picton and Havelock ends.
For those seeking a more immersive outdoor experience, the nearby Queen Charlotte Track provides a scenic trail through lush bush between sounds, accessible via boat transfers from nearby ports.
Closer to Havelock, the Cullen Point Scenic Reserve offers coastal walks through native bush with panoramic views over Pelorus Sound. Mountain biking enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities in the region too.
Find out more in Mountain Biking in Marlborough.
Location: From Havelock, the Link Pathway starts very soon after the river road bridge on Queen Charlotte Drive on the righthand side.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Go on a Greenshell Mussel Cruise
Mix local cuisine with spectacular scenery on the “Greenshell Mussel Cruise” with Marlborough Tour Company. Explore the breathtaking Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds aboard a luxury vessel, offering both indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
Savour freshly steamed greenshell mussels while sipping on local Marlborough wines available for purchase at the onboard bar.
As you cruise, learn about marine farming in the Marlborough Sounds and pass by a local mussel farm. The captain provides live commentary, offering insights into the region’s aquaculture.
This culinary and sightseeing adventure combines the best of Marlborough’s renowned seafood and wines with its stunning coastal scenery.
Location: Havelock Marina
© Marlborough Tour Company5. Do a Mail Boat Cruise of the Marlborough Sounds
Embark on a unique adventure through the stunning Marlborough Sounds with the historic Pelorus Mail Boat. This half-day cruise offers more than just scenic views, it’s a glimpse into the remote communities that rely on this boat as their lifeline.
As you glide through the picturesque waterways, you’ll witness the boat’s crew delivering mail, groceries, and freight to isolated residents.
It’s a fantastic way to experience the Sounds up close while learning about the region’s history and wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and blue penguins.
The knowledgeable crew provides engaging commentary, and if conditions allow, you might even have the chance to step ashore at some stops along the route.
Location: Havelock Marina
© Pelorus Mail Boat6. Take the Queen Charlotte Drive to Picton for a Scenic Day Trip
We can’t get enough of the Queen Charlotte Drive, a stunning 30-minute coastal route from Havelock to Picton.
This scenic journey hugs the shoreline of Pelorus Sound, winding through lush forests and offering breathtaking viewpoints of serene bays and the sparkling Marlborough Sounds.
As you navigate the twists and turns, you’ll find plenty of pull-over spots perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the views.
The drive culminates in Picton, a charming coastal town where you can stroll along the waterfront, explore boutique cafés, or embark on a cruise to further discover the Sounds.
Location: Queen Charlotte Drive, from Havelock to Picton. 35 km (22 mi) scenic route between the two towns.
© MarlboroughNZ6. Take a Hobbit Barrel Run Raft on the Pelorus River
Channel your inner Hobbit and embark on a thrilling 4-hour rafting adventure on the Pelorus River with Pelorus Eco Adventures. This picturesque waterway gained fame as a filming location for the 2013 movie “The Desolation of Smaug”.
Wear your wetsuit, board your raft, and float down the stunning river, stopping at important filming locations along the way.
As you paddle, your guide will share fascinating insights into the movie’s production and the region’s rich milling and mining heritage.
This unique experience combines the excitement of rafting with a touch of Middle-earth magic, making it a must-do for both adventure seekers and Lord of the Rings fans alike.
Location: Tours depart from Havelock
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Walk the Cullen Point Tracks
Choose either a 10-minute or a 1-hour walk to view the breathtaking scenery across the Pelorus Sound, Mahau Sound and the town of Havelock at the Cullen Point Tracks.
These coastal walking trails strike a pleasing balance between accessible terrain and sweeping vistas, ideal for leisurely strolls punctuated by lookout points.
Venture across the Kaituna River to Cullen Point Scenic Reserve, where native bush and dramatic shorelines provide habitat for local birdlife and flora. It’s a quieter alternative to busier tourist tracks, offering intimacy with Havelock’s quintessential landscapes.
According to our editor-in-chief, Laura, “The Cullen Point Tracks are perfect for those seeking a peaceful connection with nature without venturing too far from town.”
Location: Queen Charlotte Drive, 5.5 km (3 mi) from Havelock
© MarlboroughNZ.com9. Check Out the Local Art Galleries
Experience Havelock’s vibrant arts scene by exploring its charming boutique galleries. The Gallery in town and Shark Nett Gallery along Queen Charlotte Drive offer diverse collections that celebrate the region’s identity.
From pounamu carvings to ceramics and prints, these spaces showcase local artists’ interpretations of Marlborough’s natural beauty and maritime heritage.
A stroll through Havelock’s galleries provides a unique glimpse into the area’s creative soul. Don’t miss the chance to connect with Maori culture at Shark Nett Gallery, where personal guided tours can be arranged for a more in-depth experience.
Location: The Gallery – 60 Main Road, Havelock. Shark Nett Gallery – 129 Queen Charlotte Drive, Havelock.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Explore Havelock Marina
Havelock Marina isn’t just a place to moor boats; it’s the vibrant heart of this charming Marlborough Sounds town. With over 300 floating berths for vessels up to 30 m, it’s a bustling hub for maritime adventures.
From here, you can embark on mussel farm cruises, fishing charters, or even hop aboard the iconic mail boat delivering supplies to remote bays. We love the mix of practical facilities and exciting opportunities the marina offers.
After your nautical adventures, savour fresh local seafood at the Slip Inn Café or The Mussel Pot, both boasting stunning waterfront views.
Don’t miss the lively Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival in March, where the marina truly comes alive.
Location: Main Road, Havelock
© Only Marlborough - MarlboroughNZMore Things to Do Near Havelock
That’s it for our guide to the best things to do in Havelock; for more information about Marlborough Sounds activities, check out the following articles:
- 11 Awesome Hikes in Picton
- Top 10 Natural Attractions in Marlborough
- 10 Awesome Activities in the Marlborough Sounds
That’s it for the best things to do in Havelock. Find more activities for your travels in the 50 Best Things to Do in the South Island.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Marlborough NZ (Regional tourism website)
- Visit Waitohi / Picton (Regional tourism website)
- Marlborough District Council (Local council website)
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
