Our Region

Havelock, Pelorus and Kenepuru

Tucked in beside beautiful wetlands, gorgeous native bush, and the magical Kenepuru, Mahau and Pelorus Sounds, lies the Greenshell ™ Mussel capital of the world.

In the waters beyond, you’ll find rich history, wonderful landscapes and perhaps a fat snapper or two.

Access these magical waterways by boat, or walk to beautiful trails like Nydia Bay. You can also explore the area on the Kenepuru Road, or by driving via the stunning Pelorus River to French Pass, gateway to D’Urville Island.

The Pelorus River is a popular campsite and swimming spot, located right in the middle of Middle Earth. Swim or kayak along the location of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and see the views that captured movie director Sir Peter Jackson's imagination as he chose it as the location for the film's barrel run scene.

Find out more information about the Pelorus here.

Visit a mussel farm

Take a tour boat to one of the mussel, oyster or salmon farms within our unique waterways to see how some of our wonderful seafood is grown.

Greenshell Mussel Cruise

Fresh Marlborough seafood

Marlborough salmon and mussels are available at a range of foodie outlets. Seafood (or more strictly Sounds food) with a crisp ‘chardie’ or ‘sav blanc’ is heaven on earth!

Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Set sail in the Sounds

Bring your yacht or charter one here, for beautiful cruising in the Marlborough Sounds, where winter brings crisp and calm blue-sky days.

Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Kayak the Pelorus River

Discover the beautiful location of the dwarves in a river scene from 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' travelling by kayak in lieu of barrel.

Pelorus Eco Adventures

Follow the gold trail

Walk to Devil’s Creek on the Wakamarina trail, retracing the footsteps of gold miners and staying overnight in the DOC hut.

Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Take the mail boat

Travel from Havelock or Picton and call in to isolated homesteads and secluded bays to deliver mail and groceries to families living in the Marlborough Sounds.

Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

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Swim in the Pelorus River

Make a splash at the beautiful Pelorus River, where the water is deep, cool and crystal clear, surrounded by beautiful native bush.

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Walk the Nydia Track

Walk the two day Nydia Track. Stay at a DOC hut or eco lodge in Nydia Bay, then carry on to Tennyson Inlet or return the way you came.

Related Guide:

Walks

Get to know Marlborough step by step, via walking tracks to alpine peaks, golden trails on working farms and native bush walks in the Marlborough Sounds.

Marlborough walks can be as challenging as Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku, as beautiful as the Queen Charlotte Track and as relaxing as the Taylor River reserve.

Whether you’re hiking for a day or a week, staying in a tent, hut or lodge, you’ll love the pace of Marlborough.

Start planning your walk with New Zealand Mountain Safety Councils Plan my Walk app. An awesome app that provides you with useful information of particular tracks, alerts, weather and what gear you will need. Click here to check it out.

Read our guide

Our Region

Havelock, Pelorus and Kenepuru