Local Restaurants

Havelock is a small town with a passion for good food and friendly service. Menus, for all tastes and pockets, are available in each unit.

Clansman
Food Affair
Havelock 4 Square Supermarket
Havelock Habitat Bakery
Havelock Hotel
Mussel Pot
Slip Inn
Soundz Like Kaff

 

Explore the Sounds by boat

Take the opportunity to enjoy the exquisite Pelorus, Kenepuru and Mahau Sounds from the water. These unspoilt, quiet waterways are the unsung treasurers of the Marlborough region.
Havelock is the world centre for green-lipped mussels - these are grown in the purest and most ideal water conditions – Visit the unique mussel beds with the locals who have the knowledge.

WaterwWaterways Boating Safaris
Waterways Boating Safaris

Enjoy the tranquillity of the Sounds sheltered waters with Waterways boating safaris. They supply a knowledgeable guide who gives you full handling instructions in relation to the two-man boat, accompanies you on your trip and takes you on a walk through the regenerated native bush. Step back in time, enjoy the best of New Zealand. No qualifications required, first time boaters welcome. waterwaysnz@paradise.co.nz




Pelorus water taxiJoin the knowledgeable John and Catherine Beavon whilst they taxi locals and holidaymakers to and from the many coves that make up New Zealand's best-kept secret destination. Stop at a beach for the day, take a walk through the bush or just go along for the ride. See www.peloruswt.co.nz

Pelorus Mail boat

 






How about spending the day on the Pelorus Mail Boat delivering the post to the locals who inhabit the isolated homesteads.

Alternatively if you have the skills required, hire a vessel from Trish and John May who own Havelock Sea Charters. E-mail havccharts@hotmail.com

River Trips

Between October and May, enjoy half an hour Punting on the Taylor River. Made famous in Oxford and Cambridge, England, this ancient form of water transport is a wonderful way to see the countryside that borders the riverbanks. Bring a picnic lunch or some fine wine and relax on this stunning locally built punt.

fishing in the marlborough soundsSea Fishing

The many sheltered beaches and secluded bays in the Sounds provide excellent fishing opportunities. There’s nothing to stop you bringing your own rod and spending an afternoon dangling your line but the best way to guarantee results is by boat. You can fish just about anywhere from Havelock to the Cook Straits but if your looking for half or a full day out with the local experts chasing a Snapper or a Kingfish, then these boys have the know how and the personalities to guarantee an entertaining excursion.

Rob Clarke Soundz Fishing Charters e-mail s.interesting@xtra.co.nz
Chris Hobbs of Snapper Fishing Charters e-mail hobzee@ihug.co.nz

Kayaking
dolphin and kayak marlborough sounds
One of the best ways to be introduced to the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds is in a kayak. Sea Kayaking Adventure tours based at Anakiwa bay offer a number of excursions encapsulating not only kayaking but walking and mountain biking. We can arrange a courtesy bus from Havelock or you can make your own way to their base from the town (20minute scenic drive).
E-mail: info@NZseakaying.com

Horse RidingPelorus River Horses

Jack and Roz of Pelorus River Horses are situated 10 minutes away in the Ria Valley and have horses to suit all levels of experience. Their rides take a meander through the forested hills with stream crossings on well-formed tracks. They take you upstream through the beautiful Pelorus River where you can swim your horse if you wish.
Rides vary from a one hour River Loop ride (suitable for children over 8 years and inexperienced riders), to more adventurous outings suitable for the advanced equestrian. An example is, The Champagne Ride, which takes four to five hours with a Champagne Lunch en-route.

Mountain Biking

Not only do the Sea Kayaking Adventure tours supply kayaking equipment but good quality mountain bikes as well. You are able to hire by the hour or for 3 days, the choice is yours. Advise on routes and terrain given. E-mail: info@NZseakaying.com

 

marlborough golfGolf -We have two sets of golf clubs which we hire out at $10 per day. Please ask at reception if you are interested

Blenheim Golf Club, situated in heart of Blenheim
9 hole course positioned on the skirts of Blenheim’s Pollard Park. This flat course is a gentle walk in a pleasant park setting. Telephone 03 578 4320

Golfers World Blenheim, situated on the outskirts of Blenheim
A par 3, 9 hole course ideal for practising your short game or for an hours fun with the kids. Green fees $5 per round, discount for children. They also offer driving range facilities, $6 for a bucket of 50 balls and club hire is free. Open 10am to Dark. Situated on State Highway 1 six kms from Blenheim travelling south towards Kaikoura and Christchurch. Telephone 03 577 7181

Marlborough Golf Club Fairhall, Blenheim
18 holes surrounded by mature trees and with views of the beautiful Richmond Range and local vineyards. Challenge yourself on this picturesque course made up of flats, hills, streams, ponds and watered fairways. Visitors welcome to play casual rounds or join in with club events. Green fees: $20 affiliated Members $30 non-affiliated Members. Special rates for groups. Situated on the road between Renwick and Blenheim. Just after Renwick, look for the turning on the right-hand saying Fairhall. Course 5 kms or so on the right-hand side of the road. Telephone 03 578 7646

Picton Golf Course
This very pretty and tranquil 9 hole course is situated at the foot of Mount Pleasant, in a small town called Koromiko. Green fees $15, which entitles you to two rounds Situated on State Highway 1 on the right-hand side of the road driving toward Picton. Next door to Marlborough Marine. Telephone 03 573 7750

Rarangi Golf Club, Blenheim
A Coastal18 holes of easy walking tree lined, watered fairways with greens that will test all players. Green fees $15. Telephone 03 570 5709 e-mail rarangi@golf.co.nz

Wairau Golf Club, Wairau Valley
9 holes set in the heart of the countryside. For total peace and quiet with nothing but the sound of the birds to disturb your concentration. Green fees $10, which entitles you to two rounds. Situated on Highway 63, 20mins west of Renwick.

Swimming -You can swim at many of the beaches and coves surrounding the sounds but be aware of the rocks and reefs at low tide.
Alternatively you can take a river dip at the Pelorus Bridge or visit the Onamalutu Reserve and cool yourselves in the water hole.
During school holidays we have a key to the Havelock School swimming pool which you are more than welcome to use or if your visiting Blenheim, why not pop into the local sports centre, Stadium 2000, Kinross Street (Next to Mitre 10).

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Tennis - Rackets and balls can be hired from reception for $5 for two rackets and a set of balls. Havelock has two public tarmac courts two minutes walk from the motel which can used free of charge.

Local Museum - While away an hour at the small local museum. Town folk have been working on this attraction and have over the last few years been renovating and added artefacts that included items that date back to old gold mining days.

Bowls - The local Bowling Club welcomes guests from out of town to their excellent green and clubhouse. Bowls can be borrowed from the club at no cost.

Weka
Ducklings

Bird Watching - Not only are the motel grounds home to a number of ducks but also you can watch the fantail perform its graceful dance or wake up to the Tui and Bellbird. The Sounds has a great diversity of bird life from the common to the rare. The local Department of Conservation Offices (DoC) has up-to-date information on the latest sightings.

Walks - Exceptional bluffs and dramatic landscapes add tothe pleasure of walking and tramping in the region. Skills and duration vary greatly but there is something for everyone.

 

Cullen Point
Cullen Point

Cullen point – A scenic lookout point 5 minutes drive away on the opposite side of Havelock marina. Either take the 10 minute walk to the point to enjoy the spectacular views or spend an hour following the circular path around the point through native flora.


Nydia Track – A local Mule track created over a 100 years ago to link farms and serve the hardwood logging industry. The Department of Conservation (DoC) has linked these tracks to form a peaceful 27 km walkway called the Nydia Track.

Pelorus Bridge – A 15 minutes drive. Numerous walks taking anything from 15 minutes to 4 hours. Choose a gentle stroll or a hearty uphill slog but always finish with morning eleven’s or afternoon tea at Pelorus Café.



The Queen Charlotte Track
- Beginning at historic Ship Cove (where English explorer Captain James Cook made his NZ base), the Queen Charlotte Track winds its way over 71km. Passing through lush coastal native bush, around pristine bays & along skyline ridges with unsurpassed views, marvels abound throughout this Marlborough Sounds walk.

On the road to French PassDrives - Superbly scenic country roads are a great way to see the different communities that make up the sounds. From the best known, Queen Charlotte Drive to Tennyson Inlet, Croisilles to French Pass and Kenepuru, these roads introduce you to the special characters and insightful vistas of the waterways. You will find a map of the outer Sounds at reception.

4WD Drives - Some of the back roads take you down early pioneer trails and past spectacular scenery. These roads are usually well maintained, even though ford crossings are common. However they are weather dependent.

Wineries - Marlborough is famous for its wineries with a world-wide distribution network. A wine trail is perhaps the best way to visit the traditional, new and boutique wineries. There are pamphlets at reception to help you choose one of the many operators. A unique experience, for the fitter of us, is run by “Wine Tour by Bike”. You are able to either hire a bike and set off on your merry way (not too merry we hope) or go with a party guide who will show you the best Marlborough has to offer.

Lying in the heart of Marlborough is New Zealand’s first commercial fruit distillery The Prenzel Distillery. A great opportunity to taste their international award winning Liqueurs, Schnapps, fruit brandies, Prenzel Cream or culinary products.

Woodend gardens
Woodend gardens

Gardens -Eldred and Colin Boyce have produced an absolute delight of colour and variety on the 7 acres that makes up Woodend Gardens, Blenheim. Enjoy a couple of hours wondering through this enthralling garden and if you get the opportunity enjoy a chat with these salt of the earth Kiwis. A wonderful way to spend half a day between September and April.

Pollard Park
A golf course, tennis courts and Croquette rinks surround Pollard Park in the heart of Blenheim. These mature gardens with streams and a large duck pond are well worth a visit.Pollard Park

 

 

 


Arts and Crafts
-Besides having a comprehensive display of Marlborough made quality craft gifts, James and Co offer you the unique opportunity to design your own furniture which they will then bring to life for you. Alternatively, you can browse through the comprehensive catalogue they have put together for inspiration. A quality services at affordable prices. I must say I am probably a tad biased as our daughter and son-in-law are the creators of this new enterprise, nepotism reigns.

Amongst the multitude of arts and crafts displayed at the He Tiki Gallery, you will see a fine collection of Jade carvings created by the proprietor Clem Mellish, a world-wide acclaimed Maori artist and beautiful bone carvings produced by local man Brian Flintoff. Well worth a look.

Take a trip to the Mud House Village where, in their wine tasting room, you can sample the award winning Mud House and Le Grys wines. Pop into the adjacent Quilter’s Barn and browse through the quality gifts, patchworks, quilting and embroidering supplies and then enjoy a delicious snack or meal in the café.

Miscellaneous - The Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory is a very pleasant experience for those of us who have a passion for hand-made chocies. Watch these delicious confectioneries being made and taste a few free samples, mmmm a great one for the kids.

Havelock has two information centres – Soundz Interesting and Rutherfords Travel both will be more than happy to help with your requirements.

Husband out fishing for the day and desperate for a wash and blow dry or to get those locks trimmed? See what Soundz Interesting Hairdressers can do for you
(situated directly opposite motel entrance).

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