Havelock

Travel Guide

Marlborough showing a marina, forest scenes and mountains
Havelock which includes a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Marlborough showing forest scenes, mountains and a coastal town
Marlborough which includes mountains, forests and tranquil scenes
Havelock which includes a bay or harbor

Taste fresh greenshell mussels, help deliver the local mail by boat in the Pelorus Sound and hike among the hills surrounding this idyllic coastal village.

Havelock is a small historic town in the labyrinthian Marlborough Sounds region of New Zealand’s South Island. Known as the “Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World,” Havelock is the best place to go for fresh mussels. While there, enjoy the scenic Pelorus Sound and rugged, lush countryside that surrounds it.

Walk around town to get a feel for this small, charming community. Havelock retains some characteristic old colonial buildings from its boom days as a gold mining town in the late 1800s. Visit the Havelock Museum in the old Methodist church to learn about the timber and gold rush eras. Drive up to Cullen Point Lookout just to the northeast of town to get a view back down over the town and out over the sounds.

Delve further into the abundant nature surrounding Havelock. Take a guided kayak trip on the Pelorus River. As you paddle along, take in the lush scenery and learn about the flora and fauna. This is a must-do for fans of the New Zealand movie The Hobbit, as you get to visit actual film locations.

Get a feel for the surrounding community and enjoy the sights at a relaxed pace by joining the Pelorus Mail Boat on its day-long delivery round to the remote residents in the region. Mail has been delivered like this since 1918. Listen to stories about the way of life and history of the Marlborough Sounds from your knowledgeable hosts. Watch for dolphins, seals and birds that thrive in this pristine environment.

Continue your nature discovery with a trip to the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve. Enjoy a gentle stroll on one of the short tracks or challenge yourself to a longer hike. Check out the giant totara tree and cross the swing bridge, relax with a picnic beside the river or jump in for a refreshing swim.

Finish off with a relaxing boat trip to visit a mussel farm. See how the mussels are grown and harvested. On the way back, take in the iconic scenery of the Marlborough Sounds, taste freshly cooked mussels paired with a glass of Marlborough sauvignon blanc. In Havelock you really see, feel, experience and even taste nature at its finest.

Peaceful, private and stunning  views

Peaceful, private and stunning views

Mahakipawa Arm
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Havelock. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Mahakipawa Arm and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (196 reviews)
"We absolutely loved our stay. An authentic Marlborough Sounds bach with plenty of thoughtful touches. Stunning views and plenty of things to do in the area, though just staying at the bach was the best thing to do. Thank you Penny!"

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Peaceful, private and stunning views
Waterfront & spacious.  Room for cars & boat trailer. 6KM from Havelock Marina

Waterfront & spacious. Room for cars & boat trailer. 6KM from Havelock Marina

Havelock
Stay at this vacation home in Havelock. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mahakipawa Arm and Pelorus Eco Adventures ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Ideal place for chilling out
"Property was excellent - comfortable, luxurious, and well-equipped. Awesome views from the balcony. It is ideal for chilling out or meditating."

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2025

Waterfront & spacious. Room for cars & boat trailer. 6KM from Havelock Marina
Carnmore Chateau Marlborough

Carnmore Chateau Marlborough

5 out of 5
Cnr High and Henry Streets, Blenheim
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$71 nightly
The price is $81 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$81 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Blenheim. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Handy to the CBD."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Carnmore Chateau Marlborough
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Peaceful, private and stunning  views

Peaceful, private and stunning views

Mahakipawa Arm
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Havelock. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Mahakipawa Arm and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (196 reviews)
"We absolutely loved our stay. An authentic Marlborough Sounds bach with plenty of thoughtful touches. Stunning views and plenty of things to do in the area, though just staying at the bach was the best thing to do. Thank you Penny!"

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Peaceful, private and stunning views
Waterfront & spacious.  Room for cars & boat trailer. 6KM from Havelock Marina

Waterfront & spacious. Room for cars & boat trailer. 6KM from Havelock Marina

Havelock
Stay at this vacation home in Havelock. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mahakipawa Arm and Pelorus Eco Adventures ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Ideal place for chilling out
"Property was excellent - comfortable, luxurious, and well-equipped. Awesome views from the balcony. It is ideal for chilling out or meditating."

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2025

Waterfront & spacious. Room for cars & boat trailer. 6KM from Havelock Marina
Tepuia Daze - Havelock Holiday Home

Tepuia Daze - Havelock Holiday Home

Picton
Stay at this vacation home in Havelock. Enjoy a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mahakipawa Arm and Pelorus Eco Adventures are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
Picture Perfect Panorama
"The rental property is situated in a lovely location with beautiful views of the Sound. The peaceful surroundings helped to balance out the somewhat challenging access via the driveway, making the effort to get there worthwhile.The location is quite convenient—close to Havelock and within a reasonable ..."

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2025

Tepuia Daze - Havelock Holiday Home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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