Havelock
Havelock is a town in the Marlborough district of New Zealand known as the green-shell mussel capital of the world. It is the major access point to the Pelorus Sound, one of the two major sounds of the Marlborough Sounds. There must be something in the water as two of the world's greatest scientists had their education in Havelock: Sir Ernest Rutherford, the first man to split the atom and the rocket scientist William Pickering.
Get in
By car
Havelock is on State Highway 6 between Blenheim (30 minutes) and Nelson (45 minutes). There are two choices of traveling to Picton. The turnoff to the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive on the eastern side of town. Queen Charlotte Drive is narrow and windy, with commanding views over the Keneperu and inner Queen Charlotte Sounds. Allow 1 hour to travel this route. The alternative is via the Wairau valley. From Picton, head initially down State Highway 1 in the direction of Blenheim. At the settlement of Spring Creek, turn west down Rapaura Rd and travel length of this road. At the intersection turn north to travel to Havelock. Allow 45 minutes for this journey.
By bus
There's the Intercity coach and Atomic Shuttles that travel Picton-Nelson return, both of which pass through Blenheim.
Get around
Havelock is the gateway to the Pelorus Sound.
- Havelock Water Taxi, ☏ +64 27 618 3585, havetaxi@xtra.co.nz.
- Marlborough Travel, ☏ +64 3 577 9997, toll-free: 0800 990 800, fax: +64 3 577 9979, info@marlboroughtravel.co.nz.
- Pelorus Belle Water Taxi, ☏ +64 27 444 2852, +64 3 574 2151, pelorusbelle@ts.co.nz.
- Pelorus Mail Boat, Jetty 1 Havelock Marina, ☏ +64 3 574 1088, mail-boat@xtra.co.nz. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays. Departs from Havelock Marina 9:30 am - Returns to Havelock late afternoon. A courtesy coach is available from Picton and return. Adults $128, Children Free.
- Pelorus Water Transport, Jetty 1a, Havelock Marina, ☏ +64 27 239 0000, +64 3 577 6103 (after hours), peloruswt@xtra.co.nz.
See
- Havelock Museum, Main Road (next to the Clansman).
- Rutherford and Pickering Memorial, Main Road. Memorial to Havelock's famous scientists
Do
- Walk the Nydia Track. 2 day trek leaves from Kaiumu Bay to Duncan Bay, Tennyson Inlet. Unless you walk back to the start of the track you will need transport. Shuttle and boat options.
- Greenshell Mussel Cruise, Jetty 1a, Havelock Marina, ☏ +64 3 577 9997, toll-free: 0800 990 800, info@marlboroughtravel.co.nz. November 1 - March 31 at 1.30pm.
Buy
- Taxidermist (Eyes on Nature), 61 Main Street (The old historic post office), ☏ +64 3 574 1256, fax: +64 3 574 1259. Tuesday to Sunday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (October – March); 10.00 am to 4.00 pm (April – September).
- Havelock Museum Flea Market, Museum, Main Road, ☏ +64 3 574 2176 (Rita), +64 3 574 2435 (Joan). Every Saturday except in bad weather, 10am-1pm. Crafts, preserves, plants etc. Proceeds to Havelock Museum.
Eat
- Slip Inn, Havelock Marina (West end), ☏ +64 3 574 2345. open 7 days from 8am for breakfast till late. Situated next to the boat launching ramp which can provide (unintentional) entertainment.
Drink
- The Clansman, Main Road (Look for the stone building), ☏ +64 3 574 1170. A Scottish rather than a racist pub. Sporran and kilt optional.
Sleep
Budget
- Blue Moon Backpackers, 48 Main Road, ☏ +64 3 574 2212. $19 - $26 per person.
- Rutherford YHA, 46 Main Rd, ☏ +64 3 574 2104, fax: +64 3 574 2109, rutherfordlodge@hotmail.com. $11 to $26 per person.
Mid-range
- Havelock Garden Motels, 71 Main Road, ☏ +64 3 574 2387, fax: +64 3 574 2376. $95 - $140.
Connect
- There is internet access at Sounds like Kaff, ☏ +64 3 574 2640, fax: +64 3 574 2646.
Go next
- Pelorus Bridge – swimming hole, campground and bush walks for all levels of fitness in native bush, 15 minutes west of Havelock
- Picton
- Renwick
| Routes through Havelock |
| Nelson ← Pelorus Bridge ← | W  S
|
→ Renwick → Blenheim |