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This is a coastal journey along Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock, skirting the edges of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus sounds. Highlights include lookout points, easy tracks and safe swimming beaches. The drive is winding and narrow in places - allow at least half a day, or a full day to return via the Wairau vineyards and Blenheim.

History has been busy here. The unique Marlborough Sounds hosted New Zealand's major maritime explorers while Picton reflects its long history as a port and its past lives as a Maori village and Marlborough's first capital.

Side trail: Port Underwood: This side trail offers spectacular coastal scenery and historic sites on a round trip - allow at least half a day. The former whaling base of Port Underwood is where local Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, while Tuamarina was the scene of the unhappy Wairau Incident.

Side trail: Titirangi: Travel from the head of The Sounds to the outermost extremities, reaching into Cook Strait. Enjoy great views along the way, especially from Mount Stokes. Allow a full day, or stay overnight.

This view of outer Queen Charlotte Sound typifies the Marlborough Sounds,
a confusion of islands and ridges penetrated everywhere by sea. (Photo: Simon Noble)