Queen Charlotte Drive is one of the best coastal drives in New Zealand. It connects Picton to Havelock via the coast. It runs around the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound and Pelorus Sound, is 35 km long, windy and hilly, although sealed. However, take extra care as some short sections were badly damaged in the storm of 2020 and will take a considerable time to repair fully.
The views of Queen Charlotte Sound are often superlative, with viewpoints above Picton Harbour, Shakespeare Bay, and then Edge Point. Further along are small accessible bays in Ngakuta, Momorangi, and Australia. The two latter also have campsites.
About halfway along the drive, there is an inland section through Linkwater to Pelorus Sound. You can access this sound on Kenepuru Road or continue to connect with Pelorus Sound at Mahakipawa Arm. Look out for the stop at Pelorus Sound Viewpoint shortly before you arrive in Havelock.
The drive connects to State Highway 6 to Nelson, or Blenheim, at Havelock.
