Nelson and Marlborough
HubThe top of the South Island is where the Cook Strait ferries arrive, at Picton in the Marlborough Sounds. From there it is vineyards around Blenheim, the Queen Charlotte Track, sunny Nelson and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park. Book Abel Tasman huts and campsites well ahead, all year.
Quick facts
Plan it:West Coast road tripThree weeks in New Zealand
Nelson and Marlborough on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Drive times are routing estimates without stops. Prices and rules were checked for each guide; follow the link for the official sources.
Coming up in Nelson and Marlborough
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Official links for Nelson and Marlborough
All useful linksInterislander (opens in a new tab)
Book the Cook Strait ferry between Wellington and Picton, including vehicles and campervans.
Bluebridge (opens in a new tab)
The other Cook Strait ferry. Compare times and vehicle fares with Interislander.
Coastal Pacific (opens in a new tab)
The Picton to Christchurch train along the Kaik艒ura coast. Seasonal, so check dates.
Nelson Airport (opens in a new tab)
Flight information for Nelson, the usual arrival point for Abel Tasman and the top of the south.
Sounds Air (opens in a new tab)
Small-plane flights across Cook Strait and around the top of the South Island.
Originair (opens in a new tab)
Regional flights, including Nelson and Palmerston North routes.
Nelson Tasman (opens in a new tab)
Official visitor information for Nelson, Abel Tasman and Golden Bay.
Marlborough NZ (opens in a new tab)
Official site for Blenheim, Picton and the Marlborough Sounds and wineries.
More Nelson and Marlborough guides
Nelson TasmanAbel Tasman National Park: water taxis, kayaking and the coast track
WellingtonInterislander vs Bluebridge: which Cook Strait ferry should you book?
NationwideKayaking in NZ: Abel Tasman, Milford, Doubtful and beyond
NationwideThree weeks in New Zealand: the both-islands itinerary
NationwideNZ wine regions for people who just want a nice day out
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