Queen Charlotte Drive
The scenic road between Picton and Havelock. This has to be
one of New Zealand's most delightful drives, winding around
bush-fringed coastline, past sheltered inlets and bays.
The Anakiwa Backpackers is next to the Outward
Bound School. Outward Bound is New Zealand's leading
organisation for showing people their full potential through outdoor
challenge and adventure. Established in 1962, OB operates from
its original location in Anakiwa and is regarded as the
most perfectly situated Outward Bound school in the world.
Location and Maps
From Wellington:
Take one of the 2 ferries (Bluebridge or Interislander),
an approx. 3 hour journey across the Cook Strait and through the
picturesque Marlborough Sounds to Picton.
From Picton:
• By road, take the Queen Charlotte Scenic Drive, just a 30 minute
drive (25km).
• Coleman Post - scheduled transport between Picton-Anakiwa-Havelock. Enjoy the scenic drive with local postman Adam whilst he delivers the mail or newspapers to the local community. Phone 03 574 2433
• By watertaxi contact: the Beachcomber
Fun Cruises, Cougar
Line, Endeavour Express, Picton
Water Taxis
or West
Bay Transport
From Havelock:
Take the Queen Charlotte Drive for 20kms (approx. 20 mins).
From Blenheim:
State Highway 1 to Blenheim. Then you have two choices:
Highway 1 via Picton or Highway 6 via Havelock (approx. 45 minutes).
From Nelson:
Take State Highway 6 to Havelock.
Then via The Queen Charlotte Drive to Anakiwa (approx. 1.5 hours).
From Queen Charlotte Track:
We are located at the very end of the track (by the
DOC sign!) and opposite the Anakiwa/Outward Bound Jetty. After
completing the Track, stay with us overnight in Anakiwa. That way,
there’s no need for
you to feel like you have to rush your last day on the Track to catch
the water taxi. On arrival here, you can sit and rest or take advantage
of the activities on
offer at the southern end of the Marlborough’s Queen Charlotte Sound.
Return to Picton in the
following days, relaxed and refreshed and ready to continue with your
holiday through
New Zealand.
