Getting from Nelson to Whangamata
Nelson sits at the top of the South Island, approximately 800 kilometres from Whangamata by road plus the Cook Strait ferry crossing. The journey takes about 2 days by car, or you can fly to Auckland and drive 2.5 hours. The driving route passes through the Marlborough wine region, across Cook Strait through the stunning Marlborough Sounds, and then up the North Island through the volcanic heartland to the Coromandel coast.
Distance & Travel Time
- Driving + ferry: approximately 740 km driving + 3.5 hour ferry crossing
- Total driving time: 10 to 11 hours (split over 2 days)
- Flying + driving: 1.5 hour flight to Auckland + 2.5 hour drive
Fly and Drive
Nelson Airport has direct Air New Zealand flights to Auckland (approximately 1.5 hours) and Wellington (approximately 35 minutes). The most practical option is to fly to Auckland and drive 2.5 hours south to Whangamata. Alternatively, fly to Wellington and connect to Tauranga (1 hour flight, then 90-minute drive to Whangamata).
Drive and Ferry Route
Nelson to Picton (145 km, 2 hours)
You have two route options to reach the ferry at Picton:
- Via SH6 through Blenheim (highway route): 115 km, 1.5 hours. Head southeast on SH6 through the Wairau Valley to Blenheim, then SH1 north to Picton. Straightforward, fast driving through wine country. Stop at a cellar door in Blenheim — Cloudy Bay, Wairau River, and dozens of others line Rapaura Road.
- Via Queen Charlotte Drive (scenic route): 114 km, 2 hours. Head east through Havelock (the greenlip mussel capital of the world — order a bowl of mussels at the Mussel Pot) and along the stunning Queen Charlotte Drive. This winding coastal road hugs the shoreline of the Marlborough Sounds with breathtaking views at every turn. It is narrow and slow but extraordinarily beautiful. Only take this route if you have time to enjoy it.
Picton to Wellington (Ferry — 3.5 hours)
Cross Cook Strait by Interislander or Bluebridge ferry. The crossing passes through the Marlborough Sounds — sheltered waterways, bush-clad islands, and resident dolphins. On a calm day, it is one of the most scenic ferry crossings in the world. Book in advance for holiday periods.
Wellington to Whangamata (595 km, 7-8 hours)
Follow our Wellington to Whangamata route via SH1 and the Desert Road through the centre of the North Island.
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Nelson to Wellington. Drive to Picton via Queen Charlotte Drive (2 hours, with mussel stop in Havelock). Afternoon ferry to Wellington (3.5 hours). Evening in Wellington — explore Cuba Street, the waterfront, or Te Papa museum. Overnight in Wellington.
- Day 2: Wellington to Whangamata. Early departure via SH1 north. Stop at Taupo for lunch (5 hours from Wellington). Continue to Whangamata (2.5 hours from Taupo). Arrive late afternoon.
Best Stops Along the Way
- Havelock (1 hour from Nelson on the scenic route) — The Mussel Pot serves enormous bowls of fresh Marlborough greenlip mussels. One of the best seafood stops in New Zealand.
- Blenheim (1.5 hours on the highway route) — Marlborough wine region. Quick cellar door visit for world-class Sauvignon Blanc.
- Wellington — Te Papa Tongarewa (national museum, free entry) is genuinely world-class. Allow 2-3 hours. Cuba Street is Wellington’s creative and dining heart.
- Taupo (5 hours from Wellington) — Huka Falls, hot pools, lakefront dining. The natural overnight or lunch stop.
Tips
- The Queen Charlotte Drive is stunning but slow. If you are trying to make a specific ferry sailing, take the SH6 highway route to be safe.
- Blenheim is worth a half-day stop if you enjoy wine tasting — stock up for your Whangamata holiday.
- Book the ferry early, especially over Christmas/New Year and school holidays.
- If your priority is getting to Whangamata quickly, fly to Auckland. If the journey is part of the holiday, drive — the scenery is exceptional.
