Queen Charlotte Drive is a scenic coastal road in NZ
New Zealand, oceania
33.2 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through New Zealand's South Island? You HAVE to check out Queen Charlotte Drive! This legendary coastal road winds its way between Havelock and Picton in the Marlborough Region, and it's seriously one of the prettiest drives on the planet.
Clocking in at around 33 km (20 miles), this fully paved road hugs the coastline from Havelock (right at the start of Pelorus Sound) to Picton, the gateway to the stunning Marlborough Sounds.
Don't be in a rush – this route is all about the journey! The road climbs gently over a few hills, but with all the twists and turns, you'll probably average around 40km/hour. Trust me, though, it's totally worth it! The views of turquoise bays peeking through the ferns are pure magic. Keep an eye out for cyclists sharing the road, and be aware that it gets narrow in spots with plenty of bends. School holidays at the end of September can bring more traffic, especially if the sun's out. Even though it's a winding road with lots of ups and downs, you'll have plenty of time to soak in the views.
Give yourself about 50-70 minutes to complete the drive non-stop, but honestly, you'll want to factor in extra time for photo ops and exploring! You'll be winding along the southern edge of Mahakipawa Arm, passing hidden bays and lush native forests. Seriously, the views are some of the best you'll find anywhere in New Zealand! And good news: there are plenty of lookout points along the way. Take your time, drive carefully, and pull over when you can to soak in the incredible scenery. This winding road, fringed with native forest, is easily one of the most scenic drives you're likely to experience. It's definitely a top coastal road trip on the South Island!
Where is it?
Queen Charlotte Drive is a scenic coastal road in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.8732, 174.6639
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 33.2 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -41.8732, 174.6639
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