South Island | New Zealand | Small Town South | HavelockGuest post by Frith Chamberlain

Havelock. Gateway to the Pelorus (Te Hoiere) and Kenepuru Sounds also known as the Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World.

Havelock is on SH6 between Blenheim and Nelson and is often overlooked as a stop by travellers. 

Shadowed by the might of Nelson and Abel Tasman National Parks or Picton and Queen Charlotte Sounds, Havelock offers peace and tranquillity, adventure, water sports and amazing walks.

Geographically a ‘sound’ is carved out by a river, whereas a fjord is carved from a glacier.  This gives the Marlborough Sounds their rolling hill landscapes without the jagged high peaks that are created in Glacier Country.  

Maori were thought to have first visited these shores around 1000 years ago where they were greeted with an abundance of flora and fauna. 

Pelorus Sound is fundamental to the local iwi, Ngati Kuia, whom believe the dolphin (Kaikaiawaro) to be their guide.  When you visit the Sounds, you can understand why. Dolphins are frequent visitors to the region, frolicking in her clear, safe and nutritious waters.  The rare King Shag enjoys a simple colony at the head of the Sounds. This small and very rare shag (Cormorant) was believed to be a pet of Kupe (Polynesian navigator who Maori folklore is based on).

Between 1888 & 1912, a dolphin named Pelorus Jack spent many years guiding ships through the notorious French Pass.  This small stretch of water flows between D’Urville Island and the South Island and has shipwrecked many vessels.  Huge bodies of water force their way through this small area during tidal flow, sometimes reaching 8 knots.  This drive is well worth the visit or an overnight stay.  The landscapes down into the Pelorus Sound are stunning.  You can then catch the ferry over to D’Urville Island for a treat.

The first recorded navigation of the head of Pelorus and D’Urville was by Abel Tasman in 1827.  There were many explorers visiting Aoteoroa, with James Cook visiting three times in the late 1700’s.  His detailed charts were still in use until the 1970’s.  This is an outstanding achievement as the Marlborough Sounds has around 4000kms of coastline.  Most of the coastline is sheltered and inshore making it the perfect sea kayaking holiday.  Charter boats from one of Havelock’s outstanding commercial fleet will take you to explore her wonders and get amongst the fingers of land and water that Captain Cook expertly charted.  Many of the Havelock charter vessels are owned & operated by passionate locals who love to share the beauty and marine life of Pelorus Sound with guests.

Only 100 years ago, Havelock was a boom town supporting gold mining, sawmilling, farming, fishing and whaling.  Many of these industries have waned or ceased and are now replaced by other lucrative ventures.  The aquaculture industry, (some could say), was born in the Pelorus Sounds by some very industrious and entrepreneurial individuals.  Notably, the Green Shell Mussel Industry. This has now become a huge earner in both exports and tourism for the region and all from humble beginnings.

Havelock is steeped in forgotten history. Local residents have worked hard at gathering and collating information about Maori & European settlers so the region’s history highlights the beauty of her past which will help shape and share her future with both locals and guests alike.

Havelock offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and requirement. Sounds Great Holiday Homes offer holiday rentals in utterly stunning locations, some accessible by boat only. 

There are many walking opportunities in the Sounds. You have the ultimate choice.  Do I choose one of New Zealand’s great walks (The Queen Charlotte Track) or experience some of her more unknown and quieter options that have just as much pleasure to share?  Why not walk The Link Pathway, Nydia Track or Cullen Point Tracks?  Take a cruise option with Foxy Lady Cruises and walk the Nydia Track by day, rest in comfort on the boat at night.  The perfect Pelorus Sound experience!

You can also choose a day trip on The Pelorus Mail Boat. Head out and meet the remote locals, deliver the mail and explore the Sounds. 

Many ‘Kiwis’ still holiday in the Pelorus Sound enjoying the fishing, boating, weather and flora/fauna. The Pelorus Sound offers many choices.  Are you after an action packed adventurous experience or a peaceful, quiet break away? 

The choice is yours.

The next step is to come visit.