Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
PELORUS BRIDGE
A pocket of deep, green forest tucked away among paddocks of bog-standard pasture, 18km west of Havelock,
this scenic reserve contains one of the last stands of river-flat forest in Marlborough. It survived only because a
town planned in 1865 didn't get off the ground by 1912, by which time obliterative logging made this little rem-
nant look precious. Visitors can explore its many tracks, admire the historic bridge, take a dip in the limpid Pelor-
us River (alluring enough to star in Peter Jackson's
The Hobbit
), and partake in some home baking at the cafe.
The fortunate few can stay overnight in DOC's small but perfectly formed
Pelorus Bridge Campground
(
03-571 6019;
www.doc.govt.nz
; unpowered/powered sites per person $12/6), with its snazzy facilities building.
Come sundown keep an eye out for long-tailed bats - the reserve is home to one of the last remaining populations
in Marlborough.
Sleeping & Eating
There's plenty of accommodation along Kenepuru Rd, most of which is readily accessible
off the Queen Charlotte Track. Other options in this area include some picturesque DOC
campgrounds (most full to bursting in January), a few remote lodges and the very handy
Kenepuru, where you'll find a petrol station with snacks. Havelock has a couple of decent
offerings.
LODGE
$
Hopewell
MAP
( 03-573 4341;
www.hopewell.co.nz
;
7204 Kenepuru Rd, Double Bay; dm from $40, d with/without bathroom from
$135/100, 4-person cottage $240; )
Beloved of travellers from near and far, remote Hopewell
sits waterside surrounded by native bush. Savour the long, winding drive to get there, or
take a water taxi from Te Mahia. Stay at least a couple of days, so you can chill out or en-
joy the roll-call of activities: mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, fishing, eating gourmet
pizza, soaking in the outdoor spa, and more.
Blue Moon Lodge
( 03-574 2212;
www.bluemoonhavelock.co.nz
;
48 Main Rd, Havelock; dm $28, r with/without bathroom $96/76;
)
This pleasant and relaxed lodge has homely rooms in the main house (one with en
suite), as well as cabins and a bunkhouse in the yard. Notable features include a sunny
barbecue deck, inflatable kayak trips on the Pelorus River, and tramping track transport.
HOSTEL
$
Havelock Garden Motel
MOTEL
$$
