Little Havelock is a popular lunch stop and drive-through destination at the base of Pelorus Sound in the Marlborough Sounds. Several things to do in Havelock make sticking around worthwhile, especially if you’re visiting on a warm, sunny day. Havelock runs on greenshell mussels, which are farmed in the Marlborough Sounds and transported here for processing. So, fuel up with a seafood chowder or garlic mussels for lunch before hiking a hilly trail, kayaking on the sounds, or swimming in the Pelorus River.
Havelock positively pumps in summer (December–February) when a constant stream of travelers passes through between Picton or Blenheim and Nelson. Book a table in advance if you’re also passing through and want a mussel lunch. Summer is also the best time to go hiking, boating, kayaking, swimming, and camping as it's when the weather at the Top of the South Island is warm and fine. A mussel and seafood festival is held annually in March.
Havelock is tiny, so you won’t have any problem walking around. There are no other options. Most travelers arrive in Havelock by private car, although limited buses pass through Havelock on the journey between Picton and Nelson. If you’re driving to or from Blenheim, opt for the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive, a winding coastal route with gorgeous views of the Marlborough Sounds. It’s slower than State Highway 6 but much more scenic.
Unless you have a boat or embark on a long-distance hike, Havelock is one of only two logical bases for exploring the Marlborough Sounds, which doesn’t have an extensive road network. Arguably, Havelock is a preferable base to Picton, which is bigger but feels more like a transit hub. While there’s not much to do in Havelock itself, spending a few nights here provides access to day hikes, freshwater swimming spots, cruises, kayaking, and the rugged French Pass–Croisilles Harbour road.
