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Picton to Golden Bay: Route Guide

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Wharariki Beach archway — Nelson, Abel Tasman & Golden Bay
Photo: Simeon W · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Travel from Picton's harbour through Nelson and Motueka to Marahau, then cross Tākaka Hill for Golden Bay. Five summer days combine town culture and coast; water taxis, longer walks and Farewell Spit tours are optional additions to arrange separately.

Picton to Golden Bay is a 320 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as a 5-day trip; the plan below is the 5-day version for February, built from 96 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

5
days
320km
distance
5
Stops
96
curated stops

View ready-made plans 5-day plan · best time to go

The route

Picton — Harbour visit→ 110 kmNelson — Culture visit→ 50 kmMotueka — Town and coast→ 20 kmMarahau — Coast at the road end→ 140 kmGolden Bay — Exploring by road

What you'll see

Edwin Fox Maritime Museum
Explore the restored hull of the Edwin Fox, one of the world's oldest ships.
Picton — Harbour visit
Tahunanui Beach
Relax on one of New Zealand's safest and finest family beaches.
Nelson — Culture visit
Motueka — Town and coast
Explore Motueka’s town, estuary and coastal surroundings, using places that are open to visitors.
Motueka — Town and coast
Marahau — Coast at the road end
Spend time around Marahau’s coastal road end, with walks limited to short, open sections suited to your visit.
Marahau — Coast at the road end
Golden Bay — Exploring by road
Explore Golden Bay by SH60, with time for towns, coastal areas and reserves that are open to visitors.
Golden Bay — Exploring by road
Drive to Karaka Point
Walk along the coast past a historic Maori pa to a scenic lookout.
Picton — Harbour visit
Founders Park
Discover re-located historic buildings, an organic brewery, and a craft bakery.
Nelson — Culture visit
Motueka Saltwater Baths
Relax in the historic saltwater pool surrounded by a tranquil park.
Motueka — Town and coast

Choose your length

5-day plan13 stops · 9.3 h transit2.6 stops/day · 1.9 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: December, January, February, March

Use the published warm-season road product and check current highways, weather, public access and every optional activity separately.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

View ready-made plans