NEW ZEALAND: Top of the South Island, what we did and ate in Picton, Havelock and Blenheim

• NEW ZEALAND: Introduction — Wellington, a ferry to Picton for a South Island holiday
• LOUNGE REVIEW: Update to Qantas First Lounge Sydney for Autumn 2025
• HOTEL REVIEW: Too much style? Naumi Hotel, Wellington, New Zealand
• TRIP REPORT: Interislander ferry between Wellington and Picton, New Zealand
• HOTEL REVIEW: Bring boltcutters? Picton Waterfront Apartments, New Zealand
• NEW ZEALAND: Top of the South Island, what we did and ate in Picton, Havelock and Blenheim

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We had three nights/four days at the Picton Waterfront Apartments, and were mainly interested in rest and relaxation. We also did a little sightseeing, and winery wining and dining. This post is a short summary of some of those activities. Hope it gives you an idea of what you can do if you visit Picton at the top of New Zealand’s South Island.

This will be a bit of a travelogue of where we went, where we walked, where and what we ate along the way.

Picton Harbour View Track and Essons Valley walk to Humphries Dam

Our first venture out was very close to where we were staying. It was around the promintary forming one side of Picton Harbour. I had redently been diagnosed with a knee injury, which meant I was a little sheepish about any walks that involved rocky or slipery surfaces, or steep inclines. So, this was a bit of a ‘testing the track’ kind of expidition.

The walking track was pretty well marked, with a safe graded surface with good steps as required. The weather had been warm and clear, so hopefully, nothing slippery.

It really was an opportunity to take in the harbour, skirting around Titoki and Karaka Bay.

We also went on a bit of an inland walk, Essons Valley walk to Humphries Dam. This was not so full of lovely views, but a more interesting walk to the dam, through varied vegetation. We only came across a family, and another couple of walkers, so a quiet and contemplative walk. Here are some images from along the way.

Havelock and Cullen Point Scenic Reserve

This day, we hopped in the rental car and drove to Cullen Point to do a little of the Coastal Track, around a 1 hr loop, and also to the lookout, which offers views of Mahau Sound, as well as the Kaituna and Pelorus estuaries.

Next, it was on to Havelock for lunch. Let me say right here that New Zealand green-lipped mussels are not my favourite culinary delicacy. I find them a bit rubbery and tough, although I don’t mind the flavour. But when in Rome . . .

We ordered The Mussel Pot Platter, which was a selection of ‘Steamed (cream, white wine & garlic), along with a few slices of our homemade bread, Smoked, Marinated, mixed of Grilled, Battered, Mussel Croquettes’. You can order it for two (NZ$62), or three (NZ$90). It’s quite a lot of food. The Mussel Pot is a little rustic, part hippy dream, and part seafaring inspired. The food is good and hearty, and the service is casual and friendly. I’d say it’s worth the experience.

Whites Bay Recreational Park

This seaside park was replete with cold-water swimmers, families, good showers and toilet facilities, and I think it was also possible to park your caravan. We wandered along the beach and kept out of the way of the swimmers and children. A quite lovely protected bay.

The Wineries

But, aside from this apparent nature-loving, we spent quite a bit of time taking lunch at wineries, because that’s what holidays are for.

Both the wineries, St Clair Vinyard Kitchen and Number 11 at Waairau River, were in the Blenheim winery district. It was late-summer/autumnal weather, still sunny and warm, but with some challenging breezes at times. Now it’s New Zealand, so you expect the wines to be fantastic, but the quality of the meals was a surprise. The surprise was about the complexity of flavours and the sophistication of the plating, all at reasonable prices.

Unfortunately, I was not a good blogger and did not record the menu. I think the dish above was venison-based, and the dish below, beetroot, but my memory may betray me. All the dishes were really delicious and executed expertly.

As you can see, we ate outdoors under umbrellas. Tables were available indoors, but the weather was too good to give up. From memory, the St Clair Vinyard Kitchen had a slightly more sophisticated menu, or maybe it was just more appealing to me. I recommend both dining experiences highly, but I recommend that you book. As for the wines, they were excellent, as was the service.

2PAXfly Takeout

This region of New Zealand, at the top east end of the South Island of New Zealand, is well worth a visit, and the ferry crossing. We spend an unhurried, relaxing three nights here. We did not travel far, and we could have done more. However, relaxation was our goal, and one we easily achieved.

In my experience, New Zealand never disappoints. It’s what will drag me back every year.

Next, we headed to the airport for a flight back to Wellington, and another hotel night before heading back to Sydney.