Back in 2020 on our tour of the South Island, we drove through the Marlborough Region and came across the Green Mussel Capital of the World; Havelock! When I knew I was going back to the South Island, a stop off to try some of these famous mussels had to be on the list as both my partner and I are big seafood & shellfish lovers.

Tucked away in the Marlborough Sounds, Havelock looks out over Pelorus Sound. It is a quaint and quiet town, but there are plenty of restaurant options to suit every kind of budget. 

The options include The Mussel Pot Restaurant, Slipp Inn Restaurant, Mills Bay Mussel Tasting Room and Eatery and The Captains Daughter. The Captains Daughter wasn’t our first choice – The Mussel Pot was, as we had read so many good reviews. However, The Captains Daughter was so good! Amazing mussels and the pub has an outdoor decking/seating area which gives you lovely views out across the Marlborough Region. 

The Captains Daughter felt slightly more casual, so it was perfect for us campers who were stopping off for some lunch before getting back on the road. If we had had more time, I think we would have waited around for The Mussel Pot to reopen. If we had, I am sure we would have had a fab meal but we wouldn’t have enjoyed the views out across Havelock. 

If you’re a big seafood lover, then make sure you add a stop off to Havelock on your South Island Itinerary! 

Marlborough Sounds is always worth a visit, even if you’re not a seafood lover and don’t fancy a stop off in Havelock. The 3 main sounds are the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds. Driving around theses sounds is beautiful. Definitely some of my fave driving roads on the South Island. 

The Queen Charlotte drive is just so picturesque and gives you a full view of this incredible natural beauty as you follow round its windy roads. There are lots of scenic lookouts top stop off and admire the views and each corner you takes you to another sandy beach or inlet. If you’re lucky, there’s a chance to see dolphins in the Sound too! 

 If you’re planning to spend a few days round here, it might be worth looking into The Queen Charlotte Track which takes you off the road and offers some good routes for single or multi-day hikes or cycles. 

The whole area of the Marlborough Sounds is spectacular and essential for any South Island roadie. If you’ve got time to explore, you can fill your days with kayaking, hikes, boating, fishing and camping. If you’re on a more limited time, still try to take a couple of days to cruise around in your campervan as you won’t be disappointed by the views. 

Have you been to Havelock or to the Marlborough Sounds Region? I’d love to know what you think of them! 

lots of love,

Han x