Blenheim to Marlborough Sounds: Affordable Family Road Trip Ideas

The region of Marlborough in the South Island/Te Waipounamu’s northern tip has adventure around every corner. Pack up your Thrifty rental car, wind down the windows and let’s get going on a road trip like you’ve never experienced before.

Relax among Rolling Hills in Renwick

The first stop on this action-packed road trip is the quaint town of Renwick, just near the south bank of the Wairau River. Only a fifteen minute drive west of Blenheim, this stop makes for a great way to relax into your journey and get the whole fam excited for all the incredible adventures ahead. While Renwick is famous for its wineries (being home to over 30 cellar doors!) there are also a bunch of activities that are perfect for the entire family to enjoy. Hire a bike and explore the town as you soar throughout the sleepy streets. This is also a great way to visit the vineyards, even if just to gaze over the incredible view the vineyards make with their rolling green hills and long vine branches. If you’re after an affordable place to stop for a break, there’s no going past the Renwick Domain Playground and Park. Equipped with a colourful playground and heaps of shaded areas, settle down with a picnic and soak in the peace and quiet.

Explore the River’s Banks Like A Hobbit in Havelock

Next up on the road trip adventure, Havelock/Te Motu o Weka. Or, as any Lord of the Rings fan might think of it as, a rapid river that helped the 13 dwarves and Bilbo escape from the woodland elves in ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’. Only a twenty-minute drive from Renwick, Havelock makes for another great stop on your way to Marlborough Sounds—whether you’re a Hobbit fan or not! Other than visiting the setting from the film, the Pelorus River/Te Hoiere is also a magical place to explore and sit with a picnic around the river’s banks. If you’re up for a bit of a thrill, make sure to pack your swimmers and a towel and jump right into the river! The emerald water is sure to dazzle with its stunning clarity. The river’s current can be quite strong at times, so make sure to be careful around the water if it appears fast-moving.

Discover A Picture-Perfect Town in Picton

Get ready to take this road trip up a few notches. You’re about to adventure across none other than the spectacular Queen Charlotte Drive. This 40 kilometre-long road winds you throughout the Marlborough region, with jaw-dropping views as your backdrop. The delight of this part of the road trip is so much in the drive itself—it’s one of the most scenic slices of paradise you’ll happen across on this journey. After about half an hour of cruising through cascading mountains and endless ocean views, you’ll find yourself in the picture-perfect town of Picton/Waitohi. This spectacular port town provides heaps of opportunities to combine holiday fun with incredible views. The Picton Foreshore Water Play Area is a great spot to spend some time with the kids as they play around the swings and climbing structures, all while you take in the scenic mountains behind them. The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum is another awesome and affordable way to learn more about Picton’s maritime history, in addition to gaping wide at the historic ship structure in wonder and awe.

Embrace the Beauty of Marlborough Sounds

You’ve made it! After such a picturesque journey, you may think nothing can beat the views you’ve seen along the way. Well, just wait until you arrive at Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds, only half an hour drive from Picton. This stunning area is filled with beaches, bush walks and, of course, unbeatable outlooks over the water and the hills that surround it. There are a range of affordable activities to try as a family in Anakiwa, like strolling around Queen Charlotte walking track or jumping aboard a kayak from Anakiwa’s pebble beach. Remember to pack your camera for this destination—these are snapshots you’ll want to remember forever.

From Blenheim to Marlborough Sounds, there’s so much to see and do in this beautiful region. Bring the whole family along for this exciting and affordable road trip adventure in your Thrifty rental car and be prepared to make memories you’ll never forget.