Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as your road trip around Queen Charlotte Sound in the sensational region that is the South Island’s Marlborough Sounds/Te Tau Ihu-o-te-Waka. Whether you’re journeying from Blenheim or Nelson, we’ve got some great places along the way to check out with kids. 

Not only are these stops incredibly beautiful and suited to the whole family—they also don’t need to break the bank! Pack up your Thrifty rental car, grab the whole fam, follow this guide, and you’re sure to have one epic adventure on your hands as you explore Queen Charlotte Sound. 

Discover Rich Cultural History in Blenheim 

A town that has become known as the gateway to the wineries of Wairau Valley, Blenheim/Te Waiharakeke is a great spot to either begin or end your adventures around Queen Charlotte Sound. While wine might be what Blenheim is famous for, there are still plenty of family-friendly activities to explore while you’re passing through town. The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is a great spot to check out with the kids. This hub of aircraft machinery will teach you all about the country’s history of flying the skies, as well as get you right up close to some epic aircrafts. While you’ll have to pay entry into this attraction, kids do get in for cheaper! If you’re wanting to learn more about Blenheim’s history, consider taking a bike tour of the town. Even though many of these tours pass through the wineries, they’re still an active and fun way to learn more about the history of the land. For the ultimate adventure to cap off your travels in Blenheim that the kids will love, check out Blenheim’s amazing Pollard Park. Not only is it a beautiful place to sit back and relax, but the playground is action-packed with colours and shapes that will have the little ones entertained for ages. 

Stop by For Some Fun in Picton 

As you travel along Queen Charlotte Sound, one of the best places to stop by on your epic road trip is Picton/Waitohi, less than half an hour from Blenheim. The action-packed kids’ playground on the foreshore is a thrilling place for kids of all sizes and ages, plus the playground is so impressive that the adults might even be tempted to join in too! There’s even a water play area, so kids can have a go at splashing around with water with all the safety of staying on land. Just by the playground is Picton’s foreshore, so between burning some energy on the play equipment and running around the grassy areas, you can also go for a stroll along the beach or a dip in the ocean. All of this is completely free, so you don’t need to pay a cent to experience some of this exciting fun. 

Check Out the Views on Mount Takorika Near Havelock 

Adventure further into nature with a stop at Havelock/Karanema. This small town is home to the Mount Takoroka Tracks—a great place to hit up if you’re looking for a way to stretch your legs in between stops, as well as discover some incredible views. This hiking trail is directly west of the town of Havelock and delivers jaw-dropping views of the Marlborough Sounds off in the distance, with the islands peppered throughout the turquoise of the glistening waters. This hiking trail is an accessible one for the whole family, and even delights with some waterfalls that can be found throughout the journey. 

Elevate the Adventure in Nelson 

There are few places more adventure-filled along the Queen Charlotte Sound than the exciting city of Nelson. A gateway to some stunning slices of nature and action-packed activities, this is a perfect place to finish your self-drive road trip. If you’re looking for a dose of nature to keep the whole family happy while you’re traversing the sunswept streets of this coastal town, make sure to check out the Waahi Taakaro Reserve. The unruly greenery of this landscape provides the perfect place to adventure into the wilderness while not straying too far from the city. Plus, it’s got a refreshing swimming hole that is just begging you to take a dip in! If you’re after more activities by the water, check out Tāhunanui Beach on the western edge of town. This stretch of golden sand is perfect for the whole family, with exciting rock pools down the eastern edge of the beach that reveal adorable small crabs and other sea creatures at low tide. This is also a great spot for the whole family to splash around in the calm waves, soaking up the sea breeze as you end another epic adventure. 

From Blenheim to Nelson, with a collection of sensational stops in between, you can explore Queen Charlotte Sound with the entire family in tow in your Thrifty rental car by following this budget-friendly self-drive guide.