Picton to Abel Tasman National Park – South Island: 5 Days of Beaches and Vineyards

Duration: 4–5 days
Start Point: Picton
End Point: Abel Tasman National Park
Best Time: November–April
Total Driving Time: 4 hours
Highlights: Beaches, wine tasting, seafood, easy walks

This itinerary is the perfect starting point for your South Island adventure. From the Abel Tasman, you can choose to venture west along the wild coast or make your way back toward Kaikōura or Christchurch.

If you’re dreaming of golden beaches, turquoise bays, and world-class wine, this 5-day journey from Nelson to Blenheim is made for you. Picture yourself kayaking through crystal-clear waters in the morning, then sipping Sauvignon Blanc in the afternoon sun. Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood with your toes in the sand or taking a leisurely walk through vineyard country, this route offers a beautiful balance of coastal exploration and culinary delight — all at a laid-back, unhurried pace.

Click here to download the Wine & Waves 5-Day Itinerary (PDF)

Days 1–2: Arriving via Picton Ferry & Exploring the Sounds 🚢

Day 1: Arrive in Picton & Ease Into the Journey

Morning:

• 🚢 Arrive via the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry
• ☕ Grab a coffee and walk along the Picton Marina
• 🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Tirohanga Track or explore the nearby lookout

Afternoon:

• 🛶 Optional: Join a short kayaking trip in the Marlborough Sounds
• 🐚 Visit the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum or EcoWorld Wildlife Centre

Evening:

• 🍽️ Dinner at a local seafood spot like Oxley’s or Cortado
• 🌅 Enjoy sunset from Victoria Domain

🌅 Tip: For a peaceful night, stay at a nearby holiday park or campground with views of the harbour.

Day 2: Marlborough Wine Region 🍇

Morning:

• 🚗 Drive to Blenheim (30 mins)
• 🍷 Start the day with tastings at Cloudy Bay or Wither Hills

Afternoon:

• 🧺 Enjoy a winery lunch — many offer picnic-style dining
• 🚲 Rent bikes and explore the Renwick wine loop at your own pace

Evening:

• 🍽️ Dine at a vineyard restaurant or head into town for something casual
• 🌙 Optional: Relax at your campsite under the stars

🔍 Local Tip: Smaller cellar doors like Framingham and No.1 Family Estate offer something a little different — and often quieter!

Day 3: Nelson – Art, Coast & Culture 🎨

Morning:

• 🚗 Drive from Blenheim to Nelson via Queen Charlotte Drive (2–2.5 hrs)
• 📸 Stop at scenic pullouts and viewpoints along the way

Afternoon:

• 🖼️ Explore Nelson’s galleries and artisan shops
• 🧀 Grab lunch at a local deli or the Saturday Market (if timing aligns)

Evening:

• 🍺 Sample a craft beer at The Free House or Sprig & Fern
• 🍛 Try dinner at East St. Vegetarian Café or Urban Oyster Bar

🔍 Local Tip: Check out Founders Heritage Park for a taste of local history with quirky charm.

Days 4–5: Abel Tasman National Park 🛶🌿

Morning:

• 🚗 Drive to Kaiteriteri (1 hr from Nelson) — gateway to the park
• 🛥️ Join a water taxi or guided kayak tour into the park
• 🏖️ Swim, hike, or relax at beaches like Torrent Bay or Bark Bay

Afternoon:

• 🥾 Walk a section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track
• 🧺 Enjoy a packed lunch by the water

Evening:

• 🌅 Watch the sun set from the beach
• 🍕 Grab dinner in Kaiteriteri or nearby Marahau

🔍 Local Tip: Book kayak or water taxi tours in advance — they fill fast in peak season.

Optional Extra Day

If you’ve got more time, here are three great add-ons:

1. Seafood Cruise: Take a scenic Marlborough Sounds cruise with fresh Greenshell mussels and wine.
2. Beach Day: Head to Whites Bay, a quiet local beach near Blenheim.
3. More Wineries: Explore Renwick’s boutique vineyards if you missed them earlier.

What to Pack

• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brim hat
• Light Walking Shoes: Ideal for bush and coastal tracks
• Smart Casual Wear: For winery visits and dining
• Swim Gear: For kayaking, beach stops, or spontaneous swims

Local Tips

• Book Kayak Tours Early: Especially in summer
• Wineries May Require Bookings: Call ahead or check online
• Try the Greenshell Mussels: A Marlborough specialty
• Ask the Locals: Cellar staff often share the best hidden gems and reserve wines

Final Thoughts

This blend of wine and waves offers the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re gliding across a quiet bay or toasting the day with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, this itinerary lets you experience the best of the South Island’s coastal charm and culinary flair — all at your own pace.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.