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Highway 6: Nelson to Havelock, Whangamoa Saddle, Tasman and Marlborough
Photo: DXR · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Tasman, New Zealand Nelson, Marlborough and Kaikoura

Highway 6: Nelson to Havelock

SH 6 · Nelson → Havelock

Sweeping45 mi1 hr 10 min2,900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,200 ftOne way
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The drive

State Highway 6 between Nelson and Havelock is the main road east from Tasman Bay into Marlborough. It leaves Nelson and climbs over the Whangamoa Saddle, 466 m above the sea, through forestry and native bush, then crosses the Rai Saddle at the edge of the Nelson region and follows the Rai Valley to the Pelorus River.

Pelorus Bridge is the stop on this drive. The scenic reserve there sits on SH6 about 18 km west of Havelock, with a DOC campground, short walks in old native forest, such as the 30-minute Tawa Walk, and a swimming spot on the river. After the bridge the highway runs down the Pelorus valley to Havelock, at the head of Pelorus Sound.

The road has long runs of bends and a few twisty stretches. Allow about 1 hr 10 min.

Along the way

  1. Nelson
  2. Pelorus Bridge
  3. Havelock
Elevation
2,900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,200 ft
NelsonHavelock
Curves
Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches
NelsonHavelock
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The road over the Whangamoa Saddle winds through forestry and bush in long runs of bends.
  • Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve has a DOC campground and walking tracks; some tracks there have been closed by slips, so check DOC.
  • Check NZTA Journeys for roadworks and storm damage before you go.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NZTA Journeys: traffic and road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Nelson to Havelock drive take?

State Highway 6 from Nelson to Havelock is 72 km (45 mi) and takes about 1 hr 10 min.

How high is the Whangamoa Saddle?

The Whangamoa Saddle on SH6 is 466 m (1,529 ft) above sea level.

What is there to see at Pelorus Bridge?

Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve on SH6 has native forest walks, a DOC campground and a swimming spot on the Pelorus River.

Which way does the Nelson to Havelock drive go?

It runs east from Nelson over the Whangamoa Saddle, through the Rai Valley and Pelorus Bridge, and ends at Havelock.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 6: Nelson to Havelock, from Nelson to Havelock