Views of the Marlborough Area of South Island, New Zealand from Our 2001 Trip

Updated 15 October 2019

picton new zealand



We visited New Zealand in 2001, and were blown away by the beauty of the land, as well as the friendliness of the people.

After arriving by air in Auckland, our hosts suggested a side trip to the South Island. We signed up for a tour and were happy that we did. The tour provided hotels and all travel connections. We were on our own for sightseeing and entertainment.

At the end of the tour, we decided to rent a car and visit more of the South Island. We really enjoyed the Marlborough area at the very north of the South Island. The scenery was remarkable, and the food was amazing. This area is a major mussel farming, fruit growing, and wine production area. We dined at the 'Mussel Boys' restaurant (sadly no longer operating), and partook of some remarkable food and drink.

This phase of our driving tour ended when we took the ferry from Picton to the North Island. The rental car was handled seamlessly.

The beautiful coastal area we saw in the car has since suffered from some major earthquakes, including the town of Christchurch itself.

NOTE that these photographs are Copyright©2001-2019 Robert and Sandra Swanson. I greatly appreciate people viewing the photos, but not stealing them. If someone is interested from a commercial point of view, please contact me.

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On the road, in our Nissan Bluebird -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand


[On the road, in our Nissan Bluebird]


[Lunch at a Cafe north of Christchurch (of course, pie and coke, our on-the-road regular)]

Lunch at a Cafe north of Christchurch (of course, pie and coke, our on-the-road regular) -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand

The Pacific coastline north of Christchurch (since 2001, damaged by an earthquake) -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand


[The Pacific coastline north of Christchurch (since 2001, damaged by an earthquake)]


[More coastline (since 2001, damaged by an earthquake)]

More coastline (since 2001, damaged by an earthquake) -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand

The Maori influence brings a touch of Hawai'i -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand


[The Maori influence brings a touch of Hawai'i]


[Starting twisty mountain roads]

Starting twisty mountain roads -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand

The Mussel Boys in Havelock (sadly, closed since we were there in 2001) -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand


[The Mussel Boys in Havelock (sadly, closed since we were there in 2001)]


[The Tasman Bay]

The Tasman Bay -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand

Harbor at Mapua -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand


[Harbor at Mapua]


[Filling the tank in Nelson]

Filling the tank in Nelson -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand

Mapua smoked salmon, so ono... -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand


[Mapua smoked salmon, so ono...]


[Havelock, Marlborough Bay]

Havelock, Marlborough Bay -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand

Beautiful scenery between Havelock and Picton -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand


[Beautiful scenery between Havelock and Picton]


[Beautiful scenery between Havelock and Picton]

Beautiful scenery between Havelock and Picton -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand

Picton -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand


[Picton]


[Picton: an enlightened town!]

Picton: an enlightened town! -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand

Picton's war memorial -- Marlborough Area of New Zealand


[Picton's war memorial]