Things to Do in Havelock

• Pelorus Sound
  A trip on the mail boat is an excellent way to explore the Sound - it sets off from Havelock marina at 9.30am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, calling at isolated homesteads and passing some breathtaking beaches. Other options include cruises to a mussel farm and to remote French Pass. These can be booked at Rutherford Travel.
• Mussel Farms
  The town is known as the green-shelled mussel capital of the world. Visitors can cruise to a mussel farm to sample the produce with the Mussel Farm Cruise.
• French Pass
  This narrow channel with its cauldron of swirling whirlpools nearly put an end to the travels of 19th century French explorer Dumont D'Urville. An 8hr cruise travels along Pelorus Sound, past Maud Island and around to the Pass.
• Havelock Museum
  The town's small museum (Main Road) captures the goldrush days when Havelock was a boom town. It also contains the honour rolls of Havelock School, which record the name of famous Kiwi scientist Ernest Rutherford, who went to school here from 1886-1894.
• Walks
  There are some beautiful walks in the region, including a walk to the summit of Takorika (4hrs return), just behind the township, and to Cullen Point (half an hour) - an ideal spot for watching the sunset over Havelock. The 3-day Pelorus Track to Nelson leads over Dun Saddle, following a historic railway line. The Nydia Track (20km, 2 days) leads to Duncan Bay, passing through Nydia Bay, the former site of a Maori pa (fortified village). It takes in virgin rainforest and offers stunning views from the Kaiuma and Nydia Saddles.
• Mountain biking
  The Maungatapu Track is popular with cyclists, and passes through scenic Maitai Reserve.
• Sea Kayaking
  Several companies conduct full day kayaking trips to explore the Sound, including Havelock Sea Kayaking Company, which also rents equipment.