Whether you arrive by ferry, plane or an even longer road trip, the top of the South Island is chockablock with stunning scenery and interesting stop-offs along the way. And the aptly named Coastal Explorer route from Picton to Collingwood is a perfect example.
Setting off from Picton, marvel at the coastal scenery as you head west along Queen Charlotte Drive. You'll want to make a stop in Havelock, the coastal village at the head of Pelorus Sound and at the mouth of the Pelorus River. But make sure you're hungry; more than offering some powerful photo opportunities, Havelock is also known as the green-shell mussel capital of the world.
When you've had your fill, jump on to SH6, and continue west. Less than 20 minutes away is Pelorus Bridge, and the crystal clear, deep swimming holes beneath it. An added bonus: the river was the location of the dwarves-in-barrels scene from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, so film buffs can tick that off the wish list.
![Down town: Langford Store in Golden Bay. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/I4IPP766Q3XYT2FFB3DDOQO6S4.jpg?auth=58f30cac28da6eba37c87e95c5c6bc6c3bea1280ff3cbf8780a463ff43cd0aec&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)