Last updated November 2026
The Cullen Point tracks are two short walks at Cullen Point, just outside Havelock, about 31 km from Blenheim, with views over Pelorus Sound and Mahau Sound. They start from a car park 5.5 km along Queen Charlotte Drive from Havelock township.
The Cullen Point Coastal Track is a 1-hour loop, and the Cullen Point Lookout Track is a 10-minute return walk to a viewpoint.
DOC grades the lookout as an easy short walk and the loop as an easy to intermediate walking track. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for either track, but check DOC before you go.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Cullen Point tracks on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park 5.5 km along Queen Charlotte Drive from Havelock
- Distance from the city
- About 31 km from Blenheim
- Walking time
- Coastal Track: 1 hr loop. Lookout Track: 10 min return
- Track length
- Not given by DOC
- Grade
- Lookout: Easiest (DOC: easy short walk). Coastal loop: Easy (DOC: easy to intermediate walking track)
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit only (contact the closest DOC office)
- Track type
- Walking tracks
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Cullen Point Tracks
Cullen Point is a short way along Queen Charlotte Drive from Havelock, and its two tracks make an easy stop for anyone driving between Havelock and Picton. You can do one or both from the same car park.
Cullen Point Coastal Track
This 1-hour loop is the longer of the two. DOC calls it a beautiful loop, and its draw is the outlook over Pelorus Sound and back towards Havelock township. It’s graded easy to intermediate, so it suits most walkers with a little fitness.
Cullen Point Lookout Track
If you only have a few minutes, the lookout track takes about 10 minutes return. It leads to a viewpoint over Mahau Sound and across the Kaituna and Pelorus estuaries. DOC grades it as an easy short walk, which makes it a good pick for families.
Getting There
From Havelock, turn onto Queen Charlotte Drive and drive 5.5 km to the well-marked car park, as DOC describes it.
DOC notes a vehicle restriction on Queen Charlotte Drive after major flood damage from storms in August 2022: vehicles over 3500 kg gross vehicle mass that are towing and over 12.6 metres long are not permitted. Severe weather has also damaged other Marlborough roads, so check the Marlborough District Council road updates before you travel.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Cullen Point tracks: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds area: other walks, campsites and alerts around Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the Cullen Point tracks take?
DOC times the Coastal Track at 1 hour as a loop and the Lookout Track at 10 minutes return.
Where do the tracks start?
Both start from a well-marked car park 5.5 km along Queen Charlotte Drive from Havelock township.
What can I see?
The coastal loop has views of Pelorus Sound and Havelock township. The lookout looks over Mahau Sound and the Kaituna and Pelorus estuaries.
How hard are the walks?
DOC grades the lookout as an easy short walk and the coastal loop as an easy to intermediate walking track.
Can I bring my dog?
Only with a DOC permit. Contact the closest DOC office to get one.
Are there vehicle restrictions on the road?
Yes. DOC says vehicles over 3500 kg gross vehicle mass that are towing and over 12.6 metres long are not permitted on Queen Charlotte Drive.
How far is it from Blenheim?
About 31 km in a straight line. The car park is on Queen Charlotte Drive just out of Havelock.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.