Nelson & Top of the South Car Hire: Exploring Abel Tasman & Marlborough Sounds
The best way to explore Nelson, Abel Tasman and Marlborough by car
Book car hire in Nelson and collect at Nelson Airport, Picton Ferry Terminal or Blenheim Airport, then return wherever suits your route. Choose an SUV or AWD for Takaka Hill and gravel trailhead roads, or a wagon for bulky hiking gear. Nelson sits within easy reach of Abel Tasman, Golden Bay, Nelson Lakes and the Marlborough Sounds.
Introduction
Kia ora and welcome to the Top of the South. Few corners of New Zealand pack so much into such a short drive: golden beaches and turquoise bays in Abel Tasman National Park, the laid-back charm of Golden Bay, alpine lakes and beech forest at Nelson Lakes, and the vineyards and winding waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. With limited public transport and many highlights at the end of quiet country roads, renting a car in Nelson NZ remains the easiest way to see the region on your own schedule.
Our local team at RaD Car Hire Nelson & Marlborough has put together this guide to help you plan your pick-up, pick the right vehicle and tackle the region's famous hill roads with confidence.
Sunshine Coast & National Park Access
Nelson is known for being one of the sunniest spots in the country, and it also happens to be perfectly placed as a base. Within a couple of hours' drive you can be kayaking in Abel Tasman, swimming at Kaiteriteri, crossing Takaka Hill into Golden Bay, walking the lakefront at St Arnaud in Nelson Lakes National Park or sipping Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough's wine country.
Nelson Airport car rental made simple
If you’re flying in on a domestic connection, Nelson Airport car rental with RaD is refreshingly easy. Our Nelson depot is at RaD House, 4 Dakota Street, in the airport precinct. Our team meets you just outside the terminal and runs you around the corner by courtesy shuttle, so you can be on the road within minutes of landing. You can also check the Nelson Airport rental car information page for general arrival details.
From the airport to Kaiteriteri and Marahau
Head south-west on State Highway 6 (SH6) through Richmond, then follow SH60 through the Tasman District towards Motueka. From there, the road splits off to the beachside village of Kaiteriteri and on to Marahau, the southern gateway to the Abel Tasman Coast Track. The Department of Conservation puts the drive from Nelson to Marahau at roughly an hour and a half, which leaves plenty of time for a morning water taxi or an afternoon paddle.
• Kaiteriteri: golden sand, water taxi departures and a relaxed family feel.
• Marahau: the main trailhead for walkers and kayakers heading into the park.
• Motueka: your last sizeable town for fuel, groceries and supplies before the coast.
RaD Nelson Team Tip
"If you're flying into Nelson Airport, our depot is right on Dakota Street, just a quick courtesy hop from the terminal door. Before heading out towards Abel Tasman, make sure to stock your cooler at the Richmond shopping precincts along SH6, as gateway towns like Marahau have limited supermarket options!"
Mountain Pass Driving: Takaka Hill & Rai Valley
The Top of the South has some of New Zealand's most scenic roads, and a couple of them deserve a little respect.
Takaka Hill (SH60): the road locals call "The Hill"
Takaka Hill is the only road route into Golden Bay. SH60 climbs from the Riwaka valley to a summit of around 791 metres before dropping down into the Takaka Valley, and it is packed with tight hairpin bends, including the well-known Eureka Bend. Views over Tasman Bay from the lookouts are spectacular, but the driving demands your full attention.
• Take your time: allow at least an hour to cross the hill between Motueka and Takaka, plus stops.
• Use a low gear on the descent so you are not riding the brakes all the way down.
• Keep left on hairpins: buses and campervans often need extra width to get round, so be ready to pause before a bend.
• Only stop in marked lookouts and pull-over bays, never on a blind corner.
• Check for roadworks: sections of the hill have undergone major storm repairs, so look at the latest NZTA Takaka Hill project updates before you set off.
SH6 through the Rai Valley towards Picton and Blenheim
Heading east from Nelson, State Highway 6 climbs over the Whangamoa Saddle, winds down through the Rai Valley and then crosses the Rai Saddle before reaching Havelock. It is narrow and twisty in places, with forestry trucks and tour coaches sharing the road. Rai Valley township makes a natural halfway stop to stretch your legs.
• Use the passing lanes to overtake safely rather than taking chances on short straights.
• Slow down for blind corners and expect slower vehicles, livestock trucks or cyclists just around the bend.
• Pull over when it is safe if a queue forms behind you. Locals appreciate it, and it takes the pressure off.
• Check the latest conditions: use the NZTA highway conditions map to look for closures or weather warnings before any mountain crossing.
RaD Nelson Team Tip
"Weather on Takaka Hill can be very different from Nelson's sunshine. Low cloud and fog often sit near the summit, and the road can stay damp and slippery in the shaded bends long after rain has passed. Drive with your headlights on, leave a generous gap to the vehicle in front, and in winter check the forecast for ice before an early morning crossing. If in doubt, give us a call and we'll happily share the latest local conditions."
Seasonal Touring Tips for Summer & Autumn
Summer brings long, bright evenings and busy beaches, while autumn delivers golden vineyards, crisp mornings and quieter roads.
Gravel access roads and hidden coves
Many of the region's best-kept secrets sit at the end of an unsealed road. On the Golden Bay side of the park, the road to Totaranui is a good example: the DOC Totaranui campground page notes the last 12 km is narrow, winding and unsealed. You will also find gravel lanes leading to boutique orchards, galleries and artisan producers around Motueka and Upper Moutere, especially at harvest time in late summer and autumn.
• Drop your speed on gravel: loose stones reduce grip, especially on corners and when braking.
• Keep well left on blind bends, as oncoming traffic may be sitting in the middle of the road.
• Check your hire terms before driving on unsealed roads, and ask our team if you are unsure which routes are covered.
Sea spray, salt and sand
Parking near the beach is one of the joys of the Top of the South, but saltwater, sand and tidal inlets can be tough on any vehicle. Avoid parking on beach sand or below the high-tide line, rinse sandy gear before loading it, and shake out mats at the end of the day. A quick look at the tide times before you park at an estuary or inlet can save a lot of stress.
RaD Nelson Team Tip
"On gravel roads, slow right down when you see an oncoming car. It keeps dust out of everyone's windows and stops loose stones chipping windscreens. Close your windows and switch your air to recirculate on dusty stretches. At popular trailheads like Marahau and Totaranui, arrive early in summer, park only in marked areas and never block gates or boat ramps. Keep valuables out of sight, or better still, take them with you."
Choosing Cars for Hiking Gear & Kayak Transportation
The right vehicle can make or break a Top of the South adventure. Think about how many people are travelling, how much gear you are bringing and which roads you plan to drive.
| Vehicle Class | Recommended Trip Profile | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Hatchback | Nelson city stays, vineyard hops, short coastal drives | Excellent fuel efficiency; simple parallel parking in beach towns |
| Sedan / Station Wagon | Inter-town highway cruising, small families, luggage capacity | Balanced comfort with boot space for multi-day hiking packs |
| SUV / AWD | Takaka Hill passes, Golden Bay gravel roads, outdoor gear hauling | Higher ground clearance, superior hill climbing power, and visibility |
| 8-Seater People Mover | Tramping groups, multi-gen family trips, shared luggage trips | Shared rental costs, maximum passenger room, and bulk gear storage |
A few practical packing pointers
• Multi-day packs: a station wagon or SUV keeps packs flat in the boot and out of passenger space.
• Kayaks: most visitors hire kayaks from operators in Marahau or Kaiteriteri, who deliver to the water. If you plan to carry your own craft, speak to our team first about roof racks and what your hire terms allow.
• Group trips: an 8-seater people mover lets you split the cost and keep everyone, and everything, together.
Not sure which vehicle suits your plans? Check live rates with RaD Car Hire Nelson and compare the full range in seconds.
Regional Itinerary Connections (Inter-Island Seamless Travel)
The Top of the South is where most inter-island road trips begin or end. With depots in Nelson, Picton and Blenheim, RaD makes it easy to build a one-way or loop route around your ferry or flight.
Linking with the Cook Strait ferries
Our Picton ferry car rental service hands over your vehicle at the ferry terminal, whether you’re sailing with Bluebridge or the Interislander. Just tell us which ferry you are on when you book. It’s a popular choice for travellers who prefer to leave a North Island hire car in Wellington and pick up a fresh one on the South Island side, rather than paying to take a vehicle across the strait.
Flying into Marlborough
Our Blenheim Airport depot at Marlborough Airport, Woodbourne, puts you just minutes from the cellar doors of the Marlborough wine region. Pick up in Blenheim, loop through the Sounds and Nelson, and drop off where your journey ends. One-way hires between our Top of the South branches are worth asking about when you book.
Approximate driving times
Times below are approximate and assume good conditions with no stops. Allow extra time in summer traffic, poor weather or around roadworks.
• Nelson to Havelock (SH6 via Rai Valley): around 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Havelock to Picton via Queen Charlotte Drive: around 45 minutes to 1 hour on a slow, scenic, winding road.
• Havelock to Blenheim (SH6): around 30 to 40 minutes.
• Blenheim to Picton (SH1): around 25 to 30 minutes.
• Nelson to Blenheim (SH6): around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
• Nelson to Takaka via Takaka Hill: around 2 hours.
• Nelson to St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes: around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Havelock, the self-proclaimed Greenshell mussel capital, is the perfect lunch stop and the gateway to Pelorus Sound.
Planning a ferry connection or a one-way Top of the South loop? See Picton ferry pick-up options or check Blenheim Airport rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does RaD Car Hire Nelson Airport pick-up work?
Our Nelson depot is at RaD House, 4 Dakota Street, in the Nelson Airport precinct. When you land, our team meets you just outside the terminal and takes you around the corner to the depot by courtesy shuttle. Please include your flight details when you book so we can plan for your arrival.
Can I pick up a rental car in Nelson and return it in Picton or Blenheim?
RaD has branches in Nelson, Picton and at Blenheim Airport, so one-way trips across the Top of the South are often possible. Availability and any one-way fees depend on your dates and vehicle, so select your pick-up and drop-off locations when booking or contact the team to confirm.
What is the best type of hire car for driving over Takaka Hill to Golden Bay?
Any well-maintained car can make the crossing, but an SUV or AWD gives you extra confidence on the climb, better visibility on the hairpins and more clearance for gravel roads beyond Takaka. If you are carrying a lot of gear or passengers, a station wagon or people mover is also a comfortable option.
How long does it take to drive from Nelson Airport to Abel Tasman National Park (Kaiteriteri/Marahau)?
Allow roughly an hour to Kaiteriteri and around an hour and a half to Marahau, depending on traffic and stops.
Are there unsealed or gravel roads on the way to Abel Tasman trailheads?
The main roads to Kaiteriteri and Marahau are sealed. On the Golden Bay side, the road to Totaranui includes around 12 km of narrow, winding gravel. Always check your hire terms before driving on unsealed roads and take it slowly.
Is a compact car suitable for exploring the Marlborough wine region?
Yes. Marlborough's main wine trails around Blenheim and Renwick are flat and mostly sealed, which makes a compact hatchback an economical and easy choice. Just remember to plan a designated driver or book a tasting tour, as New Zealand's drink-driving laws are strictly enforced.
Ready to Explore the Top of the South?
From Abel Tasman's golden sands to the quiet coves of the Marlborough Sounds, the Top of the South is made for self-drive adventures. Our local team is here to help you find the right car for the journey.
Check live rates for car hire in Nelson and start planning your Top of the South road trip today.