Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve: A Perfect Day Trip from Picton

Marlborough is blessed with stunning natural beauty and scenery – and you certainly witness that staying at Picton Paradise Cottages. But if you can tear yourself away from that view, for something a little different, the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is one of my favourite day trips. It is also a perfect stop off if you’re travelling to or from Nelson.

Known for its crystal-clear river, beautiful walking tracks, and peaceful picnic spots, it’s an easy escape into nature for visitors wanting to explore beyond the waterfront. Adding to its appeal, the Pelorus River was used as a filming location for The Hobbit, making it a fun destination for movie fans.

If you only have time to stop, make sure you park and walk over the bridge – the view looking down is just gorgeous.

From the Bridge

If you’ve got a little more time, then I highly recommend a little walk.

A little walk

There’s plenty of parking either side of the road, on the Havelock side of the Bridge. Park up, walk over the bridge, and then take the trail to your right. The trail there takes you through beautiful Black Beech trees and bush to a swing bridge, over the Rai River. It’s about 15 minutes return, so easily done mid journey to stretch your legs, and get a different view. Just below the bridge you’ll be able to see where the Rai River joins into the Pelorus.

It’s a beautiful little walk, and I never pass by without doing at least this.

The Circle Track walk

If you’ve got a little more time, carry on over the swing bridge, and take the trail to the right – the Circle Track. Although the sign says it’s 45 minutes return, I think that allows for a stroll rather than a walk, with lots of photo stops (it’s less than 2km). And it is definitely photo worthy. The first part of the track follows the side of the river, and there are some great spots to view it along the way. Then you head inland into the forest to loop back to the bridge. You need to watch where you’re walking as you’re stepping over and around tree root. But otherwise it’s a mostly flat walk, with a few steps to climb. The forest is just gorgeous! You’ll see beautiful Tawa, Rimu, Beech and Kahikatea trees. These beauties sit alongside native ferns that look they’ve been sculpted, their form is so perfect. Some of them are like umbrellas – offering a beautiful respite from the sun (or rain).

Swimming in the Pelorus River

If you’ve got more time, and don’t mind getting wet, the river is a very popular swimming spot, with lots of different swimming experiences available.

It’s not uncommon for campers staying at the Pelorus Bridge campsite, to launch themselves in tubes, and float down the river. For the more adventurous, the boulders below the bridge make a great platform to jump from. For those more cautious, you can dip your toes at the river bend. Access the boulders and the ‘rock garden’ from paths that lead off the carpark below the bridge.

In terms of facilities, in the main carpark (campground side of the road), there’s plenty of parking, plus a toilet block, and there’s often a caravan cafe, serving coffee, real fruit ice creams, and snacks.

So really – a stop at Pelorus Bridge has everything you need to be a destination in its own right, or a memorable stop.

Pop it in your GPS!