Havelock

Known as the Greenshell mussel capital of the world (Greenshells are a variety of green-lipped mussels), Havelock is at the head of Pelorus Sound, and trips around the sounds on the Pelorus Sound mail boat, Pelorus Express, depart here. Locals will forgive you for thinking you've seen what the Marlborough Sounds are all about after crossing from the North Island to the South Island on the ferry—in reality, it's just a foretaste of better things to come. Small seaside Havelock (population 400) is a good place to stroll; check out the busy little marina, poke into a few arts and crafts shops, and enjoy those mussels.