Marlborough Sounds
Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds is a series of ancient sunken river valleys that are today filled with the Pacific Ocean. Emerald green hills rise steeply out of the sea around an intricate coast of sandy bays and sheltered inlets. Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorous Sounds make up the Sound’s three main bodies of water.
There are a number of reserves in the area managed by the Department of Conservation. In fact, several of the islands are predator-free sanctuaries for native wildlife. Many of the islands are ideal for picnics and hiking or cycling. Hiking trails in the area range from short trails to overnight hikes through native forests and beside pretty beaches. The Queen Charlotte Track is one of the most famous and beautiful hikes in New Zealand. Five of the tracks are even open to mountain bikes. Kayaking and chartered yachts are also available for charter to explore the Sounds.
The vehicle ferries from Wellington arrive at the port of Picton, one of the main towns in the area. Picton is also where transfers and water taxis to island accommodation depart from.
Stay
Punga Cove Resort
The Portage
Lochmara Lodge
Bay of Many Coves
Start Planning your trip!
Rick Garrett
I’m a Professional Travel Adviser with over 40 years of travel industry experience. The countries I specialize in include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, French Polynesia (aka Tahiti), and the Cook Islands. I’ve made dozens of trips to the South Pacific so am able to provide you with first hand knowledge and experience while creating the custom itinerary that is perfect for YOU, and then take care of everything from A to Z, before, during and after your amazing Down Under adventure. Because the journeys I create for my clients are born out of my desire to share my authentic travel experiences, each one is unique, and designed to match your interests, tastes and budget.