The Marlborough Sounds are a series of drowned valleys at the north eastern tip of New Zealand's South Island and the northern edge of the province of Marlborough.
They are a visual feast of the interplay between the land, sea, nature and light and are divided into two main waterways, the Pelorus Sound, with Havelock at its base, and Queen Charlotte Sound, the main town of which is Picton. Of the two, the Queen Charlotte Sound is generally seen as being more picturesque, with the Pelorus being more remote. The inner Sounds (especially the Queen Charlotte Sound) has reasonably extensive residential development. The Pelorus, being more remote, still has areas of untouched native forest, most of which is only accessible by boat.
Dolphins, sea birds, forest from the ridgeline to the sea.
- Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company, London Quay, Picton, +64 3 573 6078. 2007 New Zealand Tourism Award Winner. Mountain biking, kayaking, walking the Queen Charlotte Track. Tours or freedom hire. One day or many. Great team, professional service.
- Walk or bike the Queen Charlotte Track. A 3 to 4 day walk from the historic Ship Cove through to Anakiwa in the Grove Arm giving unsurpassed views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
- Make your own cheese in the Mahau Sound. Take part in the Mystery of Cheese workshop.
- Natural Encounters Walks - Queen Charlotte Track, Picton. Guided and unguided walks on the Queen Charlotte Track staying in small boutique accommodation. Includes all meals, transport, daily luggage transfers, guiding services.
- Tui Nature Reserve Eco Boat Tours, Waitata Reach, Outer Pelorus Sound (leaves from Havelock or Elaine Bay. Cruise the amazing coves and waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Visit the remote and isolated Tui Nature Reserve including a guided conservation tour plus a 4WD trip to the top of the plateau forested hill. Ranked 8th by BBC Wildlife Magazine of the top 10 Eco-destinations in the World (Dec. 2007). Maximum of six to eight people.
- Greenshell Mussel Cruise, Havelock Marina, +64 35779997. The totally unique wine and food experience in the tranquil Marlborough Sounds. Cruise the sheltered waterways of the Sounds and visit a mussel farm to taste the freshest mussels with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
- Art by Sirpa Alalääkkölä, Ngakuta Bay, Queen Charlotte Drive, +64 3 573 7775 or +64 21 674772. By appointment only.
The local delicacies are the green-shelled mussel and local salmon. Farmed in large numbers the mussel is available at most restaurants, cafe's and bars. Picton, Havelock and the Rai Valley have eateries on their respective pages. All the resorts listed under accommodation have restaurants attached.
All of the resorts have bars worth downing a few in.
- Linkwater Country Inn, Queen Charlotte Drive, Linkwater, +64 3 574 2507. Hearty Kiwi pub food
Enjoy the sun and a sauvignon blanc in Blenheim or the beach and art in Nelson.