Marlborough Sounds 15 Things to Do

Marlborough Sounds Travel Guide: 15 Things to Do in Queen Charlotte, Pelorus and Kenepuru

Sarah-Jane Lee

Oct 2

5 min read

Updated: Oct 11

The Marlborough Sounds are a maze of drowned river valleys at the top of the South Island, with more than 1,500 km of coastline. Steep, bush-clad hills drop into sheltered bays, and many places can only be reached by boat.

Discover rare birds on predator-free islands, kayak calm inner coves, ride along on the mail boat and sip a chilled Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at a beachside lodge.

At a glance

Where: The northern tip of the South Island, between Picton and French Pass
Main sounds: Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui, Pelorus Sound / Te Hoiere and its arm Kenepuru Sound
Hubs: Picton for Queen Charlotte, Havelock for Pelorus and Kenepuru
Getting around: Boat, water taxi, or the winding Queen Charlotte Drive and Kenepuru Road
Best time: December to February for water sports, March to May for fewer crowds

Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka-a-Māui, "the prow of Māui's canoe", is the Māori name for the top of the South Island, including the Sounds.

Where are the Marlborough Sounds?

The Sounds lie off the Marlborough coast. Picton, at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, is the main hub and home to the Interislander and Bluebridge ferry terminals. Nearby Waikawa has one of the country's largest marinas. Havelock, on State Highway 6, is the gateway to Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds.

15 things to do in the Marlborough Sounds

1. Motuara Island bird sanctuary

Predator-free Motuara Island in outer Queen Charlotte Sound is home to rare birds such as South Island saddleback (tīeke) and yellow-crowned parakeets (kākāriki), plus kererū, tūī and bellbirds. A short, steep walk leads to a lookout with 360-degree views. Several cruise operators from Picton include a stop on the island.

2. Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary

Just a short boat ride from Picton, Kaipupu Point is a haven for tūī, bellbirds, fantails, kererū and little penguins (kororā). The 2.7 km loop track takes 1.5 to 2 hours, through regenerating bush and old forest.

3. Walk or ride the Queen Charlotte Track

One of New Zealand's most loved walking and biking trails, the Queen Charlotte Track runs about 70 km from Meretoto / Ship Cove to Anakiwa along ridges and bays. Walk it in 3 to 5 days or ride it in 2 to 3, staying in lodges or DOC campsites, with water taxis carrying your bags. Parts of the track cross private land, so you'll need a track pass. Book accommodation early for summer.

4. Stay at a Sounds lodge

Many lodges include kayaks, paddleboards or snorkelling gear for guests, plus bush walks and lazy days by the water. Long-standing favourites include Bay of Many Coves, Lochmara Lodge, Punga Cove, Hopewell and Te Mahia Bay. Book well ahead from November to April.

5. Take a scenic cruise

Cruises range from short scenic trips to wildlife, lunch and wine cruises, leaving from Picton or Havelock. The sheltered water makes it easy on landlubbers.

6. Ride along on the mail boat

For a uniquely Kiwi experience, join the mail run as it delivers post and groceries to bays and lodges around Queen Charlotte Sound. The route changes daily, the crew share local stories, and no two trips are the same.

7. Dolphin watching and swimming

Dusky, bottlenose and common dolphins visit the Sounds, as well as rare Hector's dolphins, and orca pass through from time to time. Licensed operators run dolphin-watching cruises and, in summer, dolphin swims, following rules that protect the animals.

8. Meretoto / Ship Cove

This sheltered, historic cove is rich in Māori and European history. Tradition tells that Kupe stopped here, and Captain James Cook anchored here several times from 1770. Memorials and interpretation panels bring the story to life. Ship Cove is only reachable by boat, and it's the start of the Queen Charlotte Track.

9. Ōkiwi Bay

Marlborough's best-kept secret, Ōkiwi Bay on the road to French Pass is a sheltered place to swim, fish, kayak and paddleboard, with DOC campsites nearby. Short walks lead to coastal lookouts, and longer tramps climb into the hills.

10. Drive to French Pass and D'Urville Island

Continue on the winding road to French Pass, with spectacular views across to D'Urville Island. The narrow channel here has some of the strongest tidal currents in New Zealand. Stop at Rai Valley on the way for a break.

11. Go fishing

Blue cod, snapper, gurnard and kahawai make the Sounds a fishing favourite. Charter operators supply everything you need. Check the current fishing rules for the area before you go, as blue cod limits are strict.

12. Taste Marlborough wine

Marlborough produces around three-quarters of New Zealand's wine, much of it world-famous Sauvignon Blanc. Many cellar doors near Blenheim and Renwick serve food too, so it's an easy day out from the Sounds.

13. Visit a Hobbit filming location

At the Pelorus River near Pelorus Bridge, Bilbo and the dwarves made their famous barrel escape in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The river is also a beautiful swimming spot on a hot day.

14. Eat mussels in Havelock

Havelock calls itself the green-lipped mussel capital of the world. This small former gold-mining town at the head of Pelorus Sound has galleries, cafés and plenty of places to try the local mussels.

15. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Rain on the Sounds? Head to Omaka on the edge of Blenheim, about 30 minutes from Picton. Sir Peter Jackson's World War I and II aircraft collection comes to life in dioramas by Weta Workshop, from the Red Baron's final moments to the bombing of Stalingrad. You don't look at it through glass; you stand in the scene. It's indoors, so it's the perfect rainy-day pick. Allow a couple of hours, and read more in my Blenheim travel guide.

Exploring by water taxi

Most of the Sounds is only accessible by water. Water taxis from Picton, Havelock and Anakiwa carry guests to lodges, drop walkers and bikers along the Queen Charlotte Track, transfer luggage and kayaks, and run scenic trips. Picton also has floatplane flights over the Sounds.

Weather and best time to visit

The Sounds have a mild maritime climate and are among the sunniest parts of New Zealand. December to February is best for swimming, kayaking and dolphins. March to May brings settled weather and fewer people. Winter is quieter and cooler but still mild.

Keep exploring the Top of the South

Plan your trip

Base yourself in Blenheim for wine and Omaka
Continue to Nelson and the Abel Tasman & Top of the South itinerary
Start a 2-week South Island road trip

FAQs

What are the main Marlborough Sounds?

The main sounds are Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui and Pelorus Sound / Te Hoiere, with Kenepuru Sound a large arm of Pelorus. Picton and Havelock are the main hubs.

How long does the Queen Charlotte Track take?

About 3 to 5 days on foot or 2 to 3 days by mountain bike for the full track from Ship Cove to Anakiwa. Water taxis make it easy to walk shorter sections.

Can you see dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds?

Yes. Dusky, bottlenose and common dolphins are often seen, and rare Hector's dolphins too. Licensed cruises from Picton run dolphin-watching trips and seasonal dolphin swims.

When is the best time to visit the Marlborough Sounds?

December to February for swimming, kayaking and long days. March to May is quieter, with settled weather.