Exploring the Marlborough Sounds

A holiday to Te Tau Ihu-o-te-Waka / Marlborough Sounds promises unforgettable adventures amidst breathtaking landscapes. From journeying through the Tōtaranui / Queen Charlotte Sound to admiring the stunning views of Te Hoiere / Pelorus Sound, natural beauty and adventure activities await. Discover the best ways to explore the valleys and inlets of the magnificent Sounds in our guide below.

Discover the Sounds

Begin your adventure in Waitohi / Picton - the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. Boasting museums, galleries and tramping trails, there’s plenty to see and do in this port town. Discover history at the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum or admire native species at the Kaipupu Sanctuary and stock up on snacks before venturing out to the sea. From Picton, head to Ngakuta Bay for a guided or self-guided sea kayak tour through the Tōtaranui / Queen Charlotte Sound. Onboard a kayak, you’ll explore the sheltered bays and picturesque coves of the Grove Arm - look out for dolphins, seals, and native birdlife along the way before paddling back to Picton. After your kayaking adventure, plug in your best playlist, roll down the windows of your Thrifty rental car and enjoy a scenic road trip along Queen Charlotte Drive from Picton to Havelock. The drive stretches along the coast, providing epic views of the Sounds’ inlets and valleys, with viewpoints and lookouts to stop at along the way. Pop by The Queen Charlotte Tavern on your way to Havelock for an authentic country-style meal in a vintage setting.

Hiking and Wildlife Watching

If you prefer to see new sights and discover fresh places on foot, you’re in luck. The Queen Charlotte Track is a unique tramping experience across the Marlborough Sounds. Spanning a massive 73.5 km from Meretoto / Ship Cove to Anakiwa, the entire track takes about four days to walk, attracting keen hikers from all over the world. But if you’re not ready to commit to a four-day trek, you can choose a section of the track to walk or join a guided tour. Whichever part of the trail you choose to conquer, you’ll get stunning coastal views and explore diverse native bush - keep an eye out for native birds as you hike through the forest, and wildlife like the little blue penguin and New Zealand fur seal as you pass the coastline. If you’re interested in wildlife watching without having to trek, hop onboard a cruise from Picton to Moutara Island. The predator-free Island is home to rare bird species including the toutouwai / NZ robin, the endangered South Island Saddleback and the korimako / bellbird. Enjoy the stunning scenery on the island while bird songs fill the air. Remember to check your gear for pests before leaving the mainland to protect the Island.

Not Your Average Mail Run

After traversing the Queen Charlotte Sound, it’s time to explore the largest of the Marlborough Sounds - Te Hoiere / Pelorus Sound. But first, start your adventure in Havelock. Known as the ‘Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World’, get a taste of the region with a seafood lunch at The Mussel Pot Restaurant. Here you can indulge in the town’s famed green lip mussels and relax in a casual setting before heading to Pelorus Sound. Known for its calm waters and secluded bays, Te Hoiere is a picturesque paradise. Join the historic Mail Run Cruise on the Pelorus Mail Boat for a one-of-a-kind journey through the most remorse part of the Marlborough Sounds. Learn about the centuries-old experience of delivering mail by water, all while surrounded by picturesque landscapes and beautiful blue waters. Once back on the mainland, drink 15 minutes East to the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve. Here, embark on a bushwalk through native forests alongside the flowing river. The Circle Loop Track is a short walk overlooking the river and passing over a suspension bridge before winding through forest landscapes.

Sip and Savour

Discover the Marlborough Sounds through taste with a scenic drive to the renowned Marlborough wine region. Although famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, Te Tauihu-o-te-waka also offers excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varieties. The region often hosts themed events, including the Marlborough Wine Show, Wine and Food Festival and Sauv Blanc Day - so be sure to keep an eye out for any exciting events taking place during your visit. Delve into delicious wines with a tasting at Framingham Wines. More than just a winery, Framingham also holds an annual Harvest Concert and frequent pop-up gigs and art exhibitions - how cool is that?! Remember to assign a designated driver to ensure a safe and memorable experience. After wine tastings among the vines, drive half an hour North in your rental car to Picton. Here you can enjoy dinner overlooking the unique landscapes while reflecting on your adventures in the Marlborough Sounds.

After discovering the Sounds’ rich history and immersing yourself in natural beauty, you won’t want your South Island adventure to end! With so many ways to journey the area, you’ll be urged to come back and explore even more.