Marlborough Sounds
An intricate network of ancient river valleys flooded by rising seas, forming a maze of sheltered waterways, bush-covered ridgelines and isolated bays at the top of the South Island.
Quick Facts
- Region
- Marlborough, South Island
- Best time
- Nov – Apr
- Entry fee
- Free; track and cruise costs vary
- Duration
- Half day – multi-day
Overview
The Marlborough Sounds cover around a fifth of New Zealand's total coastline, despite occupying a relatively small area on a map — a result of the deeply convoluted, drowned-valley coastline formed as sea levels rose after the last ice age. Queen Charlotte Sound and Pelorus Sound are the two largest and best known, dotted with small settlements reachable only by boat.
The Queen Charlotte Track, a multi-day walking and mountain biking route along the ridgelines and bays of Queen Charlotte Sound, is the most popular way to experience the Sounds on foot, typically combined with water taxi transport between sections and overnight stays at lodges along the way.
Things To Do
- Queen Charlotte Track — a multi-day walk or mountain bike route through native bush above the Sounds.
- Water taxi cruises — scenic transport around the Sounds that doubles as a sightseeing trip.
- Sea kayaking — guided or independent trips exploring the sheltered bays and coastline.
- Dolphin and wildlife watching — boat trips regularly encounter dolphins, seals and seabirds.
- Ship Cove / Meretoto — the site of Captain Cook's most-visited New Zealand anchorage, reachable by boat or track.
Getting There
Picton, at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, is the main gateway — about 30 minutes' drive or a short water taxi hop from most Sounds destinations. Picton is also the South Island terminal for the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries from Wellington.
| Location | Marlborough Sounds, Marlborough District |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Accessible 24/7; water taxi operators run daytime schedules |
| Entry Fee | Free; water taxi, cruise and track costs vary by operator |
| Duration | Half day for a cruise; 3–5 days for the full Queen Charlotte Track |
| Accessibility | Boat-based activities are accessible; walking tracks are unformed and hilly |
Gallery
Nearby Attractions
Marlborough Wine Region
New Zealand's largest wine region and home of its internationally renowned Sauvignon Blanc.
Picton
The small ferry town at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, gateway to the Sounds.
Abel Tasman National Park
New Zealand's smallest national park, a scenic drive further west.