Fernweh: Home
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    de|en
    All Places & RegionsAll highlightsAbout FernwehFAQPrivacy PolicyImprint
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    Marlborough Sounds

    New Zealand

    Marlborough Sounds

    Natural AreaNature

    The Marlborough Sounds are a network of sunken river valleys at the northern tip of the South Island. Forested hills descend into tranquil sea arms, the largest being Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, and Pelorus Sound.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. New Zealand
    7. Marlborough
    9. Marlborough Sounds
    The Marlborough Sounds are a network of sunken river valleys at the northern tip of the South Island. Forested hills descend into tranquil sea arms, the largest being Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, and Pelorus Sound. Many coves are only accessible by boat.Picton and Havelock are the starting points. From there, water taxis, mail boats, and kayak tours depart, while the Queen Charlotte Track runs along the ridge lines between the Sounds.

    Sehenswürdigkeiten

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Shag Rock

    1Shag Rock

    Rocks on the Queen Charlotte Track, a popular rest and viewpoint above Queen Charlotte Sound.
    Open in Google Maps
    Eatwells Lookout

    2Eatwells Lookout

    Viewpoint on a short detour from the Queen Charlotte Track, with views over the surrounding bays and sounds.
    Open in Google Maps
    Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
    National Park

    3Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve

    Nature reserve on State Highway 6 between Havelock and Nelson, with short walks through ancient forest and swimming spots in the clear Pelorus River. Here, the barrel scene from the second Hobbit film was shot.
    Open in Google Maps
    Cullen Point Lookout
    Attraction

    4Cullen Point Lookout

    An easy walk to a viewpoint on the Queen Charlotte Drive near Havelock, overlooking Pelorus Sound and Mahau Sound.
    Open in Google Maps

    Essen & Trinken

    1

    The Chartroom

    Restaurant on Waikawa Road in Picton, near Waikawa Marina.
    Show on Google Maps
    2

    Pinch Of Spice

    Indian restaurant on High Street in the centre of Picton.
    Show on Google Maps

    Culture and History

    The Sounds have been home to several Iwi for centuries. From 1770, James Cook anchored multiple times in Ship Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound, a monument commemorates this. Whalers and farmers followed later; today, mussel farms characterize the quieter bays. Havelock calls itself the capital of the Green-lipped mussel.

    A Journey Through Sounds

    Picton is reached by ferry from Wellington, Havelock lies about 35 kilometers west on the Queen Charlotte Drive, a winding coastal road. Water taxis take hikers to the start of the Queen Charlotte Track in Ship Cove and transport luggage to the next accommodation. In the Pelorus Sound, a mail boat departs from Havelock for remote coves, which you can ride along.

    Accommodations in Marlborough Sounds

    Find perfect stay in Marlborough Sounds

    Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Agoda* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Airbnb
    Vacation Rentals

    * Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.

    Nearby

    Picton

    Picton lies at the inner end of Queen Charlotte Sound and is the South Island's ferry port: Here, ships from Wellington dock. The small town, with its waterfront promenade, cafés, and marina, is a starting point for water taxis, kayak tours, and the Queen Charlotte Track.Many travelers continue directly to Blenheim or Nelson. Those who stay a night can walk to Bob's Bay in the evening and start a boat trip into the Sounds the next morning.
    Blenheim

    Blenheim

    Blenheim is Marlborough's largest town, situated in the flat Wairau Valley, surrounded by vineyards. The town itself is quiet and compact, with cafés around Seymour Square and paths along the Taylor River.Most visitors come for the wineries, located just a few kilometres outside town. Other attractions include the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and walking trails in the Wither Hills on the outskirts.
    Marlborough

    Marlborough

    Marlborough, located in the northeast of the South Island, is known for two things: the vineyards of the Wairau Valley and the intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. This is where ferries from Wellington arrive, making it the first impression of the South Island for many travellers.The area around Blenheim is one of the sunniest in the country. In the Sounds, you can hike the Queen Charlotte Track, paddle through tranquil bays, or take a mail boat to secluded accommodations.
    Renwick

    Renwick

    Renwick is a small village about ten kilometers west of Blenheim, nestled in the vineyards of the Wairau Valley. Within a few kilometers lie dozens of wineries, many on Rapaura Road, offering cellar doors and restaurants.The terrain is flat, so many visitors explore the wineries by bike. Bike rentals in the village provide maps and route tips.
    Awatere Valley

    Awatere Valley

    The Awatere Valley lies south of Blenheim beyond the Weld Pass; its central hub is the small town of Seddon. The valley is higher, cooler, and drier than the Wairau Valley, and its wines are considered fresher and more herbaceous.Besides vineyards, sheep farms and the salt lakes of Lake Grassmere define the landscape. Most travelers drive through on State Highway 1 towards Kaikōura and stop for a tasting.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI