ADVENTURES IN THE SOUNDS

The Marlborough Sounds is a real hidden gem of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Seek out one of the many lodges, B&Bs or holiday homes dotted throughout the Sounds, with some accessible only by water taxi or helicopter. Immerse yourself in the culture and heritage at Meretoto/Ship Cove, see native birds on Motuara Island, and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.

ExPLORE BY BIKE, FOOD OR KAYAK

For the ultimate adventure in Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound, tackle the 72-kilometre Queen Charlotte Track by foot, bike, kayak -or a combination of all three! This classic track runs from historic Meretoto/Ship Cove in the north to Anakiwa in the south and is usually walked in four or five days or cycled in two or three days.

Local tour operators Wilderness Guides and Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company have been running guided and unguided trips of the Queen Charlotte Track for decades. People experiencing the Queen Charlotte Track have the option of camping at DOC campsites, but many travellers take advantage of the hot showers, comfortable beds and delicious wine and food provided by lodges dotted along the track, including Furneaux Lodge, Punga Cove and Lochmara to name a few. For the ultimate luxury stay in the Queen Charlotte Sound, book with the Bay of Many Coves, a five-star resort, nestled between stunning native bush and a secluded bay in the heart of Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound. Immerse yourself in nature and luxury and enjoy world-class cuisine, breath-taking scenery, adventure, or simply a sense of renewal and relaxation. Take a water taxi to Motuara Island and Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary for amazing wildlife viewing, including rare bird species like saddleback and yellow-crowned parakeet, as well as common species like Kererū, Tūī, Riroriro/Grey Warbler, and Korimako/bellbird. Both adventures are bookable with Cougar Lines or Beachcomber Cruises. If you’re interested in exploring the Kenepuru/Pelorus Sound then check out the Nydia Track. Walk Pelorus provides guided walks over the Nydia Track and other hidden gems in the Pelorus region of New Zealand's majestic Marlborough Sounds. The walks are selected to showcase the ancient forests and natural environment. While you are in this part of the Sounds, stay at Hopewell Lodge where you can relax on their secluded beach, walk or bike the trails, collect your own fresh shellfish straight from the bay, or visit the resident glow worms. To truly elevate your holiday to something extra special, book a thrilling heli-picnic or sightseeing tour with Helicopters Nelson. Their experienced pilots can take you to some of the top of the south’s most remote and breathtaking places in a cinch. Alternatively, jump aboard the Seafood Odyssea Cruise, departing Waitohi/Picton. As you cruise through Tōtaranui/ Queen Charlotte Sound, take in the natural beauty of the area and sample local seafood such as Regal salmon, Cloudy Bay Clams and Greenshell mussels, paired beautifully with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. So, whether you are looking for relaxation or action, being at one with nature or a little bit of luxury, a holiday in the pristine and beautiful Marlborough Sounds is sure to deliver.