Marlborough Sounds is an incredible geological area in the north of New Zealand‘s South Island. The rising sea flooded valleys and mountains, creating the spectacular sounds we can enjoy today. Imagine walking along the tops of mountains full of vegetation with the blue sea at your feet. This is what you will find if you dare to walk the Queen Charlotte Track or visit the famous French Pass. I can tell you in advance that you will fall in love with the landscape.
But it’s not just about the sea and mountains: this area has the largest wine production in the country. You can visit the wineries on your own or take one of the tours that I’ll show you ;). Sounds good? Well, don’t miss the tips I’ll leave you at the end of this guide to get the most out of your visit to the Marlborough Sounds.
In case you didn’t know (I’m saying this because I had no idea until I started writing this article), sounds, in this case, are a combination of sinking valleys and rising sea levels that create a geological curiosity: mountains by the sea. There are other ways to create sound holes, but the Marlborough Sounds were created this way and that’s why I decided to include it here 🙂
The most famous sound in the Marlborough Sounds is Queen Charlotte Sound, being the largest and most accessible. Two other soundings that cannot be left unmentioned are Pelorus Sounds and Kenepuru Sounds. Many of the enclaves and settlements scattered throughout the Marlborough Sounds are only accessible by boat or seaplane.
The capital of the Marlborough Sounds is Blenheim, a small town with just over 29,000 inhabitants. This region is not only famous for its sounds, but the wine in the Marlborough Sounds is considered the best in New Zealand. Likewise, fish, particularly seafood, is famous in New Zealand, and a good plate of mussels should not be missed.
Finally, Marlborough Sound is known for its powerful underwater currents, especially when the wind blows from the north or south. The numerous vortices at French Pass are a testament to this. However, there is nothing to worry about if you decide to swim at one of its beaches, as long as you do not go out into the open sea.
If you’re wondering when to go to Marlborough Sounds, don’t think again: summer. Why? Because from December to early April (summer in the southern hemisphere) temperatures will allow you to swim in the sea, enjoy nights in the open air, clear days, and even sunbathe.
However, it’s not all good news, as the summer months are also the busiest, so some hotels, campsites and cabins will be full. This is especially true on the Queen Charlotte Track, which I’ll tell you about later.
For the reasons above, it may be a good idea to visit Marlborough Sounds in early autumn or late spring, when the rain will be lower and temperatures will start to rise. But unless you don’t like being cold or it’s a very hot day, swimming is out of the question.
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Internet is mandatory for getting around and using metservice, the country’s weather service. Keeping up to date with the weather is necessary if you don’t want to have any problems. It can also be very useful when translating if you don’t understand English very well.
To do this, we will tell you how to get a New Zealand SIM card with the internet and take advantage of its affordable prices. And now we also have information about the New Zealand eSIM with unlimited data.
The base of operations for Marlborough Sounds will be the town of Picton. From Picton you can start most of the routes or take different boats that will take you deep into the Marlborough Sounds.
If you’re travelling without your own car, be aware that exploring Marlborough Sound will be difficult. You’ll have to look for boats, hitchhike or walk to the main destinations. On the other hand, the nearest airport is Blenheim, but even then, it’s almost a 2-hour drive away.
That said, let’s look at the different ways to get to Picton.
The beauty of Picton is that it is easily accessible from the North Island. You can drive your car or campervan from any point on the North Island to Wellington, and from there take the ferry, with your car included, to the town of Picton itself. Similarly, if you go by bus, your goal will be Wellington CBD and again take the ferry but this time as a passenger.
The journey from Christchurch by car takes about 4.5 hours. From Invercargill it takes over 12 hours. By bus, the InterCity bus from Christchurch takes 5.5 hours. If you decide to take the bus from Invercargill, you will have to change in Christchurch, a 16-hour journey during which you will have to spend the night in Christchurch.
There is a tourist train that connects Picton with Christchurch, but I must say that, despite the great views, the price is around 100 Nz$ (it is cheaper to go by plane).
I’ll start with the practical information and then I’ll let the nostalgia do the talking… The Queen Charlotte Track starts in Anakiwa, 30 minutes by car from Picton, and ends in Ship Cove, where you’ll have to take a 1-hour boat-taxi to Picton. The journey can be done in reverse, that is, by taking a boat to Ship Cove and walking to Anakiwa. In total, it’s 73 kilometres that will immerse you in the nature of Marlborough Sounds. To finish this section, it took me 5 days to complete the entire route, although the normal route is 3 days (I took it very easy hehehe)
Now, let’s dive right into this adventure. The circuit is simple but offers postcard-worthy scenery, with the Marlborough Sounds all around you, climbing small hills and descending straight to secluded beaches. Discover the original nature of New Zealand, with native bush and forest. If you are lucky, from the beaches you’ll be able to see rays (one of the beaches was packed with them), dolphins, seals and even penguins.
Finally, Ship Cove is a place famous for its history, as it was here that the first interactions between the native Maori people and Captain Cook’s crew took place. Take a stroll around the area and discover the history of the Marlborough Sounds.
The best part of all? In my opinion, camping under the stars in the middle of nature, from the top of a hill or on one of the lonely beaches you will find. You can choose to camp on your own or pay a symbolic price for one of the campsites in the area. Just keep in mind that water will be scarce away from the campsites. Just to give you an idea, one day we had to boil water from a forgotten and dubious-hygienic jerry can…
One last thing: the circuit is impressive, beautiful, stunning blah blah blah… but this means that it is overcrowded. This is the main tourist attraction of Marlborough Sounds. For this reason, the campsites may be full, or the hotel complexes in the area may not accept more people. All this means that you will either have to book in advance or sleep rough like me 😉
Located at the northern end of the South Island, if you go to this place, you will be right in the middle of the Marlborough Sounds. The so-called French Pass is a narrow and treacherous channel that separates D’Urville Island from the coast. The tidal flow here is the fastest in all of New Zealand. Just look at the rough waters from the lookout point, which you can easily reach after a short walk. It’s a stunning setting, with land and island separated by just a few metres of roaring sea.
Getting to French Pass is perhaps the most exciting part. A road trip to the nearby coastal town of Anaru has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful drives in the Marlborough Sounds. From Picton, it takes 2 hours and 40 minutes on a gravel road that requires you to drive slowly. Along the way, you will be immersed in a landscape completely surrounded by bushes and trees, with occasional views of the countryside and the sea.
It’s an amazing place that I was unlucky enough not to be able to visit due to lack of time and weather conditions (roads are closed during bad weather). Don’t make the same mistake and plan your trip in advance. Luckily, my friend Alex described it to me in detail and thanks to that, today I can present it to you.
Just over an hour’s drive from Picton lies this bay in the Marlborough Sounds. In this case, the road trip will take us along the opposite side of Queen Charlotte Sound, a journey that mixes the inland landscape full of vineyards with a winding road along the coast to Robin Hood Bay.
What can you expect from this bay in the Marlborough Sounds? A quiet, almost unknown beach where you can surf, swim, sunbathe… Although the best part was undoubtedly spending the night at the nearby campsite. You can set up your tent on the grass in front of the beach or even park your car almost right on the sand.
Enjoy the starry night with the Milky Way in all its splendor and the moon giving the place the magic you desire. Stay looking and, with luck, under a shooting star you can make a wish.
One last thing: on the way to Robin Hood you can stop at Whites Bay and enjoy a beach with its own personality. Here you can enjoy the whimsical geological shapes created by the erosion of water and wind, small natural arches, climbable cliffs or pointed rocks are just some examples of what awaits you. However, the proximity to the capital of Marlborough Sounds makes this beach a much more visited place than Robin Hood Bay.
An easy route but with a lot to offer, 45 minutes from Picton to the top of a hill. Be prepared to sweat, because between the steps, uphills and the sun on your back, it will be hot. And the reward? Picton at your feet, the harbour a little further away and, in the background, the impressive sounds of Marlborough. A real blast!
A great walk just outside Picton that will serve as a warm-up and introduction to what you’ll find in Marlborough Sounds. If you don’t mind a bit of a sweat, this trail is great and, best of all, it’s not very well known so you won’t have to stop every now and then to let people pass.
A small museum in the heart of Picton that will teach you everything you need to know about the area and especially about Queen Charlotte Sound. In addition, the museum contains a whole collection of reviews, documents, books, testimonies… dating back to the early 1700s. These document the first European relations with the Maori natives and also the whaling history that took place in the area. When I first visited this museum in the Marlborough region, I found that it was about to close. Luckily, the friendly receptionist stamped my ticket so I could return the next day. A true example of Kiwi kindness.
Edwin Fox Museum is home to a unique New Zealand gem: the world’s ninth oldest ship, a sailing ship built in 1853. This museum in the Marlborough region also offers a timeline of the life of ships with all their history. Just like in Wikipedia. A must-see stop if you are a sea lover in the centre of Picton.
This Marlborough Sounds river is located 20 minutes from the town of Havelock. A must-see stop if you are on your way to the Abel-Tasman region. Havelock is already famous for the green mussels that its numerous marine farms raise, and it is not for nothing that the town is considered the capital of green mussels. What a delight!
But let’s focus on the Pelorus River, which is a great place to visit. Around it there is a scenic reserve that you cannot miss and which, I can tell you already, will not disappoint you. In the Pelorus River you can swim calmly in its icy waters (yes, even in summer it was cold), but don’t let this discourage you, if you don’t like icy water you can go kayaking on it, have a delicious coffee in the cafeteria of the campsite, or take a leisurely walk along the river while enjoying the murmur of the running water.
By the way, if you like Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, a scene from Hobbit 2 was filmed on this river. Look closely at the river and tell me, does it remind you of a company of dwarves fleeing in barrels down the river?
On this half-day tour you’ll hop aboard a kayak in a small guided group. The tour starts on Picton itself and takes you along part of the beautiful coastline of Queen Charlotte Sound. Get ready to spot local marine life like dolphins, seals, rays and even blue penguins! All while you enjoy the views and your guide gives you details about the stunning Marlborough Sounds.
Make a full day of it and sample the famous local wines of the Marlborough Sounds. Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc are just two of the many varieties available to you. After all, let’s not forget that the Marlborough Sounds is the wine capital of New Zealand. This will be a trip through the countryside, vineyards and tastings of delicious wines. Finally, transport is included from the hotel to the wineries, without you having to worry about anything at all.
Embark on this cruise to historic Ship Cove while enjoying the scenery offered by the most famous sound in the Marlborough Sounds. Once you get there, you can take two different routes that are part of the Queen Charlotte Track. On this excursion you won’t have to worry about transport and, therefore, it is perfect for those who are short on time and don’t want to miss out on at least a section of the beautiful route.
Tell me, do you think there is a better way to enjoy an extraordinary view than with a glass of wine and a plate of mussels? If not, then this tour is for you. At your disposal are the famous fresh, locally produced mussels that pair perfectly with the also famous Marlborough Sounds wine. Spectacular views, with food and drink to match.
A small island in the Marlborough Sounds dedicated entirely to the preservation of New Zealand’s original flora and fauna. A true paradise where you can discover the Kureru birds, South Island Robins and, if you’re lucky, even the cute kiwis. You can visit this island with a cruise dedicated exclusively to giving you as much information as possible and allowing you to tell apart the different winged bipeds of New Zealand.
Before we dive into the subject, it is important to note that Marlborough Sounds is a vast region that mixes rural countryside with incredible inlets.
Similarly, some of the accommodations will be located in the middle of the sounds and will be very difficult to access, while others may be perfect for combining with visits to the wineries around Blenheim.
With all this in mind, my recommendation is to stay in Picton so that you can easily access the main attractions.
If we’re talking about a cheap, friendly, well-located and sociable hotel, we’ll be talking about Atlantis Backpackers in Picton. This is, without a doubt, my favourite hotel in the entire Marlborough Sounds region, one that looks like nothing from the outside, but once you enter, you’ll be immersed in the sunken city of Atlantis.
Every wall is decorated with a marine theme! The hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, common room and even the shared kitchen. It’s really amazing and, more than a hotel, I would say it’s a work of art.
It really is amazing and, more than a hotel, I would say it is a work of art.
On the other hand, if this Marlborough Sounds hotel is too much for you, here are two more hotels that are not bad at all:
I didn’t know whether to include it or not, because getting to the next hotel is a difficult task as it is only accessible by boat. Even so, I think it is essential to mention at least one of the many hotels or complexes located in the Marlborough Sounds.
The chosen place in this case is Te Mahia Bay Resort. A resort located in Kenepuru Sounds that offers private rooms, a nice patio with barbecue and a private beach less than 100 meters away. This is what you would call an idyllic place where you can spend your holidays doing nothing but enjoying the tranquility, the views, the food and the wine.
Two other recommended options with moderate prices are:
If you want to spend a luxurious night with your family, with all the comforts you could need and the added bonus of having a balcony and terrace with views of Marlborough Sounds, your choice will be Picton Waterfront Luxury Apartments.
This accommodation is less than 5 minutes walking from the ferry and offers apartments with several rooms, so you can go with friends or family.
Finally, here are a couple of luxury hotels where you can spend an unforgettable night:
The best way to get around New Zealand, and by extension Marlborough Sound, is by car or campervan. In fact, I highly recommend renting a campervan and travelling anywhere with it.
New Zealand is a country that is completely adapted to motorhomes: there are plenty of campsites, public toilets, showers and everything you can imagine that you might need. Therefore, going in a motorhome will be very simple and comfortable. Lastly, this is also the cheapest way to do it, since, despite the initial expense, you will save a lot on accommodation and meals in restaurants.
So, what can we say about Marlborough Sounds? Oh, yes, it is an amazing place! Exactly that, this place is unique in New Zealand and should be included in your visit. If you are in the South Island, you should definitely see it, and combine it with your visit to the West Coast or the Takaka area. In case you only want or can visit the North Island, if you have a couple of extra days it will cost nothing to take a ferry from Wellington and spend at least two nights in Picton exploring the Marlborough Sounds.
I’m telling you, this region of New Zealand is one of the most beautiful in the country. Visiting Marlborough Sounds will take you at least 4 days if you want to see the essentials and book some of the special activities in the area. Although the truth is, during my stay in Picton I spent more than a week with one thing and the other ;=)
Finally, here are a few tips and things to consider when visiting Marlborough Sounds.
– If you are short on time, take one of the cruises that will drop you off at Ship Cove and explore a bit of the area and part of the Queen Charlotte Trail
– If you do the Queens Charlotte Track, take enough water with you or, better yet, some purification method such as filtration.
– Staying in Picton gives you easy access to the main attractions, with the added bonus of having the ferry service to its port.
– Mosquitoes will be a constant issue on the hiking trails, especially at dusk. Bring repellent and prevent mosquitoes from ruining your stay in the Marlborough Sounds.
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Marlborough Sounds.
