Marlborough Sounds

A spectacular network of forested waterways created by the submergence of river valleys, offering pristine beauty and stunning scenery throughout the region. Visitors can explore the sounds by boat, kayak, or hiking trails, experiencing native forest, wildlife, and remote wilderness.

Things to do

• Kayaking through the Sounds — Paddle through the calm, forested waterways to reach remote beaches and hidden coves, with opportunities to spot native birds and marine life.
• Cruise to Picton via the scenic route — Take a scheduled water taxi or scenic cruise from various sound inlets to Picton, experiencing the dramatic geography and coastal beauty.
• Hiking the Queen Charlotte Track — Walk this iconic multi-day tramping route that winds through beech forest with views over the sounds, offering day walks or full 71km treks.
• Wildlife watching at Motuara Island — Visit this Department of Conservation sanctuary to see rare native birds including the Kokako and Saddleback in their protected forest habitat.
• Camping and lodge stays — Experience overnight stays in remote locations accessible only by water, from basic DOC campgrounds to eco-lodges offering full services.
• Fishing for green-lipped mussels — Join a local fishing charter to catch the sounds' famous green-lipped mussels, often cooked fresh on board with local wine.

Food to try

• Green-lipped mussels — These iconic New Zealand shellfish are harvested fresh from the sounds and typically served steamed or in creamy sauces at local restaurants and lodges.
• Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — While the vineyards are in the wider Marlborough region, the sounds' lodges and restaurants feature local wines that pair perfectly with fresh seafood.
• Fresh crayfish (Cray) — Locally caught crayfish are a delicacy in the sounds, often grilled or prepared simply to showcase their sweet, tender meat.
• Smoked fish platter — Local smokehouses prepare fresh catch from the sounds, creating smoked fish selections enjoyed at waterfront lodges and picnic spots.
• Hokey pokey ice cream with native berries — A distinctly Kiwi treat combining honeycomb toffee ice cream with locally foraged native berries from the forest.

Local customs & good to know

• Plan ahead for water access — Many destinations in the sounds are accessible only by water taxi or private boat, so arrange transport well in advance as services run on schedules.
• Respect DOC conservation areas — Much of the sounds are protected Department of Conservation land with strict rules about camping, fires, and wildlife interaction that all visitors must follow.
• Embrace Māori heritage — The sounds have deep Māori cultural significance; listen for local stories and respect sacred sites, as the landscape is part of Māori traditional lands.
• Come prepared for isolation — Internet, shops, and services are extremely limited in remote areas of the sounds, so bring supplies, cash, and manage expectations for self-sufficiency.