Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds, located at the north-eastern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is a captivating region of sunken river valleys. Spanning 4,000 km² between Tasman and Cloudy Bays, this diverse landscape of bush-clad mountains and clear waters is a haven for marine life and seabirds, including dolphins, seals, penguins, fantails, bellbirds, and wood pigeons. Sparsely populated, many of its secluded houses and resorts are accessible only by boat, making it an ideal escape. The main sounds – Queen Charlotte, Pelorus, Kenepuru, and Tory Channel – carve out a spectacular coastline and separate Arapawa Island from the mainland.
Indulge your senses with the region's culinary delights – from fresh Greenshell mussels harvested directly from the Sounds and perfectly paired with world-famous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, to an array of local delicacies. Whether you seek exhilarating water sports, tranquil walks, or simply the chance to unwind amidst spectacular scenery, the Marlborough Sounds promise an unforgettable and deeply captivating experience.
Hobbit Barrel Run Kayak Trip with Pelorus Eco Adventures
Immerse yourself in Sir Peter Jackson's 'The Hobbit'. Journeying down the Beautiful Pelorus River you'll see actual filming locations including the rocks where Bilbo Baggins stood, the place where the dwarfs exited the barrels and the exact location where Kili was shot. Not just for Lord of the Rings fans, this spectacular kayaking trip will enthral anyone wanting to experience the beauty of New Zealand's rivers.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.
Pelorus Mail Boat
Join the world famous Pelorus Mail Run in the Marlborough Sounds and visit isolated homesteads nestled in quiet secluded bays, delivering crucial supplies and mail the same way it has been done for decades. View mussel farms and see why Pelorus Sound is the mussel capital of the world. Old timers row out in dinghies to meet the boat, while some receive their supplies on tiny, unspoilt beaches. Mail was first delivered to the Marlborough Sounds by Government Steamer in 1912. The Steamer put the mail ashore at various small Post Offices throughout the area and the residents had to row to these points to pick their mail up. In 1925 the Government decided to put the Service out to Private Operators and the Mail Run, as it is today, was born. In the early years most of the goods carried were farming supplies and a few tourists. These days as most of the farms have ceased operating, tourists are the only passengers as well as the mail.
Marlborough Tour Company - Greenshell Mussel Cruise
The Greenshell Mussel Cruise takes in the highlights of the Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds, two of the little known and little travelled Sounds that make up the Marlborough Sounds. Enjoy the stunning scenery, the remotely quiet feeling of this area, a visit into a Greenshell Mussel Farm and a wonderful tasting of fresh steamed mussels. Experience this beautiful part of Marlborough.
Queen Charlotte Sound Kayak & Walk with Wilderness Guides - Lunch Included
Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds with this one-day guided sea kayak trip & walk. Your tour begins with a 20-minute scenic drive to a spectacular western end of the Sound. After the drive, you will experience a beautiful guided sea kayak tour in the Western arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. You will explore the shoreline and learn about the native bush, rays and sea birds. After kayaking, you will depart for your independent hike or bike of the Queen Charlotte Sound from Ngakuta Bay to Picton. You will travel through stunning natural environment - lush bushes and beautiful beaches - this walk has it all!
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.