A quick guide to the Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds are river valleys that have flooded over thousands of years to form an extensive network of waterways (or Fiords), with over 1500km of stunning coastline. Creating innumerable bays, penninsulas and islands which are breathtaking to explore. Rugged outcrops protect secluded coves and beaches, where bushclad hills seem to tumble into the sea.

Situated at the north eastern tip of the South island of New Zealand, The area is divided into two main bodies of water. The Queen Charlotte Sound is the most well known and its main town of Picton is the inter-island ferries. The Pelorus Sound is more remote and has more of the original vegetation.
Due to the convoluted nature of the coastline and the many peninsula and islands much of the sounds are only accessible by boat, or by foot giving a great sense of isolation.

"I can't understand why the Marlborough Sounds, are not part of this [South Island] tourist circuit." Ceidrik Heward

"The Marlborough Sounds: some of the most beautiful scenery I encountered on my trip" Kate Veeoh

The Marlborough Sounds offer a wide range of accommodation; from camp sites with minimal facilities, to simple backpacker lodges to world class resorts. You will find something to suit your tastes, and your budget. No matter where you decide to stay, you will never be far from the water.

1. Lochmara Lodge
An eco accommodation option in Queen Charlotte Sound, Lochmara lodge offers a selection of chalets and units for couples, family holidays, trampers, and art and nature lovers.

Tucked beside the water's edge in Lochmara Bay, the Lodge has its own sandy beach and is surrounded by bush clad hills.

Easily accessible by water taxi from Picton the Lodge is a wonderful retreat with no road access and no TVs - just the pristine bush environment, countless activity options, million dollar views, and colourful native birdlife.

2. Bay of Many Coves Resort
Luxury accommodation of unsurpassed comfort and style, blends into the natural surrounds. Nestled in the heart of the Bush, your apartment will enjoy uninterrupted sea views from indoors and from the generous sized private balcony.

Boasting the acclaimed "Foredeck" fine dining restaurant and two licensed cafes, the resort is the perfect place to sample the regions gourmet produce.

There are no roads in our out of the Bay of Many Coves Resort, and access is by water only. Regular boat services depart Picton for the 30 minute cruise to the resort throughout the day.

3. The Portage Resort
Located on the acclaimed Queen Charlotte Track, the Portage Resort has a warm and sunny aspect, over looking the peaceful Kenepuru Sound.

The hotel offers a selection of accommodation from quality suites, rooms with large decks and beautiful views, rooms for the whole family, to budget backpacker's accommodation for those walking or riding the Queen Charlotte Track.

With its central location it is easily reached by road, water or air. The Portage is just 10 minutes by boat from Picton or 1.25 hours by sealed road.

4. Tombstone backpackers
Tombstone is a great base from which to explore the Queen Charlotte Sound. The comfortable, sunny, backpacker style accommodation overlooks Picton harbour and is close to the ferry terminals and the centre of Picton.

Great place to rest in peace while awaiting your ferry North or exploring the Sounds further.

This backpackers is a few dollars more expensive but has to be one of the best backpackers in New Zealand.

5. Te Mahoerangi Ecolodge
Tucked away at the top of Nydia Bay, in the Pelorus Sound, halfway along the Nydia Track, Te Mahoerangi is for those who want to leave the environment better than they found it. The profits from this tranquil backpacker's accommodation go to protecting the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds.

There are no roads here, and access is by foot on the Nydia Track, or by Boat from Havelock. It is a place to relax and recharge far from the stresses of the city.

6. Ohingaroa bay cabin
Simple cabin accommodation, just a hop and a skip from the beach. Relax on the lawn listening to the native birds singing and flitting among the trees, or take to complimentary row boat out to catch a fish.

Just one hours scenic drive from Picton or Havelock, this cabin is great value to experience the relaxed Marlborough Sounds lifestyle for a day or two.