See & Do > On the Water > Beautiful Bays

Beautiful Bays

One fifth of New Zealand’s coastline winds its ways through the Marlborough Sounds, where blissful beaches, beautiful bush and pristine waters are everywhere you look. We’ve included a few of our top bays for boating, perfect for an overnight stay or day trip.

One fifth of New Zealand’s coastline winds its ways through the Marlborough Sounds, where blissful beaches, beautiful bush and pristine waters are everywhere you look. We’ve included a few of our top bays for boating, perfect for an overnight stay or day trip.

Find Out more

For more information about marinas, anchorages, boat ramps, moorings and facilities in the Marlborough Sounds check out the Cruise Guide website.

Explore The Marlborough Sounds

Governers Bay

Take your dinghy ashore to picnic or swim off one of the best sandy beaches in the Queen Charlotte Sound. This is a Department of Conservation site with a small grassy area, long-drop toilet and a short walk down from the Queen Charlotte Drive. The eastern part of this bay is a very pleasant anchorage in winds up to 20 knots from N sector and also gives good shelter in SE to S winds. Winds from SW to W tend to curve straight into the bay. If you would like more information about moorings in this bay contact the Waikawa Boating Club.

Flipper Bay

Flipper Bay is a lovely, intimate bay in Grove Arm with steep sides covered in lush, native bush. Listen to the bellbirds and tui as you sit anchored in one of the prettiest spots in the Queen Charlotte Sound. The bay is deep close to the shore and it is relatively easy to get a stern line ashore.

Kumototo Bay

Kumototo Bay is the perfect spot to the take the family for the day, not too far from Picton. Kumototo Bay is boat access only and there is a waterski lane, good fishing, a great beach and a Department of Conservation campsite if you want to camp out for the night.

Bluemine Island

Blumine Island is a great spot to get off the boat and go exploring. There is a brilliant Department of Conservation campsite and a trail leading to the remains of WW2 gun emplacements now starting to be grown over by native bush. Blumine Island is pest-free and the bird calls will greet you as you go ashore. Please do your bit to protect our wildlife by checking for any stowaways aboard your boat, and in gear you take ashore. Dogs are not allowed on the island.

Blumine Island Bird Sanctuary

Ship Cove / Meretoto

Ship Cove is steeped in history and natural beauty. It was explorer Captain Cook’s favourite anchorage spot in New Zealand and was the location of some of the first contact between Māori and Europeans. You’ll meet cheeky weka on the grass and hear a vibrant birdlife from the trees above. This is also the starting point for walking or biking the 72km Queen Charlotte Track.

Heritage of Ship Cove / Meretoto

Dillon Bell Point

Dillon Bell Point in the Pelorus Sound is a safe and sheltered place to anchor, about 1.5 hours from Havelock. The cove south of Jacombs Bay is an ideal anchorage, especially if winds are coming from S to W to NW. A stern line is advised, however take care as there is a large tidal range. There is a walking track leading out of the cove to various parts of the scenic reserve.