Essential boating information for boat owners visiting Marlborough.

The sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds are paradise for cruising, with countless bays to drop an anchor, sit back with a glass of Marlborough sauvignon blanc and watch the evening close over the bush clad hills.

Waterski Lanes

Waterski lanes are located at Ngakuta Bay, Davies Bay and Bottle Bay, all in Grove Arm near Picton, as well as Kaipakirikiri Bay, Cherry Bay, Kumutoto Bay and Ruakaka Bay in the Queen Charlotte Sound. Te Mahia Bay in the Kenepuru Sound is also designated for waterskiing.

Direction of travel is anticlockwise except at Kumutoto Bay, where the direction of travel is clockwise, due to the topography of the shore line.

In all other places, water recreation regulations and harbour bylaws require that vessels don’t exceed five knots within 200 metres of the shore. Find out more

Boat Ramps

There are boat ramps throughout Marlborough, so you can choose to launch near the main marinas, or drive to the likes of Okiwi and Elaine Bays, French Pass, Portage and Duncan Bay to start your day on the water. Find out more

Safe Boating

Information on safe boating and navigation in Marlborough. Find out more

Cruise & Sailing Guide

For more information on moorings, boat ramps, anchorages and more, including an interactive map, visit the Cruise Guide here