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Bird life
Kiwi, native falcon & rare king shag
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Marine life
Dolphins, orca, seals & more
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Wildlife
Visit island sanctuaries
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Coastal Gem
Long Island Marine Reserve
Guide
Wildlife & Conservation
Endangered kiwi and various native birds including the King Shag thrive on predator-free islands in the Marlborough Sounds, as well as tuatara, gecko and native frogs.
The winding waterways of the sounds hold dolphins, stingrays, seals, and even orca and whales on their seasonal migration.
Back on dry land, the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum hosts interesting rich stories of the region's whaling history.
Other ways to immerse yourself in Marlborough's wildlife and conservation is to Kayak on the Wairau Lagoons, cruise close to a multitude of New Zealand bird species, or visit the rare population of bats being protected at the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve. Stroll the wildlife trail at Lochmara Lodge, or discover more about the award-winning sustainability practices at Yealands Estate winery.
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Wildlife Sanctuaries
Marlborough’s sanctuaries are home to precious geckos, frogs and tuatara, as well as beautiful birdlife and marine life. These wildlife sanctuaries are vital to the continued survival of native species, with some places open to the public.
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Marine life
Seals laze on sun-drenched rocks, while gannets dive into schools of fish. In winter months you can find humpback whales at the edge of the Cook Strait on their annual migration, and in summer it’s the turn of orca. Five types of dolphin also ply these waters, including pods of the rare Hector’s dolphin.
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Sustainable Initiatives
Marlborough wine companies are leading the charge in many environmental practices, from organic vineyards to solar-powered wineries. The environment is at the forefront of planning for a number of Marlborough Sounds accommodation providers as well, with eco-trails and restoration projects ensuring a bright future.
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- Maud Island Scientific Reserve
- Motuara Island bird sanctuary
- Long tailed bats
- Blumine Island bird sanctuary
- Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Recovery Centre
- Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wairau Lagoons, including royal spoonbills
- Kokomohua Marine Reserve
- Mistletoe Bay Eco Village
- The Marlborough Falcon Trust
Tash Luxton Conservation Kids Picton
“This is paradise. In so many parts of the world you have to be a millionaire to enjoy these things, but everyone can experience it here.”
My insider guide to MarlboroughKokomohua Marine Reserve
If you’re interested in delving deeper, visit the Long Island - Kokomohua Marine Reserve in the outer Queen Charlotte Sound.
The islands are attached to each other by a largely submerged reef, where you can see schools of fish such as perch and tarakihi, plenty of rock lobster, as well as the many large and bold blue cod in the reserve.