The Marlborough Sounds

20% of NZ's coastline
Rivers & Lakes

Fly & Spin Fishing
Know your limits

Tips for fishing responsibly
Cruise

Tours & charters

Guide

On the Water

Explore 1500km of winding coastline, secluded bays, historic sites, marine reserves and island sanctuaries, fostering kiwi and other native species.

Beautiful beaches and native bush surround the sunken valleys of water, and every bay beckons. Some can be reached by road, but the only way to really discover the sounds is by water. Kayak, sail or motor your way through the Marlborough Sounds and share in our beautiful treasure.

Cast for kawahai and salmon at the mouth of the Wairau River, or find trout in the tributaries of this beautiful braided river. Pull on your wetsuit to dive for crayfish and paua on Marlboroughs East Coast, in the currents of the Tory Channel and Port Underwood, or out of Okiwi and Elaine Bays to the west.

Go diving in secluded corners of the Queen Charlotte Sound or cast a line for blue cod and snapper in the Kenepuru and Pelorus. Some of Marlborough’s best sea fishing and diving is off d’Urville Island and French Pass, where fishing charters will ensure you find the right spots.

Marlborough Sounds Fishing

Set off from Okiwi Bay, Picton, Havelock, French Pass or D’Urville Island for the fishing trip of a lifetime.

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Freshwater Fishing

There’s excellent fly fishing to be had in Marlborough, from catching kahawhai at The Diversion, to seeking trout and wild salmon in remote locations up and off the Wairau River.

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Fishing Rules

Each area of New Zealand has different fishing regulations, and it’s important you know your limits. You can face serious penalties if you break fisheries laws and Compliance Officers are regularly out in the Marlborough Sounds, protecting our fisheries.

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Boat Cruises

Jump aboard a scheduled mailboat run for a unique experience delivering supplies to people living in remote bays. Join a seafood a sample fresh mussels and salmon, or head out on a wildlife cruise for an incredible experience with Marlborough's marine and bird life.

Boat tours in the Marlborough Sounds
Kayaking

Whether you choose a day trip or a few nights away, guided or independent, you’re in for a treat. Kayakers in the Marlborough Sounds talk of encounters with dolphins, fur seals and even orca on their seasonal migration.

Explore the Marlborough Sounds by kayak
Explore 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.

Explore the Marlborough Sounds
Sailing & Boating

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.

Guide to boating in the Marlborough Sounds

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 Marlborough

Charters & boat hire

Choose to hire a boat, or charter one with a skipper and crew and explore the Marlborough Sounds.

Boat Hire

Embrace the freedom of hiring a bare boat or jetski to explore the intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. It's important that you have had sufficient experience on a vessel of similar size to the one you are hiring. It is strongly reccomended that you brush up on boating safety and navigation before heading out. Visit the Cruise Guide to get started.

Chartered Trips

Charters are the perfect way to get out on the water. Having a skipper and crew allows you to put your feet up and relax while being provided with great local knowledge, and having the freedom to visit the best spots for your group.

Main photo by Daniel Forster