Yachting in the Marlborough Sounds
Fishing in the Marlborough Sounds, NZ
Fishing in the Marlborough Sounds
Boating in the Marlborough Sounds
  • 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.

  1. Governors Bay
  2. Flipper Bay
  3. Kumototo Bay
  4. Blumine Island
  5. Ship Cove
  6. Dillon Bell Point
  7. Picton Marina
  8. Havelock Marina
  9. Waikawa Marina
Tash Luxton

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

Fishing Rules

Each area of New Zealand has different fishing regulations, and it’s important you know your limits.

To find out about how many fish you can catch and what size they have to be, including information on the blue cod slot rules, please check out the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) NZ Fishing Rules App for smartphones or free text 9889 to have them sent to your phone.

You can face serious penalties if you break fisheries laws and Compliance Officers are regularly out in the Marlborough Sounds, protecting our fisheries.

As well as policing, they are happy to have a chat about regulations and to give you the appropriate measuring devices.

Our marine life is precious, so if you see something fishy please call 0800 47 62 24.

For more information on recreational fishing check out the Fisheries New Zealand website here. Fishing is one of New Zealand's most popular recreational activities. It's important for all fishers to act responsibly and help conserve the resource.

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