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

Kayak Rentals

Kayak rentals are available for those who want the freedom to explore where and when they want.

Just one day

There are plenty of great day kayak trips you can do, perhaps visiting Governors Bay (7km from Picton) and Ngaukuta (8km from Picton), or paddling three hours to Pipi Beach from Havelock.

Multi day trips

In the inner Pelorus, you could kayak from Havelock to Pipi Beach (3 hours, 15km), Pipi Beach to Nydia Bay (3hours, 8km), Nydia Bay to Jacobs Bay (2hours, 9.5km) and Jacobs Bay to Tawero Point. (1-2hours, 6km).

Or head out from Waikawa to Ngaruru Bay to camp, going from there to the Perano Whaling Station and back to Ngaruru for another night. On your third day, either return direct to Waikawa or spend another night out, stopping at Ratimera Bay for the night.

Planning

For the best information, get in touch with one of the companies below. Kayak rental businesses can help you plan your trip, and can advise on the best route depending on weather conditions and your abilities, and will ensure that beginners have a good grounding in kayak safety before setting off.

Main photo by Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company