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Introduction: An intricate sea-drowned valley system at the northern tip of the South Island, the Marlborough Sounds’ deep clear waters caress a maze of islands and bush-clad peninsulas. Its waters lap the shores of secluded bays, reflecting the verdant hills above, imbuing a sense of tranquility and a return to the joys of a simple life. Large areas of the Sounds are remote and inaccessible by road, its jigsaw of inlets and coves drawing fishing, boating, sea-kayaking and diving enthusiasts who, eager to experience nature away from the constraints of civilization, come to explore its waters. Water taxis from Picton ferry visitors to the isolated havens that dot the Sounds’ 1500 km coastline, while cruise and charter boats ply the more popular routes along the Queen Charlotte, Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds. Water taxis also transport trampers and mountain bikers to Ship Cove, where the 71km Queen Charlotte Track begins, plus they’ll transport gear to drop off points along the track. Further west, you can access the 27km Nydia Track by road via SH6. For a taste of the Sounds, meander along the Queen Charlotte Drive, which runs between Picton and Havelock. It’s shorter and far more scenic than the SH1/SH6 route, but you’ll need to allow extra time for stopping to admire the sights.
PICTON
The small but bustling town of Picton is the South Island’s seaport terminus. The junction of the Cook Strait ferries, the Tranz Scenic Rail line, and the South Island segment of SH1, it snuggles on the inner reaches of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Numerous fishing and sightseeing tours leave from its palm-lined foreshore, as do the water taxis which ferry visitors to the isolated havens that dot the Marlborough Sounds’ 1500 km coastline. Picton’s whaling days, which were only halted in 1964, are preserved in the shorefront Maritime Museum, where the hulk of the Edwin Fox, the 9th oldest wooden troop ship in the world, rests. The town’s streets are graced with wide paved footpaths dotted with eateries which provide plenty of choice for hungry adventurers returning from their day’s activities.
HAVELOCK
The village of Havelock rests at the feet of the Richmond Ranges, on the inner reaches of the Pelorus Sound. Though its pioneering days brought riches and prosperity from gold-mining, today its fame stems from its green shell mussel farming. The Havelock Mussel Festival, held in March, is a celebration of music, food stalls and cooking demonstrations. You can explore the Pelorus Sound mussel farms aboard local boat cruises, take the scenic mail run to the outer reaches of the Sound, or enjoy the reflections of the bush-clad skyline from a sea kayak as you explore the secluded bays.
Picton waterfront
Overlooking Picton