Marlborough Sounds - Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds is a fjord landscape in New Zealand.

background

The Marlborough Sounds belong to the region of the same name Marlborough, which is located on the north coast of the South islandNew Zealand is located. The landscape is characterized by countless larger and smaller fjords and bays, which are surrounded by a green hilly landscape and form an excellent sailing area.
The one in the east is important for tourists Queen Charlotte Sound and its side arm, the Tory ChannelThe ferries get through these waterways on their way from the North island through the Cook Strait to the port of Picton. To the west of it are the Mahau sound and the Kenepuru sound, then the Pelorus sound.

places

• Picton - Ferry terminal to the North Island
• Waikawa lies a little west of Picton, here mostly the smaller boats and yachts coming from the North Island land.
• Havelock at the mouth of the Pelorus River, a center of New Zealand green-lipped mussel farming

Other goals

The islands of the Marlborough Sounds

• D'Urville Island:Wilderness Lodge,
• Motorua, Allports Island and Blumine Island are bird sanctuaries. It was on these islands that the imported Australian Fox kusu exterminated, which has severely damaged New Zealand's bird life.

getting there

Most tourists arrive by ferry from the North Island. The approach to the South Island through the fjord landscape should be enjoyed on the upper deck, weather permitting Picton from the ferry and after with the rental car Nelson shouldn't take the expressway, but follow the signs to Queen Charlotte Drive consequences. This as Scenic Drive Signposted road offers fantastic views and landscapes every minute. Because of the many stops that you will inevitably make, you should calculate a good hour and a half for the approx. 35km.

mobility

The rental car or camper van is also the means of transport of choice on the South Island. There are also bus connections, but there is rarely the opportunity to stop at a particularly beautiful place and take a break, which the landscape invites you to do almost every few hundred meters.

activities

There are a number of companies that offer guided canoeing and hiking tours on site. However, it is also easily possible to do something on your own. If you want to use one of the many overnight huts, it is advisable to book in advance. Even in the off-season, you can go to a port and take a more or less private sailing tour through the fjords. In the main season it is better to book such activities in good time.
Kayak tours along the coast are also popular. There are good diving spots on many islands.
A well-known hiking route is the Queen Charlotte Track of Anakiwa from the sound along up Ship Cove.
Numerous dolphins, penguins and seals live in the sounds, so several eco tours are offered to observe the marine animals.
TIP: There is a tourism desk on board the ferries, where you can book excursions in addition to hotel rooms.

literature

Web links

• Compass charters Boat rental, excursion tours
• Kulak rent a house, Arranging of accommodation
• Sea Kayak Adventure, Anikawa, kayak and mountain bike rental, organized tours
• Side of the Marlborough Sounds