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Flooded valleys in New Zealand
Photo: Quentin Davies, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Marlborough Sounds are a series of drowned valleys at the northern end of the Marlborough region of the north-eastern tip of New Zealand's South Island.
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2007 New Zealand Tourism Award Winner. Mountain biking, kayaking, walking the Queen Charlotte Track. Tours or freedom hire. One day or many. Great team, professional service.
A 3- to 4-day walk from the historic Ship Cove through to Anakiwa in the Grove Arm giving unsurpassed views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
At the start of the track is a large memorial to Captain James Cook. This was the place where Cook spent the most time (a total of 170 days) on his three voyages which visited New Zealand. The memorial was unveiled in 1913, with 2000 people watching the ceremony.
Guided and unguided walks on the Queen Charlotte Track staying in small boutique accommodation. Includes all meals, transport, daily luggage transfers, guiding services.
Cruise the amazing coves and waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Visit the remote and isolated Tui Nature Reserve including a guided conservation tour plus a 4WD trip to the top of the plateau forested hill. Ranked 8th by BBC Wildlife Magazine of the top 10 Eco-destinations in the World (Dec 2007). Maximum of six to eight people.
The totally unique wine and food experience in the tranquil Marlborough Sounds. Cruise the sheltered waterways of the Sounds and visit a mussel farm to taste the freshest mussels with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Hearty Kiwi pub food.
Luxury resort with two restaurants.
A new waterfront upmarket lodge for up to 8 guests.
At the start (or end) of the Queen Charlotte Track.
As the name suggests Portage is handy to Queen Charlotte Sound, being a short walk from Torea Bay. Portage will collect you from Torea Bay.
BBH National Quality Awards, first place in New Zealand for 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Most explorations of the Marlborough Sounds will begin in Picton, Havelock or Rai Valley, all on the southern side of the Marlborough Sounds.
Read in the guideBy bus
Intercity buses link Picton, Blenheim, Havelock, Rai Valley and Nelson. From Havelock, there is a Nydia track shuttle to both ends of the Nydia track, Kaiuma Bay and Duncan Bay, Tennyson Inlet.
By boat
Boats are a good way to get around the Sounds. The size of the marinas, especially at Waikawa Bay and Havelock, is testament to that. Cook Strait at the head of the Sounds can be rough.
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Blenheim · Regional · BHE
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