2 minute read
What's the big deal with Marlborough?
Marvellous Marlborough
SCORING ITSELF ONE-FIFTH OF NEW ZEALAND’S ENTIRE COASTLINE, MARLBOROUGH HAS ALWAYS HAD A STRONG AFFINITY WITH THE WATER.
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The Sounds themselves are a collection of sunken river valleys that succumbed to rising sea levels over 10,000 years ago. The pull of what lies beneath this vast expanse of water has always attracted people, and the opportunities to explore the region both above and below its surface are endless.
Hiring a kayak, bike or even a yacht will put you in an attractive position to experience the magic of Marlborough’s marine life and vineyard trails, while a dive below presents an entirely different perspective. From the wreck of the Mikhail Lermontov ocean liner, to rocky reefs shaped over centuries, this underwater odyssey brings the past to the very tip of your nose.
Queen Charlotte Track offers a dazzling 70km journey by foot or by bike. Pest-free islands such as Motuara, Long, Blumine and Allports all teem with birdlife, and the mussels plucked straight from the ocean arrive hot, steaming and fragrant on your plate.
Tour distinguished vineyards on the Marlborough Wine Trail, discover secret bays visited by dolphins and orca and walk the beautiful Snout Track. You’ll be lost for words when you encounter this incredible place. But very few are needed when your lips are busy sampling world-renowned wines.
What to do in the Marlborough Sounds
After the last ice age, the sea flooded every valley and fold with water. Today, the area has four main bodies of water – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, Pelorus and Mahau.
Queen Charlotte Track
This 70km walking and biking trail boasts startling Sound views. Conquer it all or pick a segment for a day walk.
Ship Cove
Known as Meretoto Cove in Māori, both Kupe and Captain James Cook voyaged here. A trail features information panels detailing both men’s endeavours.
The Mail Boat
Every boat trip is a delight here, but this unique experience escorts passengers to remote stretches of the Sounds to deliver post to the locals.
Motuara Island
This pest-free speck of Utopia features a dazzling one-hour walk to a viewpoint over Queen Charlotte Sound. Don’t miss the watering hole and seating area. Sit long enough and the birds will come to you.
French Pass
The drive to here is spectacular. Look across to D’Urville Island to see whirlpools and fish that get caught off-guard in the current.
On the water
Beach swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling all come into their own here and fishing presents blue cod, gurnard, tarakihi, snapper and when in season, scallops, too.
Dolphin swimming
Tours depart from Picton. Between October and March, orca whales visit too.
The underwater observatory
Found at Lochmara Bay is an excellent way to watch blue cod, eels, diving shag and to feed the stingray.
Marina in Havelock
Marlborough Tourism
Havelock
Havelock is the green-shell mussel capital of the world and the crustaceans at The Mussel Pot are unbeatable. Head out on a cruise to see whales and dolphins or jump aboard The Mail Boat. Walkers enjoy Cullen Pt walkways and the hour long looped Coastal Track for Sound views. Explore Havelock Museum or check out nearby Wakamarina River, which is where 19th century folk struck gold.
The Mussel Pot, Havelock
Marlborough Tourism
