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Marlborough Sounds

Fish the clean, green waters of the Sounds

By Bachchat staff

Pelorus Sound. Copyright Destination Marlborough

Fishing in the spectacular clean green waters of the Sounds is a popular activity for many Marlburians. Charter a fishing trip and discover the fishing experience of a lifetime - snapper, blue cod, trevally and gurnard to name a few of the myriad of species you can find.

Marlborough is the ideal place to snorkel the rocky shorelines and reefs, home to a range of underwater life. Diving for succulent scallops, mussels and paua is also a popular pastime in the Sounds.

Diving attractions include marine reserves for the eco-conscious, wrecks to explore including the famous Mikhail Lermontov, abundant marine life for photography or diving. Diving instructors and equipment are available for half and full day dives.

Experience the adventure of a lifetime in the Marlborough Sounds and view the marine life by taking a guided tour of Queen Charlotte Sound. Enjoy a unique swim with dusky, bottlenose and common dolphins, and the rare Hector’s dolphins. Duskies are only found in the Southern Hemisphere and are considered one of the most acrobatic dolphins in the world.

The waters of the Marlborough Sounds and Cook Strait are nutrient rich and group sizes here range from 5 to 500 dolphins! Along the way, you are likely to see New Zealand fur seals; a variety of seabirds (like penguins and Australasian gannets) and you may even encounter orca and migrating or feeding whales.

Marlborough is also the ideal location to take a wine tour, being New Zealand’s largest and best known wine producing region.

Marlborough’s reputation has been driven by the world leading Sauvignon Blanc that is produced in the region but the region also produces superb aromatics, fine Methode Traditionelle, elegant Chardonnays and award-winning Pinot Noir. Tour and taste at more than 55 wineries, where you are able to talk first hand with the people who grew the grapes and made the wine, pointing out the individual characteristics of their wines, offering invaluable advice on the vintages, cellaring potential and food matching.

In many instances, the winery is the only place to sample or purchase wines that are not available in the retail market. Many wineries are open all year round so join a winery tour or spend the day cycling around the vineyards amongst the vines.

The fascinating waters of the Marlborough Sounds create an unforgettable experience for sea kayakers. With a great network of waterways, inlets and 1500km of coastline to explore, this area is a truly remarkable sea kayaking destination. Sea kayaking is a relaxing and tranquil way to view the unspoiled flora and fauna, discover the wilderness with seals, dolphins and penguins a common sight, native bush-clad hills with overhanging tree ferns, rata vines and beech trees. Delight the senses with the gorgeous hidden bays, inlets and beaches.

Where to stay

Marlborough

What to do

More info

Queen Charlotte Track
Our guide to Marlborough Gourmet Food and Wine Experiences

 

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