Why I Think Marlborough Sounds Is One of New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Places
Most people rush straight through Picton on their way off the ferry. I think that’s a mistake.
The Marlborough Sounds is one of the most picturesque places I have been to, and I’m proud to have it in my home country. On the day I spent out on the mail boat, dolphins followed us and the locals’ dogs waited at the end of the jetties for a treat from the skipper.
The catch is that most of the Sounds can only be reached by boat, so you need a bit of a plan to see the best of it.
So here’s why I think the Marlborough Sounds is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful places, and how I’d plan a visit.
Quick Answer: Planning a Marlborough Sounds Trip
⭐⭐⭐ Where should you stay? Bay Vista Waterfront Motel, right on the water at Waikawa Bay, a few minutes from Picton. Check prices & availability →
⭐⭐ What’s the one thing to book? The Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise, a 4 hour cruise from Picton that delivers mail and supplies around the Sounds. Check availability →
⭐ How do you get there? Catch the ferry from Wellington to Picton (around 3 to 3½ hours). Here’s my North Island to South Island ferry guide.
Where Is the Marlborough Sounds?
The South Island is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and I would be happy as a visitor to make Marlborough Sounds as my first taste of what is to come.
Marlborough Sounds is located at the top of the South island in New Zealand.
When to Visit the Marlborough Sounds
Opt to visit this stunner in the summer time which runs from December to February but, to be honest, last year (2025) the weather has been great here until the start of May.
Plan to visit when the sun is expected to be out and shining and I guarantee you will get some fantastic and stunning shots.
How to Get to the Marlborough Sounds
If you are coming from the North Island then you will need to cross the Cook Strait on one of the boat services. There are two companies that you can cross with.
There is either The Interislander or Bluebridge.
For the summertime, it is best to book in advance to grab a good deal.
The crossing between islands is approximately 3 to 3½ hours long. It is a beautiful scenic crossing so don’t forget to check the views on the top deck.
Where I’d Stay in the Marlborough Sounds
(⭐⭐⭐ = my top pick)
⭐⭐⭐ Bay Vista Waterfront Motel: Pick this one if you want to wake up to water views. It sits right on the waterfront at Waikawa Bay, a few minutes’ drive from Picton, and it’s one of the best-reviewed places in the area. Check prices & availability →
⭐⭐ Koru Havenz: Pick this one if you want to stay close to town. It’s about 1.5km from the Picton waterfront, so it’s handy for the ferry and the boat cruises, and it has over 300 glowing reviews. Check prices & availability →
⭐ Furneaux Lodge: Pick this one if you want something a little unique. It’s tucked away in Endeavour Inlet on the Queen Charlotte Track, and most people arrive by water taxi or on foot. Check prices & availability →
Take the Mail Boat Cruise From Picton
When we got to Picton it was a small walk to the town centre where we indulged in some food from a local cafe. We then caught the Mail Run boat.
This is a must-do. Depending what day you go (Tuesday, Thursday or a Friday) will depend on which route the boat takes.
From memory, I think ours took about 4 hours and it was worth every minute of it. It takes you around the Marlborough Sounds and delivers the locals their mail and essential items such as food.
Most of the locals have animals such as cats and dogs that meet you at the edge of the jetties and wait for the treat the boat captain gives them.
A few giggles are let out as the animals wait intensely for their treat. Dolphins followed the boat and we saw the local salmon farm, also seals basking in the sun waiting for one of the salmon to accidentally be let out! The photos are not photo-shopped or filtered.
They are the pure beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. One New Zealand’s little gold mines.
3 Marlborough Sounds Experiences I’d Book Right Away
📮 Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise: Pick this one if you want to see how the locals live out in the Sounds. This is the mail run I talk about above, with drop-offs at remote jetties and plenty of wildlife along the way. From around NZ$160 per person. Check availability →
🥾 Queen Charlotte Track Cruise & Self-Guided Hike: Pick this one if you want to walk part of the track without carrying a heavy pack. The boat drops you on the track and picks you up again at the end of your walk. Check availability →
🐬 Motuara Island Sanctuary Wildlife & Dolphin Tour: Pick this one if you want something a little different. Motuara Island is a predator-free bird sanctuary, and you’ve got a good chance of spotting dolphins on the way. From around NZ$175 per person. Check availability →
Walk, Cycle or Kayak the Queen Charlotte Track
If you are into the outdoors in a major way then check out the Queen Charlotte track where you can walk, cycle or Kayak to deserted campgrounds and admire the beautiful views that come with it. The track is 70km long and it gives you a mixture of mountain views, lagoons and crystal clear waters.
My Number One Tip: Hire a Car for Full Flexibility
If you’re staying a few nights, the Marlborough Sounds is much easier if you have your own wheels. Queen Charlotte Drive between Picton and Havelock is one of the prettiest drives in the country, and you can pick up a rental car right by the ferry terminal in Picton.
Check here for the best car rental companies and prices for your Marlborough Sounds trip →
Great post, Anita! I recently visited The Marlborough Sounds and fell in love.
I just visited Picton on labour weekend and the weather was amazing.
I did a day trip on the Queen Charlotte Track and we only met maybe 3 people on the whole walk and you really feel like being somewhere far from everything.
Next day we did the Snout Track which was also amazing with its lookout directly overlooking the Sound, but a bit more crowded.
Seeing your posts I really want to get back 😉