About the Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds contains 20% of New Zealand's coastline, 1500kms of bush lined coast, islands and peninsulas. Stunning waterways & many excellent walking and mountain biking tracks. Plentiful bird life and marine mammals ...

The Marlborough Sounds are an extensive network of waterways which were created at the end of the last ice age when the sea levels rose and flooded a series of river valleys. The four Sounds are Pelorus, Kenepuru, Queen Charlotte and Mahau.The Marlborough Sounds contains 20% of New Zealand's coastline, approximately 1500kms of bush lined coast, islands and peninsulas. Many of the small bays and coves within the Sounds have idyllic beaches nestled in them, real pieces of wilderness paradise.

Much of the Marlborough Sounds forest is secondary growth, with 52% of the land being D.O.C owned the emphasis is on regeneration of native trees and plants which you will see on all of our tours.

Walking & Mountain Biking Tracks

As well as the stunning waterways, the Marlborough Sounds host many excellent walking and mountain biking tracks.
Probably the most popular track in the Pelorus Sound is the Nydia Track which can be walked or ridden.

More information on local tracks around the sounds here:
Pelorus Sound and Kenepuru Sound area

Wildlife

The Marlborough Sounds are home to many native New Zealand species of birdlife and many of the islands within the Sounds are predator free sanctuaries for endangered native birds.
Some of the bird species you are likely to see on a trip with us are, Shags/Cormorants, Gannets, Oyster Catchers, Little Blue Penguin, Tuis, Bellbirds, Weka, Terns, Wood pigeon (Kereru), Spoon Bills. And many more.

Marine mammals you may encounter at certain times of year during your trip are New Zealand Fur Seals, Dolphins, Orca.

We will always do our best to show you what is out there!