Marlborough Sounds
Marlborough Sounds is the northeastern part of the Marlborough region. It is a beautiful area with many nice bays, waterways, islands and coves. There are lots of Outdoor activities to be undertaken in this area.
Outdoor
Diving
If you like diving you should visit the wreck of the Mikhail Lermontov. This is a Russian cruise ship which sank in 1986 in Port Gore. It is said to be the biggest diveable wreck in the world. Other places to dive are Wellington Bay, Long Island Marine Reserve and Cape Jackson.
Fishing
Marlborough Sounds is the southern island's best place for salt water Fishing. You will be able to catch for example hake, butterfish or snapper.
Kayaking
According to some there is no better way to be introduced to the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds than by kayak. During a kayak trip you will see some nice Beaches, beautiful bush and spectacular views on the hilly and mountain high sounds.
Marine mammal and bird watching
In particular the French Pass in the Marlborough Sounds offers a great opportunity to watch some marine mammals and birds. You can spot for example blue penguins, seals and dolphins.
Tramping and mountainbiking
From Picton you can undertake the beautiful Queen Charlotte Track. This is one of the nine Great Walks (look at Tramping). The track offers beautiful coastal scenery mixed with interesting Accommodation options. The track is best to be walked from October till May and takes 4 days to walk and its difficulty is rated moderate. Moderate means that the track offers a challenging terrain and can have quite steep climbs and descends. This Great Walk is opened for mountainbikers as well. It is also possible to walk parts of the Queen Charlotte Track.
From Havelock or Picton you can walk the Nydia Track. This track is a nice complement to the Queen Charlotte Track. It is less crowded and crosses the more remote parts of the Marlborough Sounds. The track crosses two saddles and you will have nice views on the bays you pass. The tramp is best to be walked from October till May, takes two days and is rated easy.
Pelorus Track is another nice walk in the Marlborough Sounds. Transport is arranged either from Havelock or Picton. When you tramp this track you will pass some quite remote forests. You will also see some deep green pools in which trout can be found. The track is best to be tramped from October till April, takes three days and is rated easy.
Besides these walks there are many other tramping opportunities. For more information about the described and other tracks please visit a DOC or visit their website: http://www.doc.govt.nz.