Queen Charlotte Sound Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Queen Charlotte Sound which includes a bay or harbour and a ferry
Queen Charlotte Sound which includes forest scenes, a bay or harbour and mountains
Queen Charlotte Sound which includes mountains, forests and a bay or harbour
Queen Charlotte Sound featuring mountains, a bay or harbour and forest scenes
Queen Charlotte Sound featuring forest scenes, a bay or harbour and mountains

A placid and swollen river, the easternmost of New Zealand’s South Island sounds is a popular destination for sailors, and anyone who appreciates breathtaking natural scenery.

Explore Marlborough’s Queen Charlotte Sound on foot or by bicycle, boat or car for an accessible and breathtaking natural experience. Queen Charlotte Sound is the furthest east of the Marlborough Sounds and is among the most frequented by visitors, thanks to its regular ferry services to the North Island. Stretching from the peaceful town of Picton in the south to the Cook Strait in the east, Queen Charlotte Sound is gentle, sheltered and surrounded by natural beauty.

Follow the shoreline of the sound on the challenging but incredibly rewarding Queen Charlotte Track to see the sound on foot. The 70-kilometre (43-mile) trail is one of New Zealand’s most famous hikes, winding through lush rainforest, into historic bays and over gushing streams. From March until November the trail opens for mountain bikers. You can rent bicycles from within Picton. The trail can take between 3 and 5 days to complete. If you want to take it easy on your return journey, book a water taxi.

Explore the sound by boat or kayak to get close to its marine life. Embark on a chartered fishing tour to catch salmon or don your wetsuit to go diving for crayfish. Look for dolphins swimming in the sound as you explore its inlets, bays and beaches. While the temperate climate of the Marlborough Region means that conditions on the sound remain pleasant year-round, the best weather is often experienced from November until May.

Travel along the Queen Charlotte Drive towards Havelock for 35 kilometres (22 miles) of winding roads that climb to a lookout at Cullen Point and take you past quiet beaches ideal for swimming.

A range of accommodation can be found throughout the Queen Charlotte Sound area, however Picton is the only substantial township on the water. Make reservations for eco-lodges or hotels with stunning views across the water.

Bay of Many Coves Resort
Bay of Many Coves Resort
5 out of 5
Arthur's Bay, Bay of Many Coves, Private Bag 382, Picton, Bay Of Many Coves
The price is NZ$1,325 per night from 12 July to 13 July
NZ$1,325
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Bay Of Many Coves. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Dryden Bay and Te Weu Weu ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
Paradise lost
"This is an amazing location with wonderful views - unfortunately the weather was overcast and cool for summer so no stars at night. The rooms are good and maximise the views. Ok its not really five star but good given the location. I do have to comment on the food. A few tweaks could have made a ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jan. 2025

Bay of Many Coves Resort
Picton Beachcomber Inn
Picton Beachcomber Inn
3 out of 5
27 Waikawa Road, Picton
The price is NZ$118 per night from 23 July to 24 July
NZ$118
23 July - 24 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Convenient and Cost effective
"This place is as much if not more than you need in Picton before or after a ferry. Short walk to shops, fish and chips, supermarkets, cafes and waterfront, under 10min walk to ferry terminal. Lots of space in the rooms for luggage, a mini bar and basic amenities. Surprisingly good for a Surprisingly ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Picton Beachcomber Inn
Edit Picton
Edit Picton
3.5 out of 5
25 Waikawa Road, Marlborough, Picton
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$126 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$126
29 July - 30 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Handy to shops and the ferry terminal."

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Edit Picton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Little Colonsay/Beach  House
Little Colonsay/Beach House
Picton
Stay at this vacation home in Marlborough. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and laundry facilities.
Had a great time
"Awesome time , owners were amazing ! Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 21 Dec. 2023

Little Colonsay/Beach House
Dramatic views of Tory Channel and the West Head
Dramatic views of Tory Channel and the West Head
Queen Charlotte Sound
Stay at this vacation home in Marlborough. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios.
Family xmas holiday
"Excellent location and hosts, be prepared for a bit of a walk, but the location and view make it all worthwhile. Lovely sheltered house site overlooking the entrance to Tory channel."

Reviewed on 18 Jan. 2025

Dramatic views of Tory Channel and the West Head
Picton Waterfront Apartments
Picton Waterfront Apartments
4 out of 5
3/6 London Quay, Picton, Marlborough
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Picton Ferry Terminal and Picton War Memorial ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (257 reviews)
Amazing apartment overlooking the marina!
"Amazing apartments overlooking the marina and just minutes to the interislander ferry! The apartment was spotlessly clean, the bed was super comfortable and all amenities were provided. So close to a range of restaurants and bars. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 4 Jun. 2025

Picton Waterfront Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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