Trip Planner:   South Pacific  /  New Zealand  /  South Island  /  Marlborough Region  /  Picton  /  Queen Charlotte Sound

Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton

4.7
#2 of 7 in Nature in Marlborough Region
Water Body Nature / Park
An erstwhile river valley long since drowned by the sea, Queen Charlotte Sound is a vast coastal inlet, home to several islands and surrounded by smaller coves and offshoots. A ferry ride across the sound offers clear views over the deep blue water to the verdant, wrinkled coastline. To really experience the scenery, however, take one of the smaller boats that travels round the coastline--such as the mail boat that delivers to several picturesque settlements unreachable by land. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, dolphins, and fish in the water, and seabirds overhead. Landlubbers can enjoy an unrivalled view of the area from the Queen Charlotte Track, a hiking and biking trail that stretches the length of the sound. Take the guesswork out of planning a Picton vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.
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Queen Charlotte Sound Tours
Half day Guided Sea Kayak Tour from Picton BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $67
5.0
14 reviews
Duration: 4 hours
Buy tours from $67
Marlborough Sounds Seafood Cruise from Picton BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $104
4.5
2 reviews
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Buy tours from $104
Full Day Queen Charlotte Kayak and Walking Tour from Picton BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $114
5.0
1 review
Duration: 8 hours
Buy tours from $114
Queen Charlotte Sound Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 4.5
296 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By Suzanne C
    The only way to see this area is by boat, as most of the islands are accessible only in this way. There are some stunning properties to see (some of which can be rented), beautiful scenery and amazing...  more »
  • By Jane M
    Well worth a boat trip wonderful scenery lots of little bays & coves some beaches to swim off . Interesting to see property on the islands lucky people! Birds & penguins too .  more »
  • By JEAN-PIERRE A
    We traveled the Queen Charlotte Drive from Picton to Havelock. The road is dotted with magnificent views of the Marlborough sounds. The road is quite tortuous and not very wide by location. We have to be careful. We had a good time on this road.
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Places to stay near Queen Charlotte Sound

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Popular things to do in Picton

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Queen Charlotte Track
4.8
Duration: 8​h
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Marlborough Sounds
5.0
Duration: 2​h
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Edwin Fox Maritime Museum
4.6
Duration: 1​h 30​min
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Picton Sound
4.6
Duration: 2​h

Side trips from Picton

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Kayaking & Canoeing
Abel Tasman National Park
4.4
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Kaiteriteri
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Framingham Wines
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Forrest Wines Cellar Door
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Hidden gems in Picton

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Lochmara Lodge Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Recovery Centre
3.9
Duration: 2​h 30​min
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Walking tours
4.9
Duration: 5​h 30​min
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Sounds Air
4.8
Duration: 3​h
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Scuba & Snorkeling
4.6
Duration: 4​h

Nearby attractions in Picton

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Beachcomber Cruises
4.4
Duration: 3​h
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Sounds Connection
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Duration: 8​h
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E-Ko Tours
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Wilderness Guides - Day Tours
4.9
Duration: 3​h 30​min

Outdoors in Picton

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Tirohanga Track
4.6
Duration: 1​h 30​min

Wildlife in Picton

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Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary
4.6
Duration: 1​h 30​min
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Plans to Queen Charlotte Sound by other users

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