Queen Charlotte Sound

Travel Guide

Queen Charlotte Sound featuring a bay or harbor and a ferry
Queen Charlotte Sound showing forests, mountains and a bay or harbor
Queen Charlotte Sound showing mountains, forest scenes and a bay or harbor
Queen Charlotte Sound showing mountains, a bay or harbor and forest scenes
Queen Charlotte Sound showing a bay or harbor, mountains and forests
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 NT$20,663 per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
NT$20,663
NT$23,762 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
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 2025/1/15

Bay of Many Coves Resort
Picton Beachcomber Inn

Picton Beachcomber Inn

3 out of 5
27 Waikawa Road, Picton
The price is NT$1,871 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
NT$1,871
NT$2,152 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Beds were very comfortable. Nice little patio area. Very clean. Well located."

Reviewed on 2025/8/17

Picton Beachcomber Inn
Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel

Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel

4 out of 5
32 High Street (Main Street), Picton
The price is NT$1,389 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
NT$1,389
NT$1,598 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star motel in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (913 reviews)
"Friendly welcome. Very tidy clean rooms . Easy to find"

Reviewed on 2025/7/7

Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel
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.
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 2025/6/4

Picton Waterfront Apartments
Picton Campervan Park

Picton Campervan Park

4.5 out of 5
42 Kent Street, Picton
Stay at this 4.5-star eco-certified campground in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Picton Ferry Terminal and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (121 reviews)
"Not large and busy. Very nice, clean, well thought out facilities"

Reviewed on 2025/4/6

Picton Campervan Park
The Lodge At Te Rawa - Boat Access Only

The Lodge At Te Rawa - Boat Access Only

3.5 out of 5
Private Bag 65012, Havelock, Te Rawa
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Te Rawa. Enjoy a private beach, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Pelorus Sound and ...
Unwind...
"A real oasis from everything! A serene space, Satisfying meals, a nice vibe as well. A good place to read, reflect and unwind."

Reviewed on 2020/2/24

The Lodge At Te Rawa - Boat Access Only
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.