Top Things to do in Marlborough Sounds
The 10 Best Things to do in Marlborough Sounds, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand including Marlborough Sounds, Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton Sound, Queen Charlotte Track, Lochmara Lodge Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Recovery Centre, Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, Picton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, Havelock Museum, Interislander, EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Restaurants in Marlborough Sounds
1. Marlborough Sounds
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 688 reviews
Reviewed By paulohartson1 - Amersham, United Kingdom
Take the scenic route from Nelson and you'll find laybys at the side of the road that give you stunning views down the sounds
2. Queen Charlotte Sound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
Reviewed By Resort829690 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Great tramp Beautiful scenery Comfortable lodges Carry only a day pack Organised by Adventure Tours Picton Track can easily done independently-no guide required Lodges along route comfortable with restaurants providing great food
3. Picton Sound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By Sandy817 - Phoenix, United States
It was beautiful coming into Picton on the Celebrity Solstice and we were glad we got up to see the ship dock here. It is a lovely small town & there was an outdoor market the day we were there.
4. Queen Charlotte Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 878 reviews
Reviewed By TravelDudes555
From the dolphins on the boat ride to Ship cove, to the glow worms at Punga cove, the curious Wekas, the amazing kauri trees and many beautiful views of the Marlborough Sounds - the Queen Charlotte track offers a bit of everything. Staying at the Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove added some unexpected luxury to the hike - highly recommended.! The track itself is very good (mainly forest covered) but not exceptional - however the combined experience of the hike, the accommodation, and enjoying the beautiful Marlborough sounds made for an excellent long weekend!
5. Lochmara Lodge Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Recovery Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
This unique centre provides an opportunity for nature-lovers to interact with, learn about and appreciate the unique flora and fauna of the Marlborough Sounds. The centre includes wild bird recovery, endangered bird and gecko breeding enclosures, and a self guided ecotour among native bush. Day/half-day trips include a boat cruise from Picton (Lochmara can easily arrange boat transport for you) on the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, and an optional walk on the Queen Charlotte Track.
Reviewed By GabbyJ123 - Auckland, New Zealand
What a beautiful place to stay. Paula the lady in reception makes you feel so welcomed. She walks you to your room and tells you the amazing things that a available for you to enjoy. My room was lovely and Sunny with beautiful views across the bay. The beds are so comfortable. It’s almost like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Your whole body is supported. The food we had for dinner was so fresh and very flavoursome. They can also cater to your special dietary needs. All the staff a friendly and helpful. Lochmara is a hidden gem
6. Edwin Fox Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 393 reviews
We are open! Every day from 9am! The Edwin Fox is a great example of NZ Maritime History, 161 years old this year and currently listed as the 9th oldest ship in the world, the oldest surviving merchant ship, last surviving convict ship that took convicts to Australia and last wooden NZ immigrant ship and was also used to transport troops to the Crimean war.Come step aboard, go into the hull of the ship and visit the dry dock to get a real feel of the size of the ship and indeed what voyages would of been like!Open everyday group bookings and guided tours by arrangement.
Reviewed By samifido
This was a last minute decision to do as we just got off our cruise ship to walk around Picton and found this marvellous museum. Extremely interesting and informative and loved walking around the actual ship to see and touch the original wood and imagine what life would have been like. For $15 it’s definitely worth a short visit.
7. Picton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
We are the official Picton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and your local experts in our region. This Qualmark endorsed centre is operated by Destination Marlborough, and is part of New Zealand's official Visitor Information Network (i-SITE). We are your 'one stop shop' for travel advice and bookings for Picton tours, activities and accommodation. As an official i-SITE, we also specialise in travel arrangements for all New Zealand destinations. Better still, our service to you is FREE.
Reviewed By jborsik - Tampa, United States
Lots of information. Great place to pick up souvenirs. Pick up stop for many tour operators. Steam train directly across the street. Be sure to check out the free toilets outside.
8. Havelock Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By FredaDuFuer - Havelock, New Zealand
It’s a great wee museum with a good representation of local history. There is a nice flea market next door which is a fundraiser for museum extensions
9. Interislander
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By Casa62 - Brisbane, Australia
A seamless experience with plenty of amenities and activities on board to keep everyone happy. But the trolleys of freshly baked scones was an added bonus. Dont miss out on these. Nice views going into the marlborough sounds.
10. EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 361 reviews
Meet amazing Marlborough Sounds creatures up close✓ Touch our rare living dinosaur (Tuatara - can live up to 250 years) Get close to rescued Little Penguin*, native fish and more ✓conservation in action ✓nature ✓heritage ✓explore & learn ✓family–friendly ✓FUN Get up close and discover some of the amazing animals that live in our beautiful Marlborough Sounds. EcoWorld’s knowledgeable staff share with you outstanding, intimate animal experiences with our animals that have been rescued, donated or bred by us. •Tuataras - New Zealand’s very rare “living fossil” •Little Blue Penguins - Wildlife Rehabilitation Refuge •Yellow and Red Kakariki - endangered parrots •Seahorses - New Zealand pot-bellied seahorses •Giant Squid - “Monster of the deep” •Fish - species from the Marlborough Sounds •Lizards, frogs, turtle refuge etc. •Orca and Hectors Dolphin - life size models •Touch pool, kid’s area, movies, shells, displays etc.
Reviewed By 828libbys
This aquarium is so cool the pufferfish is amazing. I thought I was in a coral reef. There was a giant squid in a container dead because they did experiments on it. We went on a tour - we got to pat heaps of animals and sea life and we learnt heaps.
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