Queen Charlotte Sound

Travel Guide
Queen Charlotte Sound showing mountains, a bay or harbor 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.

Picton Yacht Club Hotel
Picton Yacht Club Hotel
3.5 out of 5
25 Waikawa Road, Marlborough, Picton
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM422 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
RM422
per night
18 Apr - 19 Apr
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 and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Great service Aprilee!"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Picton Yacht Club Hotel
Harbour View Motel
Harbour View Motel
4.5 out of 5
30 Waikawa Road, Picton
The price is RM661 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
RM661
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star motel in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (801 reviews)
Harbour View
"Have stayed several times. Nice location. Very good views."

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2024

Harbour View Motel
Picton Beachcomber Inn
Picton Beachcomber Inn
3 out of 5
27 Waikawa Road, Picton
The price is RM443 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
RM443
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Picton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (870 reviews)
"the view we had from a lovely room"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Picton Beachcomber Inn
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 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! (110 reviews)
"Very clean !!! Excellent !!!"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2024

Picton Campervan Park
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 a terrace. Popular attractions Picton Ferry Terminal and Picton War Memorial are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (234 reviews)
Wonderful stay.
"Beautiful views. Immaculate penthouse apartment."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

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.

Popular places to visit