Image: Shellie Evans | ©
Queen Charlotte Sound.
Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui area

Located in the Marlborough region

Camp at one of the many coastal campsites, or take in spectacular bays from the numerous tracks. Visit Captain Cook's favourite New Zealand base.

Access this area by boat or from Queen Charlotte Drive between Picton and Havelock.
  • The weather in the Sounds is generally mild, but conditions can change quickly, especially on the water. Ensure that you have adequate equipment and experience, and, if you are going out on the water, check the marine weather forecast.
  • The Sounds has a restricted fire season all year round and any fire must have a permit.
  • Boil, filter, or treat water for drinking. On some tracks you must carry water.
  • In late summer and autumn, carry antihistamine if allergic to wasp stings.

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

Marlborough Sounds Foreshore Reserve permits

Residents and bach owners adjacent to Sounds Foreshore Reserve may be permitted to construct and maintain access related structures and tracks on the reserve. Get more information.

According to Māori tradition, the South Island is the canoe of Aoraki. Its sunken prow forms Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui and Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere. The sounds provided good shelter and food for Māori. To avoid travelling by sea from one sound to another, they carried their waka/canoes over low saddles.

Captain James Cook also used the sounds for shelter and food. He made Meretoto/Ship Cove his base in the 1770s and discovered a plant (Cooks scurvy grass) high in vitamin C to cure scurvy. On Motuara Island, he proclaimed British sovereignty over the South Island. Some areas are known for their whaling history.

Visit

  • Meretoto/Ship Cove, James Cook's favourite New Zealand base during his three voyages of exploration. Key cultural heritage stories are told in a beautiful sheltered cove with a lush coastal forest backdrop.
  • Perano Whaling Station and see the remains of the last shore whaling station in New Zealand. Gain an insight into the lives of 20th century whalers and their technological innovations.