About The Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in New Zealand a network of fjord like water ways, an oasis of natural beauty where steep hills clad with native and timber forests roll down to secluded coves of golden sands and deep coves of mesmerizing azure blue waters. The Marlborough Sounds are an amazing natural creation of un spoilt wilderness.

Climate

Marlborough Sounds regularly claims the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand and is blessed with warm and long summer days in contrast to a short winter which may bring a spectacular rim of snow on the distant high country mountains.

History

The Marlborough sounds and surrounding area area are steeped in Maori and European history. Maori canoes first breasted these waters 1000 years ago. In 1642 Abel Tasman sailed past d'Urville Island, French and Russian explorers followed and in the 1770s Captain James Cook arrived. Within a century the area was home to farmers, fishermen, whalers, miners and saw - millers. Today visitors can still find traces of many of these early activities.

Havelock - Marlborough Sounds

The gateway to the pleasures of the Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds is the historic, seaside town of Havelock, which was once a thriving gold-mining town. Now it thrives on riches from the sea as Greenshell Mussel capital of the world - and a growing market for its memorable holiday experiences. Inside the quaint colonial buildings of main street Havelock you will find boutique art and craft galleries, cafes, and fine food establishments. You'll also find a good range of accommodation options, which makes Havelock an ideal base from which to explore further afield.

Activities

An idyllic location for walking tracks, boating, fishing, diving, kayaking, swimming nature trails and wildlife.

Your hosts have a wealth of local knowledge and are available to assist you in planning you holiday excursions, ensuring you enjoy all that The Marlborough Sounds have to offer. For further enquires please contact them via phone, fax or email as detailed below.