Paddling New Zealands Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds Maritime park is located at the 'top end' of the South Island and covers an area of 50,825 hectares, ranging from Durville Island in the West to Port Underwood and Whites Bay in the South West. Unlike many parks it is not a single unit but separated into 104 different reserves, allowing a wide range of social activities to occur within the many confines of its watery expanses.

Wildlife

The Sounds are home to a wide variety of Bird and Marine life, with a number of specific wildlife sanctuaries dotted throughout it's waterways and inlets. Seabirds are in abundance and include species such as:

Petrels

Shags

Blue penguins

Gannets

Terns

Gulls

The local marine life is also varied. Sea kayaking through this region is an ideal way to observe the Seals, Dolphins and at times Whales, without unduly disturbing them. Hectors Dolphins are also to be found within the sheltered waterways of the Sounds. These gentle creatures are currently endangered and and are endemic to New Zealand Waters which means that they are found NO WHERE ELSE in the world.

The Land

Besides the waterways of the Marlborough Sounds there are also many tracks and walk ways that penetrate the 1475km of coastal inlets. One of the most accessible and user friendly is the Queen Charlotte Track. This magical walkway is an excellent choice to combine with one of our Sea Kayaking Adventures! Have a look at our Track Starter Package for more information.

Throughout the sounds you will be able to find nature reserves that are open and accessible from the water. Paddle your kayak up onto one of these Islands and go and explore the protected worlds they contain.

"And again I see the long pouring headland,
and smoking coast with the sea high on the rocks.
The gulls flung from the sea, the dark wooded hills swarming with mist,
and mist low on the sea"

From "The Return", Alistair Campbell.

Anakiwa RD, R.D.1, Picton
Tel/fax: +64 (0)3 574 2765
E-Mail : info@nzseakayaking.com