Things To Do In Queen Charlotte Sound

1. Queen Charlotte Drive

The tour starts in Blenheim and you will travel 35 minutes to the town of Havelock. This region has a lot of early history attached to it, Gold mining, Farming, Sawmills and very early Maori settlement in the area. Two famous people attended school here for a short period of time. Ernest Rutherford who was involved in the splitting of the atom and William Pickering who was part of the NASA space programme!

Travel the Queen Charlotte Drive, with its amazing views of the Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Visit renowned art galleries, talk to local artists, walk the link pathway and taste the local food.

2. Kayaking

There are only a few locations in New Zealand in which you might experience pure nature while still being close to major tourist routes. One of these areas is Anakiwa, which is near Queen Charlotte Drive. When paddling, you may see rich subtropical rainforest in its regenerating state near to the shoreline, within arm's reach. There's enough to do with over 1500 kilometers of beachfront to explore. This activity is something you can do with anyone, and create long lasting memories!

3. Heli-Fish Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds' rocky and inaccessible shoreline is impossible to reach unless you're in a helicopter and can land on a reef! You'll be hooked if you combine flying and fishing. These skilled pilots are also avid anglers, so you'll get the most out of your stay with us. We can pick you up from heli-friendly establishments in the vicinity or drop you off at our heli-base at Nelson Airport. All necessary equipment is provided. The maximum number of passengers per helicopter is 5-6, depending on the weight of the passengers.

4. Okiwi Bay

When driving through the gorgeous Rai Valley, getting to Okiwi Bay is just part of the adventure. Once you've made it over the hill, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the tranquil bay. Visit the Goat Hill Track for spectacular coastline views, or rent a kayak and paddle around in the harbor. Take the picturesque drive to French Pass to extend your stay.

5. Mountain Biking

Marlborough is a fantastic place to ride a bike. Biking is not just one of the most popular ways to go between vineyards, but it also provides lots of mountain biking thrills. The Queen Charlotte Track is a three-day wilderness track that is open to bikers from March to November. Between Picton and Havelock, the Link Pathway is a day nature hike with some outstanding views. Finally, Blenheim's Wither Hills Farm Park has a dedicated mountain biking park where you can get your downhill thrills!

6. Marlborough Sounds

When traveling the ferry to the South Island, you're likely to have passed through the Marlborough Sounds. That was merely a smidgeon of it. The mountainous coastline region offers plenty of opportunities to explore in a number of ways. Take in the sights and keep an eye out for dolphins on a gorgeous boat trip or walk or bike the renowned Queen Charlotte Track. Why not take a day excursion to one of the Sounds' hidden jewels, such as Lochmara, where you can swim with stingrays, Ship Cove, where you can immerse yourself in history, or watch the local birds on the pest-free island?

7. Tirohanga Track

When visiting any destination on a budget, getting some excellent views of the area is a terrific place to start. That is exactly what the Tirohanga Track offers! The 45-minute one-way climb is very steep, passing through thick native woodland, but the commanding panoramas at the summit are well worth the effort. Views of Picton, Waikawa, and the Queen Charlotte Sound are available. The course loops back onto Picton's streets, lasting around two hours.

8. Drive Down French Pass

If twisty gravel roads don't scare you, the French Pass Road will not disappoint! The road begins in Okiwi Bay and passes through a section of native forest before opening out to open vistas of the French Pass Peninsula and D'Urville Island. Short treks along the road will lead you to vistas with views of whirlpools and calm secluded beaches.

9. The Knights of the Sky & Dangerous Skies Exhibitions

Two different displays bring the history of aviation and the tales of the men and women who flew it to life. The first, Knights of the Sky, features Sir Peter Jackson's huge collection of World War One aircraft and unique memorabilia, as well as the talents of WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Dangerous Skies, the second exhibition, is also given the museum's signature theatrical treatment, and it takes you on a geographical as well as a historical journey.