A scenic drive from Marlborough Sounds to the port in Picton.
April 9, 2019
"Covering some 4,000 km2 (1,500 sq mi) of sounds, islands, and peninsulas, the Marlborough Sounds lie at the South Island's north-easternmost point, between Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere in the west and Cloudy Bay in the south-east. The almost fractal coastline has 1/10 of the length of New Zealand's coasts.[3]
The steep, wooded hills and small quiet bays of the sounds are sparsely populated, as access is difficult. Many of the small settlements and isolated houses are only accessible by boat. The main large port is Picton on the mainland, at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound. It is at the northern terminus of the South Island's main railway and state highway networks. The main small-boat port, Waikawa, is one of New Zealand's largest and provides a base for leisure sailors and vacationers.
The main sounds, other than Queen Charlotte Sound, are Pelorus Sound and Kenepuru Sound. Tory Channel is a major arm of Queen Charlotte Sound, and between them, the Channel and the Sound isolate the hills of Arapaoa Island from the mainland. Other major islands in the sounds include D'Urville Island.
The Sounds are home to the entire breeding population of the rare and vulnerable rough-faced shag (also known as the New Zealand king cormorant) which nests on a small number of rocky islets there.[4] The Department of Conservation manages a total of over 50 reserves in the area.[2]"
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"Nestled at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, Picton is possibly New Zealand’s prettiest seaside town.
With one fifth of New Zealand’s coastline at its door and close proximity to Marlborough’s famous wine region, Picton has become a world class destination for international and domestic visitors.
Picton’s waterfront has one of the world’s best water views, known for its ever changing colours. The two local marinas are a stunning testament to the importance of boats, to this charming waterside village. Regular boat trips from Picton’s waterfront jetties take you to stunning locations throughout Queen Charlotte Sound and wisk you away into a world where the sound of song birds, the breeze and gentle waves lapping alongside your boat, become your daily soundtrack.
Fresh Marlborough Sounds seafood, cooked simply and world class wines produced in Marlborough’s world famous wine region are very much on the menu. Independent restaurants owned by passionate foodies serving internationally influenced dishes, can be found alongside traditional Kiwi eateries serving hot pies ’ fush n chups’ and custard squares.
Ask any visitor who has just discovered Picton, what they think of it and the answer is always, wow I never knew it was so beautiful. Most visitors to New Zealand think that Picton is where you get on and off the ferry but it’s so much more than you ever imagined."
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