Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand

Queen Charlotte Sound is the easternmost of the main sounds of the Marlborough Sounds, in New Zealand's South Island. It is, like the other sounds, a drowned valley, and like the majority of its neighbours it runs southwest to northeast before joining Cook Strait. It is dominated by bush-clad shorelines, deep bays and coves, ideal for exploring by sea kayak.

Stretching between the Queen Charlotte and Keneperu Sound is the Queen Charlotte Track. A 71km track renowned for its stunning views and contrasting landscape, historical landmarks and wonderful variety of native bush and wildlife.

The town of Picton, the northern terminus of the South Island's railway and State Highway networks, lies near the head of the Sound. Exploration of Queen Charlotte Sound will usually begin in Picton.

Things to See and Do

* Dolphin & seal watching
* Picton
* Queen Charlotte Track
* Wineries
* Fishing

General information

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency - New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Language – English, Maori
Land Area – 12,484 km² (Marlborough Region)
Population – 43,500 approx
Electricity – 2 round pins European style, two parallel flat pins Japanese style
Time - GMT plus 12 hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 64

Port Location – The main large port is Picton on the mainland, at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound. The main small boat port is Waikawa.

Transport Links – Almost every exploration of the Marlborough Sounds will begin in Picton, Havelock or Rai Valley, all on the southern side of the Marlborough Sounds. Picton is the northern most point of State Highway 1 in the [South Island], the northern terminal of the Tranzcoastal train and is the South Island port of ferries from Wellington. Havelock and Rai Valley are on State Highway 6 between Blenheim and Nelson.