MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS YACHT CHARTER ITINERARY

Three prominent Sounds, Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds form the heart of this yacht charter cruising area. Of the several offshore Islands the largest is rugged D'Urville Island, surrounded by plenty of wildlife. French Pass, a narrow, tidal channel, separates it from the mainland.

Marlborough Sounds scenery is spectacular, ranging from towering forest clad mountains, through tranquil bays and coves to the rugged exposed shoreline of D'Urville Island.. West of D'Urville is Tasman Bay, where golden beaches, warmer waters and the Able Tasman National Park Walkways await.

On your yacht charter you can be as adventurous or relaxed as you like. The hills and ridges framing the cruising grounds are flanked with forest-clad hills, renowned for their popular bush-walks where you can view New Zealand native ferns and Nikau palms. Historical places of interest such as Endeavour Inlet and Ship's Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound were made famous by Captain Cook's in 1769 where five times he visited to clean and provision his ships.

Motuara Island is a bird sanctuary and from its lookout you have excellent views of Queen Charlotte Sound, and on clear days, the North Island. Motuara has an abundance of bird life and nesting penguins. There’s a fish sanctuary on Long Island, and a highlight for those keen on diving or snorkelling.

A large proportion of New Zealand’s green-lipped mussels are grown in this area and there’s good fishing in the outer reaches of these sounds as well.

Despite their remoteness the Sounds offer some unique opportunities to dine ashore at hideaway retreats.