The Marlborough Sounds
Covering some 4,000 km² of sounds, islands, and peninsulas, the Marlborough Sounds lie at the South Island’s north-easternmost point, between Tasman Bay in the west and Cloudy Bay in the south-east. The almost fractal coastline has 1/5 of the length of New Zealand’s coastline. When you step into the Marlborough Sounds, it’s like stepping into another world.
Maori History – a big story to tell
The sounds were extensively travelled and partly inhabited by Māori groups before the coming of the Europeans, using the sounds as shelter from bad weather and partaking of the rich food sources. They were also known to carry their canoes over some stretches of land on portage paths. However, like in most areas of the South Island, populations were smaller than in the North Island. Picton’s foreshore, then Waitohi, was home to Maori for over 300 years. The Maori population were re-located to Waikawa in the mid 19th century (see the history page on this site for further info).
Captain Cook’s Legacy
European history of the area is considered to start with Captain Cook’s visit to the sounds in the 1770s, discovering a plant (Cooks Scurvy Grass) high in vitamin C which helped to cure scurvy amongst his crew. On Motuara Island, Cook also proclaimed British sovereignty over the South Island. Ships Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound was Cook’s base for many months and was made the first reserve in New Zealand in 1896.
Whaling
Some parts of the sounds also later developed a significant whaling history, and much of the sounds was (thinly) settled by European farmers in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Today the Marlborough Sounds are a paradise for boaties, walkers, adventure seekers, those who just love to relax and for families seeking a wonderfully clean environment in which to holiday. Camp sites are scattered throughout the Sounds, with many reachable by road from Picton. It has always been known that the Marlborough Sounds are a haven for small boats but it is less well known that many places within the sounds, are available to those in motor vehicles.
The Queen Charlotte Track in Queen Charlotte Sound is recognised as one of the worlds top walks. Boutique accommodation and resorts line the track, so there is always somewhere to relax and enjoy the evenings with friends under the stars.
Possibly the most wonderful aspect of the Marlborough Sounds is the fact that any time of year the Sounds are lush and green. On a sunny day in the winter you will see just about the same beautiful blue sky, the same lush green bush and the same crystal clear water. This makes the Marlborough Sounds a paradise that can be enjoyed all year round.
