NATUREANDCO.COM - Discover the Coasts of New Zealand: Marlborough Sounds

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Travel & Adventure>Nature sightseeing>Coasts

Visit the coastal areas of New Zealand
MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

.The Marlborough Sounds is a unique area in New Zealand where sea and land are mixed intricately, forming a series of long sea corridors that reach deep into the land, interlaced with many islands. The coastline is extremely indented, representing 15% of the total length of the coast of New Zealand, despite a limited area.
The sounds are drowned valley systems (ria) resulting from the subsidence (sinking) of that part of the earth's crust. For the traveller and sightseer the sounds are an unusual, spectacular and beautiful landscape. There are some intact areas of native forest, and wildlife is rich. Several islands are important refuges for endangered species, and some are open to visit by the public. The sounds are also a favoured habitat for seabirds and marine mammals.
The Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park is made up of 100 separate reserves on peninsulas and islands.

Specific references for this page:

Mark Pickering 1995: Wild Walks - Sixty Short South Island Walks. Shoal Bay Press.

John Cobb 1990: The Walking Tracks of New Zealand's National Parks. Penguin.

LOCATION	DETAILS
See map below
Queen Charlotte Sound - Karaka Point	The remains of a former pa (Maori fortified village) can be visited. Short walk with fine views over the sound.
Queen Charlotte Sound and Port Underwood Lookout	Superb views over both sounds at the saddle between the two.
Queen Charlotte Sound - Mistletoe Bay	This is the only bay with road access in the inner sound. Two short walks. Three cottages for hire (enquiries DOC Picton).
Long Island Marine Reserve	It protects all wildlife within its borders, as well as 463 metres (1/4 nautical mile)out from the high water mark. The island is free from exotic predators except from kiore (Polynesian rat), and consequently it is an important refuge for native birds, insects and reptiles. Wildlife includes dolphins (bottlenose, common and Hector's), seals and blue penguins. Many seabirds including gannets, shags, terns, gulls and shearwaters. Breeding ground for oysercatchers, black-backed gulls and Caspian terns. Home also to little-spotted kiwi. The underwater life is rich, and there is particularly rewarding scuba diving on the reef systems along the north-facing shore of Long Island, and around Kokomohua Islands and the charted rock further north. There is no formed track on the island. For access, boat service from Picton. Enquire at Picton Visitor Centre.
Motuara Island	This island is free of exotic predators, and consequently native birdlife is rich. There is a 30 minute walk to a lookout over the outer sound and its islands. Refer to Picton Visitor Centre for boat access enquiries.
Mt Stokes	This is the highest summit in the sounds, at 1203 m (3947'). A tramping track leads to the top, with spectacular views over the outer sound. This is also an interesting sub-alpine zone, and habitat for the endangered yellowhead. Allow 1/2 day for the return trip. Be prepared for changeable weather.
Pelorus Sound - Tennyson Inlet	This is a beautiful part of the sounds, where native forest has remained intact. Spectacular views from Opouri Saddle lookout. Archers Track is a 1/2 day return walk from Penzance Bay to Deep Bay. Mountain biking allowed.
Pelorus Sound - Titirangi Bay	This is one of the finest bays, and one of the only sand beaches, in the Marlborough Sounds. The drive from Linkwater is rewarded with many fine views.
French Pass	This is a narrow (1 km wide), spectacular gap separating d'Urville Island from the mainland.
D'Urville Island	This is New Zealand's fifth largest island. It can be reached by water-taxi from French Pass. Accommodation and transport are also available on the island.

1. Queen Charlotte Sound - Kaka Point

2. Queen Charlotte Sound & Port Underwood lookout

3. Queen Charlotte Sound - Mistletoe Bay

4. Long Island Marine Reserve

5. Motuara Island

6. Mt Stokes

7. Pelorus Sound - Tennyson Inlet

8. Pelorus Sound - Titirangi Bay

9. French Pass

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