Queen Charlotte Sound

Marlborough Sounds & Picton, New Zealand

The starting point for exploring the sound and surrounding waterways, with the Queen Charlotte Track running along it.

Places in Queen Charlotte Sound

Furneaux Lodge dining Waterside dining along the Queen Charlotte Track.
Furneaux Lodge waterside bar A bar at the waterside lodge along the Queen Charlotte Track.
Marlborough Sounds' sea-drowned valleys A stunning network including Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenepuru Sound and Pelorus Sound.
Queen Charlotte Track A multi-day track along Queen Charlotte Sound, with lodges like Furneaux offering waterside stays.

Best time to visit: December to March (New Zealand summer), for the best conditions for scenic cruises, kayaking, and walking the Queen Charlotte Track.
Getting around: Picton serves as the ferry gateway and central town base, with Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenepuru Sound, and Pelorus Sound explored by scenic cruise, kayak, or the Queen Charlotte Track, along which Furneaux Lodge offers waterside accommodation.
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZ$)
Language: English and te reo Māori (both official).
Timezone: NZST (UTC+12, UTC+13 in summer)
Current trends: Picton's role as the southern link of the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries continues to make it the essential gateway to the Marlborough Sounds' network of sea-drowned valleys, with Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, and Pelorus Sounds drawing scenic cruise and kayaking tourism, while waterfront dining along Picton's row of cafes and restaurants, plus remote lodges like Furneaux Lodge along the Queen Charlotte Track, cater to both day-trippers and multi-day trekkers.

Picton waterfront — A vibrant waterfront town with many lovely cafes and restaurants, galleries, and boutique retail stores.
Victoria Domain / Tirohanga Track area — Home to mountain bike trails and the Tirohanga Track for glorious views above the town.