Marinas & Sounds
There are few places in the world like the Marlborough Sounds. If you’ve been here before, you’ll need little reminder of the pristine coastline, teeming with wildlife.
Explore the many coves and channels, at your pace; the serenity of the place reflected in the people you’re with. The air is fresh and clean and you'll experience the feeling of having the whole place to yourselves.
When it’s time to rest up you’re spoiled for choice of sheltered spots to drop anchor, including three of the best marinas in New Zealand, each with a different feel so you can choose the place that’s most comfortable for you.
Picton Marina
At the heart of Waitohi / Picton township, and deep within the Queen Charlotte Sound cruising grounds, everything’s close at Picton Marina.
Provisions, good restaurants, quality retail, foreshore markets and local festivals combine with superb boating – it’s all right here. Bring your friends and family, share good times and take the opportunity to build memories that will last for generations.
The Marina has been recently expanded with a range of premium berths for 35m+ vessels and excellent facilities for casual berthage. There is permanent and visitor berths for vessels from eight to 35 metres plus.
Waikawa Marina
From Waikawa, just five minutes drive from Picton (or a boat ride around the Snout) breathe in the expansive scenery and stunning environment of Queen Charlotte Sound and enjoy the perfect backdrop for your time out.
Start your holiday in the sun, cruise through the endless waterways, or battle it out in the regattas and races hosted by the sporting yet social members of the Waikawa Boating Club. With the sheltered waters of the Sounds to relax in and first-class maintenance facilities to return to, Waikawa will have you and your boat restored in no time.
Waikawa Marina has 600 berths for vessels from eight to 20 metres; large and small boatsheds and several secure parking compounds.
Havelock Marina
The Pelorus Sound and the Kenepuru – this is seriously authentic Sounds territory.
The fishing is great and the people are real. It’s a no-fuss sort of place where tranquillity rules and surprises await discovery. Out towards Cook Strait lie the offshore islands – D’Urville, Stephens, the Chetwodes and many more – you’ll find yourself re-discovering these special places, voyage after voyage.
When you’re done exploring, come and regroup at the cosy port village of Havelock. The town offers great hospitality and is known as the green lip mussel capital of the world. Havelock is 45 minutes’ drive from Picton, 30 minutes by road from Blenheim and one hour from Nelson.
The marina has 340 berths for vessels from 10 to 30 metres, and has all the services you’d expect in a small, smart working port.
