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Marlborough Sounds
in New Zealand

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New Zealand

Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds is an extensive network of sea-drowned valleys located in the north-eastern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. It spans over 1,500km2 of land, making it the largest and most complex estuarine system in the country.

The Marlborough Sounds is made up of four main bodies of water: Queen Charlotte Sound, Pelorus Sound, Kenepuru Sound and Mahau Sound. The Sounds are bounded by steep, forested hills and are home to a diverse range of marine life, including penguins, seals, dolphins and whales.

The Marlborough Sounds has a long and rich history. It was first settled by the Māori people in the 13th century and was later explored by Captain James Cook in 1770. Since then, the area has become an important commercial and recreational hub, with many people visiting the area for its stunning scenery, abundant marine life and variety of activities.

The Marlborough Sounds is also an important environmental asset, with the area being home to a number of rare and endangered species. The area is also a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, sailing and swimming.

The Marlborough Sounds is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular and unique places, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature and the country’s rich history and culture.

Excursion tips for a day in Marlborough Sounds

Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand offers a wealth of activities for tourists to enjoy on a day trip. Here are some of the top activities to check out:

1. Take a boat cruise or kayaking tour to explore the stunning scenery and wildlife of the area.
2. Visit the Marlborough Museum to learn about the region's history and culture.
3. Go fishing in the Sounds and try your luck at catching a variety of fish species.
4. Take a guided walk along one of the many walking tracks to take in the views.
5. Taste the local wines at one of the many wineries in the region.
6. Enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the many secluded bays.
7. Visit a local market to pick up some souvenirs and artisanal products.
8. Take a scenic drive along Queen Charlotte Drive to explore the coastline.
9. Go swimming or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Sounds.
10. Take a scenic flight to get a bird's eye view of the area.

Experience Marlborough Sounds with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Marlborough Sounds. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Marlborough Sounds

Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand has a temperate climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. In the summer (December to February) temperatures range from 18-25°C, with warm days and cool nights. Autumn (March to May) is mild with temperatures ranging from 12-20°C. Winter (June to August) is cool with temperatures ranging from 8-14°C and occasional frosts. Spring (September to November) is mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C. Overall, Marlborough Sounds has a pleasant climate with mild temperatures throughout the year.

Cruise weather for Marlborough Sounds

Our weather forecast for Marlborough Sounds helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.

Date Icon Temperature Wind speed/gusts Cloudiness/Visibility Air humidity/pressure Sunrise/Sunset
Apr. 29th 2024 Apr. 29th 2024 max: 14.1 °C
min: 13.3 °C
19.8 m/s
26.3 m/s
0.7 %
24.1 m
77.2 %
1,029 hPa
07:08:19
17:33:16
Apr. 30th 2024 Apr. 30th 2024 max: 14.5 °C
min: 13 °C
27.7 m/s
37.8 m/s
47.6 %
24.1 m
78.9 %
1,019 hPa
07:09:21
17:31:59
May. 1st 2024 May. 1st 2024 max: 15.5 °C
min: 8.4 °C
22.0 m/s
28.4 m/s
47.3 %
20.3 m
72.4 %
1,010 hPa
07:10:23
17:30:42
May. 2nd 2024 May. 2nd 2024 max: 11.7 °C
min: 7.9 °C
11.3 m/s
13.9 m/s
1.1 %
24.1 m
67.6 %
1,017 hPa
07:11:25
17:29:27
May. 3rd 2024 May. 3rd 2024 max: 14.1 °C
min: 9.9 °C
23.0 m/s
29.2 m/s
4.6 %
24.1 m
71.8 %
1,023 hPa
07:12:27
17:28:14
May. 4th 2024 May. 4th 2024 max: 13.4 °C
min: 11.7 °C
20.4 m/s
35.0 m/s
46.3 %
24.1 m
77.4 %
1,025 hPa
07:13:28
17:27:01
May. 5th 2024 May. 5th 2024 max: 15.1 °C
min: 12.1 °C
29.9 m/s
43.9 m/s
42.5 %
24.1 m
75.7 %
1,019 hPa
07:14:29
17:25:50
May. 6th 2024 May. 6th 2024 max: 14.4 °C
min: 12 °C
32.8 m/s
43.6 m/s
45.3 %
24.1 m
73.2 %
1,014 hPa
07:15:30
17:24:40
May. 7th 2024 May. 7th 2024 max: 13.8 °C
min: 8.4 °C
34.2 m/s
32.0 m/s
69.9 %
24.1 m
73.8 %
1,012 hPa
07:16:31
17:23:32
May. 8th 2024 May. 8th 2024 max: 11.1 °C
min: 9.6 °C
27.0 m/s
41.4 m/s
37.2 %
24.1 m
65.7 %
1,019 hPa
07:17:32
17:22:25
May. 9th 2024 May. 9th 2024 max: 12.5 °C
min: 10.1 °C
26.6 m/s
29.5 m/s
53.9 %
24.1 m
71.2 %
1,021 hPa
07:18:32
17:21:20
May. 10th 2024 May. 10th 2024 max: 13.6 °C
min: 10.7 °C
15.5 m/s
19.1 m/s
48.6 %
24.1 m
76.4 %
1,021 hPa
07:19:32
17:20:16
May. 11th 2024 May. 11th 2024 max: 12.7 °C
min: 11.2 °C
16.2 m/s
16.2 m/s
90.9 %
24.1 m
76.8 %
1,020 hPa
07:20:31
17:19:13
May. 12th 2024 May. 12th 2024 max: 12.5 °C
min: 10.4 °C
15.5 m/s
19.4 m/s
0.2 %
24.1 m
75.8 %
1,021 hPa
07:21:31
17:18:12

Cruises to Marlborough Sounds

Would you like to travel to Marlborough Sounds on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Marlborough Sounds.

Scheduled ship calls in Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
Date Ship Arrival Departure Details
Jan. 19th 2025 Sunday, 19th of Jan. 2025 LE SOLEAL 12:00 am 12:00 am

Alle zeigen

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Maritime AIS Data Marlborough Sounds

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