Queen Charlotte Sound is a large body of water located in New Zealand's South Island. It is a deep, protected inlet of the Tasman Sea, located between the northern tip of the South Island and the northernmost of the Marlborough Sounds. The sound is approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) in length and covers an area of about 170 square kilometres (65 square miles).
Queen Charlotte Sound is renowned for its stunning beauty. The sound is surrounded by lush green hills and mountains, and its waters are home to a wide variety of marine life, including dolphins, seals, and seabirds. The sound is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as sailing, kayaking, and fishing.
Queen Charlotte Sound has a long and varied history. The sound was first explored by Captain James Cook in 1770 and was named after the British Queen Charlotte. In the 19th century, the sound was a popular destination for whalers and sealers. In the 20th century, the sound was used as a base for the Royal New Zealand Navy and was the site of a major battle during World War II.
Today, Queen Charlotte Sound is a popular tourist destination. The sound is home to several small towns and villages, as well as a number of vineyards. The sound is also a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.
Queen Charlotte Sound is one of the most beautiful and historically significant areas in New Zealand. Its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich history make it an ideal destination for both tourists and locals alike.
Experience Queen Charlotte Sound 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 Queen Charlotte Sound . 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.
Queen Charlotte Sound in New Zealand has a temperate climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. During the summer months (December to February), temperatures range from 15-25°C and the area experiences long sunny days. In the autumn (March to May) temperatures range from 8-20°C and the days are mostly sunny with occasional rain. During the winter months (June to August), temperatures range from 4-15°C and the area experiences frequent rain showers. During the spring (September to November), temperatures range from 8-20°C and the area experiences sunny days with occasional rain.
Our weather forecast for Queen Charlotte Sound 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 7th 2026 Oct. 7th 2026 | max: 14.9 °C min: 12 °C |
47.5 m/s 65.0 m/s |
58.2 % 16.5 m |
78.4 % 1,019 hPa |
06:47:37 19:34:32 |
|
| Oct. 8th 2026 Oct. 8th 2026 | max: 12.8 °C min: 11.6 °C |
53.9 m/s 72.9 m/s |
58.5 % 24.1 m |
84.2 % 1,025 hPa |
06:45:58 19:35:36 |
|
| Oct. 9th 2026 Oct. 9th 2026 | max: 13.6 °C min: 11.6 °C |
46.2 m/s 58.0 m/s |
60.3 % 24.1 m |
85.8 % 1,028 hPa |
06:44:20 19:36:41 |
|
| Oct. 10th 2026 Oct. 10th 2026 | max: 15.0 °C min: 12.6 °C |
17.7 m/s 32.2 m/s |
56.6 % 24.1 m |
85.9 % 1,026 hPa |
06:42:42 19:37:45 |
|
| Oct. 11th 2026 Oct. 11th 2026 | max: 14.3 °C min: 13.7 °C |
32.4 m/s 53.9 m/s |
81.0 % 18.7 m |
89.3 % 1,022 hPa |
06:41:05 19:38:50 |
|
| Oct. 12th 2026 Oct. 12th 2026 | max: 15.4 °C min: 13.8 °C |
19.1 m/s 26.9 m/s |
49.2 % 24.1 m |
89.0 % 1,021 hPa |
06:39:29 19:39:56 |
|
| Oct. 13th 2026 Oct. 13th 2026 | max: 15.1 °C min: 14 °C |
50.3 m/s 81.2 m/s |
72.1 % 24.1 m |
89.2 % 1,019 hPa |
06:37:53 19:41:01 |
|
| Oct. 14th 2026 Oct. 14th 2026 | max: 15.5 °C min: 14.2 °C |
51.7 m/s 81.1 m/s |
61.5 % 22.7 m |
88.9 % 1,015 hPa |
06:36:18 19:42:07 |
|
| Oct. 15th 2026 Oct. 15th 2026 | max: 14.7 °C min: 12.6 °C |
52.1 m/s 86.3 m/s |
97.5 % 18.5 m |
92.1 % 1,013 hPa |
06:34:43 19:43:14 |
|
| Oct. 16th 2026 Oct. 16th 2026 | max: 12.3 °C min: 10.4 °C |
56.8 m/s 77.9 m/s |
87.4 % 23.1 m |
82.1 % 1,017 hPa |
06:33:10 19:44:21 |
|
| Oct. 17th 2026 Oct. 17th 2026 | max: 13.1 °C min: 11.2 °C |
67.2 m/s 79.9 m/s |
45.0 % 23.5 m |
73.8 % 1,021 hPa |
06:31:37 19:45:28 |
|
| Oct. 18th 2026 Oct. 18th 2026 | max: 12.2 °C min: 10.5 °C |
48.3 m/s 68.5 m/s |
52.9 % 24.1 m |
78.7 % 1,025 hPa |
06:30:05 19:46:35 |
|
| Oct. 19th 2026 Oct. 19th 2026 | max: 12.4 °C min: 11 °C |
21.9 m/s 25.6 m/s |
54.1 % 24.1 m |
80.6 % 1,025 hPa |
06:28:34 19:47:43 |
|
| Oct. 20th 2026 Oct. 20th 2026 | max: 12.9 °C min: 11.3 °C |
23.4 m/s 37.0 m/s |
43.8 % 24.1 m |
76.0 % 1,024 hPa |
06:27:03 19:48:51 |
|
| Oct. 21st 2026 Oct. 21st 2026 | max: 13.8 °C min: 12.2 °C |
21.9 m/s 29.8 m/s |
23.1 % 24.1 m |
81.1 % 1,021 hPa |
06:25:34 19:50:00 |
Would you like to travel to Queen Charlotte Sound 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 Queen Charlotte Sound .
| Date | Ship | Passaengers (min - max) | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar. 2nd 2028 Thursday, 2nd of Mar. 2028 | HANSEATIC spirit | 199 - 230 | 12:30 pm | 12:00 am |
| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand | 22,01 km |
| Picton in New Zealand | 36,24 km |
| Wellington in New Zealand | 43,52 km |
| Nelson in New Zealand | 90,30 km |
| Kaiteriteri in New Zealand | 110,30 km |
| Tarakohe in New Zealand | 124,13 km |
| Kaikoura in New Zealand | 156,35 km |
| New Plymouth in New Zealand | 226,33 km |
| Napier in New Zealand | 281,14 km |
