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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 12th 2025 Dec. 12th 2025 | max: 15.8 °C min: 14.2 °C |
52.9 m/s 55.1 m/s |
14.0 % 24.0 m |
76.4 % 1,013 hPa |
05:44:01 20:48:52 |
|
| Dec. 13th 2025 Dec. 13th 2025 | max: 15.3 °C min: 13.8 °C |
38.2 m/s 39.6 m/s |
6.0 % 24.1 m |
71.8 % 1,021 hPa |
05:44:10 20:49:38 |
|
| Dec. 14th 2025 Dec. 14th 2025 | max: 16.9 °C min: 14.7 °C |
27.0 m/s 39.2 m/s |
19.0 % 24.1 m |
73.6 % 1,022 hPa |
05:44:20 20:50:23 |
|
| Dec. 15th 2025 Dec. 15th 2025 | max: 17.2 °C min: 16.6 °C |
40.3 m/s 59.8 m/s |
22.5 % 24.1 m |
87.7 % 1,017 hPa |
05:44:33 20:51:06 |
|
| Dec. 16th 2025 Dec. 16th 2025 | max: 18.0 °C min: 14.9 °C |
42.1 m/s 67.7 m/s |
81.6 % 23.0 m |
84.8 % 1,010 hPa |
05:44:48 20:51:48 |
|
| Dec. 17th 2025 Dec. 17th 2025 | max: 14.8 °C min: 13.7 °C |
74.5 m/s 84.2 m/s |
99.8 % 12.5 m |
88.5 % 1,009 hPa |
05:45:06 20:52:27 |
|
| Dec. 18th 2025 Dec. 18th 2025 | max: 16.9 °C min: 13.8 °C |
24.6 m/s 32.4 m/s |
49.7 % 21.6 m |
76.4 % 1,009 hPa |
05:45:26 20:53:05 |
|
| Dec. 19th 2025 Dec. 19th 2025 | max: 16.6 °C min: 14.8 °C |
30.6 m/s 32.4 m/s |
65.9 % 24.1 m |
76.8 % 998 hPa |
05:45:48 20:53:40 |
|
| Dec. 20th 2025 Dec. 20th 2025 | max: 14.9 °C min: 11.6 °C |
42.1 m/s 41.4 m/s |
91.3 % 21.3 m |
82.9 % 1,000 hPa |
05:46:12 20:54:14 |
|
| Dec. 21st 2025 Dec. 21st 2025 | max: 14.5 °C min: 11.4 °C |
44.6 m/s 47.5 m/s |
48.0 % 24.1 m |
64.6 % 1,009 hPa |
05:46:39 20:54:45 |
|
| Dec. 22nd 2025 Dec. 22nd 2025 | max: 16.2 °C min: 12.6 °C |
56.2 m/s 60.1 m/s |
90.0 % 24.1 m |
67.0 % 1,013 hPa |
05:47:08 20:55:14 |
|
| Dec. 23rd 2025 Dec. 23rd 2025 | max: 17.4 °C min: 15.7 °C |
48.1 m/s 60.1 m/s |
42.8 % 24.1 m |
84.7 % 1,011 hPa |
05:47:39 20:55:41 |
|
| Dec. 24th 2025 Dec. 24th 2025 | max: 17.5 °C min: 16 °C |
24.1 m/s 25.9 m/s |
56.5 % 22.8 m |
89.2 % 1,014 hPa |
05:48:12 20:56:07 |
|
| Dec. 25th 2025 Dec. 25th 2025 | max: 19.6 °C min: 15.3 °C |
51.8 m/s 64.8 m/s |
63.9 % 24.1 m |
75.1 % 1,011 hPa |
05:48:47 20:56:29 |
|
| Dec. 26th 2025 Dec. 26th 2025 | max: 18.7 °C min: 15.2 °C |
63.4 m/s 85.0 m/s |
38.8 % 24.1 m |
71.7 % 1,013 hPa |
05:49:25 20:56:50 |
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 |
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There are a few basic rules to follow
.| 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 |
