A Paddle in the Marlborough Sounds
The sound of my paddle hitting the water, the bright blue hue of the sky and the tranquility of hidden bays are what I remember most about my first kayak trip in New Zealand.
The Marlborough Sounds, located in the north of New Zealand’s South Island, is an intricate maze of islands, coves and waterways created when the seas flooded the valleys after the ice age. With over 1500km of coastline to explore, it doesn’t take long to feel like you’ve escaped civilisation and found your own piece of paradise. Expedia’s travellers have figured that out, flocking to the major bases of Picton, Nelson and Blenheim for a holiday.
If you’re travelling from the North Island, Air New Zealand flies straight into Blenheim from Wellington or there’s a car and passenger ferry service to Picton that leaves from Wellington too. If you’re already on the South Island, there are bus services from places like Nelson or Christchurch or try the scenic TranzCoastal train from Christchurch (October – April only).
Once you’ve made it there, it’s time to hit the water. Plenty of companies offer kayak rental and guided trips. You can head out for three hours, or three days. Guided trips are a terrific option if you’re not an experienced kayaker or you’re after local insights to the diverse landscape and wildlife along the way…
As a general rule children must be aged 12 or over to join a guided trip (in a double kayak with an adult), but if your kids are younger than this and you think they’re capable, you might be able to arrange a private family guided tour. The best thing to do is contact a few companies to discuss your needs. The great thing about having kids in a double kayak is they can rest when they need to without the entire group having to stop.
On an independent trip (children must be at least 14) you’ll need sufficient outdoor paddling experience. Companies will test you on your paddling skills and take you through a comprehensive safety session before allowing you to paddle on your own. Check with the company in advance if you’re unsure you’re up to an independent trip.
If you want to get away from it all without having to paddle for too long, try the western end of the Queen Charlotte Sound (Grove Arm) – set out from places such as Ngakuta Bay or Anakiwa. Within a short paddle you’re paddling through beautiful bush and particularly sheltered bays.
Whether you choose a guided or independent trip, leave time for a walk on the Queen Charlotte track. The 71km track offers stunning views, diverse landscape and plenty of native bush and wildlife. There’s sections of the track to suit all fitness levels, for walkers and mountain bike riders.
In each town there’s plenty of accommodation options. At the Rutherford Hotel Nelson, children under 13 stay free when they’re in the same room as adults and you’re close to the Queens Gardens and Nelson Market.
If you’re after something more secluded, check out Peppers Portage. The hotel sits right along the Queen Charlotte Cycle Track for any bike riders out there and has its own boat launch onto Portage Bay. There’s even kayak rental on site.
If you’re looking for a different way of seeing the Marlborough Sounds, grab a paddle and get out on the water.
More Articles With Adventure
When was the last time you went skiing? Were there heated walkways, free bubbles, hot toddies, hot tubs, and roaring fireplaces? We didn’t think so. If you haven’t been to Northstar California Resort, in North Lake Tahoe, you haven’t done skiing right. Here’s 10 reasons why this North American ski resort will take your winter… Continue reading 10 reasons Northstar shines bright in snow season
This article is a joint partnership between Expedia and Air Vanuatu. Being a mere three-hour flight from Sydney, two-and-a-half hours from Brisbane, and from June 2019, just over four hours from Melbourne, Vanuatu is the South Pacific neighbour where your family can have an active holiday and experience real island life. Immerse in the cultural… Continue reading 5 reasons to go to Vanuatu in 2019
More than four million people have climbed to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and for International Women’s Day, BridgeClimb celebrated with a very special Power Climb made up of inspiring Australian women. The three hour BridgeClimb celebrates women working together, ‘rising above’ to achieve their dreams and marks the first of many series… Continue reading BridgeClimb takes International Women’s Day to new heights
It’s dark outside the four-wheel drive, Mexico’s highways are quiet at 4am, there’s just us and a few passing cars on the road for the two and a bit hour drive. The sky hasn’t started to lighten as we hop out of the car, stretch our legs and slowly walk into the park. Passing through… Continue reading How to take the best photographs of Chichen Itza
What’s roughly the same size as Singapore, had its own Ice Age and is just a few hours away from Australia? Trust us, you won’t guess because we’re talking about Lake Taupo. Located on New Zealand’s North Island, four hours drive south east of Auckland, Lake Taupo is in fact the same size as Singapore.… Continue reading Why Taupo needs to be on your to do list