Kayaking Queen Charlotte Sound

The Marlborough Sounds is located at the 'top end' of the South Island and covers an area of 50 825 ha. Unlike many parks it is not a single unit but separated into 104 different reserves, allowing a wide range of social activities to occur within the many confines of its watery expanses. Reaching out into the Pacific Ocean like the fingers of a welcoming hand, the Marlborough Sounds is made up of three different sounds - the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds. This collection of drowned river valleys is a natural wonder, created when the mountains sank in earth movements and the sea flooded into the valleys. Bordered by forested hills rising almost vertically from the water's edge, the sounds are a true scenic highlight. The water displays a thousand shades of colour ranging from the deepest green to the brightest turquoise. The backdrop is also a myriad of shades of green - a combination of overhanging native tree ferns, rata vines and beech trees. The wildlife is testimony to this magnificent environment with seals, dolphins and penguins a common sight. It is just waiting to be explored - there is no better way than by sea kayak. Our kayak trips specialize in venturing into remote and unspoiled areas of the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Experience is not necessary for our trips as we provide training for beginners & challenges for the experienced! Nothing beats cruising past wildlife with the silence of a sea kayak. The Sounds are home to a wide variety of bird and marine life, with a number of specific wildlife sanctuaries dotted throughout its waterways and inlets. Seabirds are in abundance and include species such as blue penguins, petrels, shags, gannets, terns and gulls. The local marine life is also varied with seals, dolphins and at times whales. Hectors dolphins are also to be found within the sheltered waterways of the Sounds. These gentle creatures are currently endangered and are endemic to New Zealand waters. Throughout the Sounds there are nature reserves that are open and accessible from the water. You can paddle your kayak up to one of these islands and go and explore the protected worlds they contain.

Click here to return to the full Rimu itinerary.

Photos and quotes from the Rimu kayaking option in New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Sound

"A couple of things are definitely under rated, like the kayaking option at Lochmara (Queen Charlotte Sound). We were blown away by the tranquility and charm of that place! Our guide Peter was awesome there too." Sandra Bailey & Victor Holmes (Makawao, HI) Nov 2002 Rimu

"I'd like to recommend Dave, who took us on the 2/3 day kayaking at Queen Charlotte, if you could pass this onto his boss at the company that ran this. He was superb and made the three days. The lodge was superb too!" Ben Caird (Wokingham, United Kingdom) Oct 2002 Rimu

"Excellent trip. Dave, the guide, was really good. The best thing was Lochmara - the lodge was fantastic. Well worth the extra money for the 3 day trip." Richard Oakey (Rochester, United Kingdom) Oct 2002 Rimu

"One of our favorites was sea kayaking in Queen Charlotte Sound - stayed at a great place, no traveling in the bus, saw some neat things sea kayaking, harvested green-lipped mussels ourselves and our guide cooked them for dinner that night. We stayed at Lochmara Lodge in Queen Charlotte Sound. It was paradise and I would recommend it to anyone traveling to NZ. The rooms were adequate but the main lodge and the grounds were beautiful. The fact that it can only be accessed by boat or foot makes it special and intimate. The spa pool was a treat!" Susan & Kurt Skrudland (Chicago, IL) Oct 2002 Rimu

"It's hard to say as there were so many... My favorite part was probably the 3-day kayaking trip and stay at Lochmara. That was a paradise. Was MUCH easier than I was expecting. I'm not a swimmer and don't like being 'in' the water, but do like being 'on' it. I was afraid of tipping. But the kayaks were super and would have been very hard to tip, even in rough waters. So - this was my favorite activity. The winds were very rough getting to the lodge, but the hard work made it feel that much better when we arrived at the lodge. There were so many things to do, yet you could opt to just hang out and relax in a hamock. The guides we had (Susie and her sister Linda) were amazing - so helpful and friendly. I learned a lot about the country and the people through them. Left a great impression on me." Rebecca Nelson (Moorhead, MN) Jan 2003 Rimu

Click here to return to the full Rimu itinerary.