Natural Attractions

The Sounds Are the Thing

The natural drawcard in Marlborough is the Sounds, and the best way to see them is by boat. My pick is the Pelorus Sound Mail Run Cruise out of Havelock rather than Picton. Far less boat traffic, no big ferries muscling through, and the coastline is just as good. On a clear day it's genuinely idyllic. Use promo code RANKERS on the cruise to get 10% off, which is a nice bonus on what's already a quality day out.

Promo code RANKERS - good deal done!

Pelorus Mail Boat

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.7 27 reviews

Don't Skip Pelorus Bridge

If you're driving between Marlborough and Nelson, Pelorus Bridge deserves more than a quick stop. When it hasn't rained recently the river runs this incredible aqua colour and the swimming is brilliant. There's a short walk out to the swing bridge on the loop track that's easy and genuinely lovely. LOTR fans will recognise it as the barrel scene location, but honestly the water alone is worth pulling over for. If the main swimming spot is busy, the Totara Flat Picnic Area about 20 seconds south has a quieter hole that most people walk straight past.