Marlborough Sounds New Zealand, South Island

Located on the northern side of the South Island of New Zealand, the Marlborough sounds – a series of water-filled valleys shaped for centuries by ancient glacier movements. This site has always been held in reverence by the Māori who would often seek shelter amid the secluded bays of the area. Māori legend says that the rising ranges are parts of the sunken canoe of Aoraki and his brothers – the rest of which are found on the Northern Island.

With hidden coves, scenic bays, and forest-filled mountain islets, visitors find elegant sights and rare birds who call this cool, watery paradise home. The water is from the Pacific Ocean and thus is home to many aquatic animals such as dolphins, stingrays, and seals while the dense forests house the endangered Kiwi bird.

Visitors find their fill of activities in sea-kayaking, hiking along with the islets, orca-watching boat tours, and trying some of the famous region wine.