Marlborough Sounds

Whanganui / Home - Picton (December 1st)

If departing from Whanganui meet at the Whanganui Racecourse for a 8am departure, and travel south to Levin for some home baked morning tea. From here it's straight into the Interislander Ferry terminal in plenty of time to board our 1pm sailing over to Picton.

Departing from another destination

For those departing from another destination you will fly into Wellington and be transferred to the Interislander Ferry Terminal to meet up with the group.  All tickets and details will be provided in your personal information pack, sent  prior to travel.

Marlborough Sounds (December 2nd)

After breakfast, you have the option to walk the last section of the Queen Charlotte Track from Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa. This can be a challenging walk for some as the first 20 minutes is uphill then it is about 12km on an undulating track into Anakiwa. It is a very scenic walk through the stunning native beach forest but can be slippery if wet. If you prefer a more relaxed walk this morning you can stay on the boat and cruise around to Anakiwa then walk from there back on the track to some beautiful little bays, or simply relaxed amongst this peaceful setting.

Once back on board you have time for a hot shower before enjoying some lunch. We then cruise in and out of the beautiful bays and coves, also visiting a salmon farm which is a popular aquaculture industry for Marlborough. The process of salmon farming in the sounds will be explained then you have some time to relax, read a book, play some board games, or even go for a swim before dinner. We will anchor in a scenic sheltered bay for the night.

Accommodation: onboard the vessel, Affinity

Marlborough Sounds (December 3rd)

After a restful sleep and refreshing breakfast, we will visit Ship Cove and Motuara Island, which is a fantastic Bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tuis, Kiwis, Kakariki and Bellbirds live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island Saddleback as you walk on this wonderful island.  A true gem in the Marlborough Sounds.

We will also go ashore at Ship Cove, where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770’s.  Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honor Captain Cook, with an optional short walk to a waterfall. 

We then head off to the Pelorus Sound, cruising around Cape Jackson.  On our way around our captain will talk about the Russian Cruise Liner ‘Mikhail Lermontov’ which now lies at the bottom of the sea.  The luxury cruise ship sunk in 1986 and is now a popular diving site.

On arrival into the Pelorus Sound, you will also visit a King Shag colony.  This rare bird is only found in the Marlborough Sounds and considered a prized bird amongst birdwatchers. After a fun filled day of wonderful activities and great food, we then anchor in a sheltered bay in the outer Pelorus for the night.

Accommodation: onboard the vessel, Affinity

Marlborough Sounds (December 4th)

After breakfast, we cruise further out and fish for the sounds favorite catch ‘Blue Cod’ and yes, these will feature on the menu – there is nothing better than fresh seafood and it does not get any fresher than this. 

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We will then cruise towards French Pass and d’Urville Island. At French Pass, we pull up alongside the wharf where you are given the opportunity to take a walk up the road to look out over the pass and the turbulent waters (about 1 hour ashore). There are also interesting information panels that explain Admiral d’Urville’s first transit through the Pass. On returning to Affinity, we cruise through the pass and back out again. You will enjoy this safe, picturesque and interesting passage.

We will then cruise into Catherine Cove, d’Urville Island, where you will have the opportunity to walk around the resort lawn and /or take the short walk up to the beautiful waterfall located in native bush. If you rather sit back and take it easy you can relax on the café deck and enjoy a drink soaking in the amazing views. We will then have dinner at the Wilderness Resort Café on d'Urville Island and then anchor in the cove for the night.

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Accommodation: onboard the vessel, Affinity

Marlborough Sounds (December 5th)

After breakfast, we visit a local mussel farm (the other large aquaculture industry for Marlborough). The marine farming process will be explained, and you will be shown the product growing on the lines. 

Affinity then cruises back into the Pelorus, to Tennyson Inlet en route to Elaine Bay where there is an optional walk to Penzance Bay.  This is a 3-hour moderate undulating walk which can be slippery if wet. Or there are shorter walking options (1.1.5-hour walks). Of course, you are more than welcome to stay onboard and maybe have a short wander while you wait for the others at the end of your walk.

We will again seek out and anchor in a quiet sheltered bay for the night enjoying another lovely dinner.

Accommodation: onboard the vessel, Affinity

Marlborough sounds (December 6th)

After breakfast, we cruise to Jacobs Bay, where you have the opportunity to go ashore and walk through regenerated native bush on the very peaceful Jacobs Bay to Fairy Bay Track, this walk takes about 1.5 hours to complete; people often consider this the nicest walk in the Pelorus Sounds but is a narrow track and slippery in places so sturdy footwear is highly recommended as with all the walks. Again, you can choose to stay onboard the ship and relax at the end of the track for the walkers just taking in the great views.

When back onboard we cruise into the Kenepuru Sound pass Raetihi Lodge, St Omer Guest House and the Portage Hotel. You will be told the interesting history and stories relating to these special locations. At the end of the day we head for a scenic anchorage for our last night out in the Sounds.

Accommodation: onboard the vessel, Affinity

Marlborough sounds (December 7th)

After breakfast we will cruise into Havelock and bid you farewell to our fabulous crew. We are then shuttled to Picton to catch our 11am ferry back to Wellington. There will be plenty of time to get yourself some lunch as we head over the strait. When arriving into Wellington those flying out will be transported to the airport and the others will make their way back to Whanganui.