Yacht Charter prices and Launch Charter prices in the Marlborough Sounds New Zealand., Compass Charters Ltd , Marlborough, New Zealand

Charter Area












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WALK ALONG THE SHORE FROM PICTON













ASHORE AT SHIP'S COVE













6AM AT PUNGA COVE













HAPPY DAYS!!













BOATSHEDS NEAR ANAKIWA













VIEW THROUGH THE BUSH AT LOCHMARA LODGE

The Marlborough Sounds, at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, are a network of deep water drowned river valleys, numerous islands and tranquil sheltered bays. With almost 1500 km of deep-water coastline to explore, it is a cruising area that just has to be experienced. 

The Marlborough Sounds has a rich history, firstly with Maori settling here up to 1000 years ago. It was ideal with narrow headlands with good visibility which were easily defended and had rich food sources.


The first European settlements in the late 1800s were the early whalers, established inside the Tory Channel entrance and inner Port Underwood. Captain James Cook on the "Endeavour" arrived at Queen Charlotte Sound in 1770. He visited Ship Cove on each of his 3 voyages and a substantial memorial has been erected.

At Compass Charters we make it easy to get out amongst it with our fleet of yachts, launches, and runabouts. Fully equipped and well maintained, there is a vessel to suit all budgets and experience levels. Explore from a shore base, chartering a runabout and hiring a "bach" or choose a different anchorage each evening onboard a yacht or launch. We have a network of moorings throughout the Sounds for our charterers to use or head to one of the Sounds Resorts.


The Marlborough Sounds are made up of Queen Charlotte Sound with more developed infrastructure, Pelorus, and Kenepuru Sound, more secluded and remote and extend as far as the wild isolation of D'Urville Island. The cruising area extends as far as the golden sands of the Abel Tasman National Park including Nelson.


Picton, a quaint wee town is the South Island's gateway for the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries with a population of 4000. In the summer months, this virtually doubles as 'Kiwis' flock to the Sounds.


The Interisland ferries transit from Wellington entering through Tory Channel after crossing the Cook Strait, bringing freight and private vehicles, railway wagons, and passengers, with the trip taking 3 1/2 hours.


Waikawa Bay is a 5-minute drive from Picton and has the largest marina in the South Island with over 600 berths, numbers reflecting the rich cruising grounds of Queen Charlotte Sound. Sheltered from the extremes of Cook Strait by the fjord-like Sound, there is always a calm spot to moor up in without any risk of an ocean swell.

This is now the beginning of the Queen Charlotte Track which offers the chance to explore more than 70kms from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, a walk (or bike) usually completed over 4 days and with a full support infrastructure, overnight accommodation, and pack relocation services which makes this possible for all fitness levels.


There are several Resorts out in the Sounds, offering accommodation, and meals ashore, some have limited supplies to purchase (including those all-important summer ice creams) and all offer stunning views and great hospitality. No matter your age, everyone will enjoy their trip ashore at one of the resorts.


Access to the Sounds by water is easy with water–taxis and tourist operators, including the famous "Mail Boat".


Sailors start young in the Sounds with wee kids on the water in Picton harbour most weekends from spring through to autumn, learning the art of "Opti" sailing (Optimist class). The college teams 420's always hotly contest the national title at the Secondary school level. Regular Tuesday night and weekend races see the marina empty as the grownups head out for some fierce competition on the water.


Sailing in The Sounds offers challenging sailing where tacking is to be expected, a wind shift can be a complete 360' or becalmed in a wind shadow as the fleet passes.


Marine mammals are common with seals and dolphins, including the playful Hectors, Bottlenose, and endangered Dusky dolphins making regular appearances. Seasonal visits by Orca are common in the summer months. The significant tidal flow ensures nutrient-rich, clean water which is ideal for aquaculture including salmon and mussel farming.


Much of the Sounds is protected and administered by the Department of Conservation, ensuring large areas of virgin and regenerating native bush are left undisturbed. The isolation of the offshore islands has provided a safe haven for many of NZ's native birds and with native bush to the water line, you will wake to the dawn chorus.


Motuara Island bird sanctuary offers public access (and great views across Cook Strait from the viewing platform at the top of the hill) and you will be joined by inquisitive South Island Robins and fantail, so unafraid that they will even stop for a photo. The island is also home to Okarito Kiwi, Saddleback, and Kakariki as well as the giant Powelliphanta snails and Weta.


More isolated and with access strictly prohibited Stephens Island (off the tip of D'Urville Island) is a Tuatara sanctuary. This living fossil is directly descended from a reptile that flourished over 200 million years ago.


A mecca for diving and snorkeling Long Island Marine Reserve was set up in 1993. The island is predator-free and virtually inaccessible with very limited landing spots (a great natural defense) Underwater, the reef systems are home to sea urchins (kina), abalone (paua), rock lobster (crayfish), and a healthy fish population including blue cod, perch, tarakihi and gurnard. Kelp beds support butterfish and moki.


Fishing conservation has been highlighted and in recent years a size and bag limit for the iconic "blue cod" was introduced to preserve the fishery for the future. The summer sees the return of the snapper to the shallows, in particular in the Pelorus Sound. Interesting cooler water species, less vibrant in colour by contrast to tropical fish find camouflage in the kelp beds with the highly sought-after delicately flavoured crayfish (lobster). The July 15th annual opening of the scallop season always attracts the hardiest of divers in the depth of winter for the first of the season, although at present the Scallop season is closed to allow numbers to regain strength.

Local Wildlife & Marine Farming

The Sounds are also used for marine farming and is an important industry for the local economy. The most famous kind are the green-lipped mussel farms. You will find most of them in Pelorus Sound but they can also be seen in Tory Channel and Port Underwood. There are also a couple of Paua and oyster farms and several salmon farms, again mostly found in Tory channel but also found in Queen Charlotte Sound.


Much of the wildlife of the Sounds is best viewed from the water. While you are chartering you might have the chance to visit the gannet colony in East Bay. If they are not there, they might be diving for some food near a school of Kahawai. Other bird life will include: Blue Penguin, different species of shags, terns, and mutton-birds and of course sea gulls. 


On the Land you will find parrots, Saddleback, robins, fantails, Bell birds, and the large wood pigeon. Dolphins (common, Bottlenose, dusky and the rare Hectors) are frequent visitors. If you are very lucky, you even might see the world's biggest dolphins, Orcas. There will be no shortage of seals either. And if you are venturing in the underwater realm there will be numerous other species to admire. Some of those could also be on the menu. You should still be able to catch Blue Cod, Sea Perch, Gurnard, Tarakihi, Kahawai and for some maybe a Snapper or Kingfish. When not too fussy to get wet green-lipped or blue mussels, paua, crayfish, Butterfish and scallop are still within your reach.


For more info see our Points Of Interest Map

 There really is no place on earth like it

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The Magical Marlborough Sounds 

The Magical Marlborough Sounds are definitely a cruising area to be experienced. With its network of submerged mountain valleys, numerous Islands and tranquil sheltered bays, bush-clad hills, and almost 1500 km of deep-water coastline to explore, the Sounds are a cruising paradise. If you like to avoid the crowds in other cruising areas, the Marlborough Sounds is the right place to be.


The two major Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Sound and the Pelorus Sound form the heart of this cruising area. 


There is plenty to see and do while you are cruising the Queen Charlotte Sound. Each day moor up for the night on one of the private and secure charter moorings. Hike in the native bush along the Queen Charlotte Track and several other walking tracks located around these waterways. Walk up to the summit of Motuara Island to enjoy the amazing views, while listening to the beautiful birdsong. Follow in the footsteps of Captain Cook and visit the historical Ship's Cove. Explore the local resorts! There is plenty of history to be discovered.


Compass Charters is based in Waikawa Marina in the Queen Charlotte Sound.

Further afield - Pelorus Sound and beyond

How much ground you will cover will depend on the size of your vessel, the length of your charter, the weather, and your own experience. To exit Queen Charlotte Sound you need to charter one of our 39ft + yachts for a minimum of 7 days. Feel free to call to discuss this option if you have questions.


Of the several offshore Islands, D'Urville Island is the largest. D'Urville is separated from the mainland by the narrow, tidal channel of French Pass. The scenery on D'Urville is spectacular, ranging from towering forest-clad mountains to tranquil bays and coves to the rugged exposed shoreline. West of D'Urville is Tasman Bay. D'Urville is surrounded by plenty of wildlife.


French Pass, for those with enough time, will certainly be an exciting and navigational challenge for the more experienced sailors. A cruise across Nelson Bay will reward you with the sight of the golden beaches of Abel Tasman/Golden Bay.


To experience the Pelorus Sound you will have to head around Cape Jackson. Parts of the Pelorus are like the Queen Charlotte also flanked impressively with native forest-clad hills. A beautiful example of this can be found at World's End. This is also the start of the Nydia Walk to Nydia Bay and beyond. Ferns and Nikau palms are growing in abundance along this track and the views are spectacular.

You can do as little or as much as you desire within our charter area. 

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