Activities in the Marlborough Sounds
‘The Sounds’ are simply New Zealand’s foremost marine playground for yachting, fishing, swimming, diving, water skiing and sailing. Make it a big day out on the water - or perhaps you prefer rest and relaxation enjoying a luxurious massage at the Lodge, taking a wine tour or playing 9 holes - you can do as much or as little as you like, the choice is yours.
- Walking Tracks - Queen Charlotte Track and Nydia Track
- 3-4 hours walk into the Natural Reserve over to Pelorus Sound
- Fishing - Half day or Full day guided trips
- Take a picnic, go kayaking along the coastline and explore the myriad of bays and inlets
- Boating - Yachts, Waterways Boating Safaris, Mussel Cruises
- Wine Trails
- Visit the only winery in the Marlborough Sounds - 'Bayview Farm'
- Mountain Biking
- Golf - 12-hole Golf Course nearby / golf club provided
- Pelorus Tours
- Marlborough Travel Cruises
- Picnics can be supplied from our licensed restaurant for any of your activities
Golf
The picturesque Nopera Golf Club is only 4km away from Raetihi Lodge, and your host James can provide golf clubs for use on the course, and can also drive you there. This is a 13 hole course which is sheep grazed with fenced greens.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way to explore the many bays, coves and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. Raetihi Lodge has 2 double kayaks and 3 single kayaks available for guests to use free of charge. You can paddle to a secluded beach nearby and have a picnic lunch. Alternatively, if you wish to explore a little further afield, you could take a scenic boat cruise one way, and kayak the other.
Fishing
Anglers of all skills and ability will enjoy the saltwater fishing of the Marlborough Sounds. Come and experience fishing in the stunning coastal waters. Pelorus Tours offer fishing tours, and will help with filleting and bagging your catch for you to take home.
Walking / Tramping
There are many great bush tracks and walks on the doorstep at Raetihi Lodge.
Skiddow Reserve is a 1 1/2 hour return walk departing from Raetihi.
Alternatively, walk a section of the Queen Charlotte Track or the nearby Nydia Track. Mistletoe Bay is a great starting point for the Queen Charlotte Track, and is 10 minutes away via water taxi. The Queen Charlotte Track has become known as one of the finest and most diverse coastal tracks in New Zealand. It is 71km long and most people walk the track over four days, however you can catch a water taxi on any given day if you would prefer a shorter walk.You can either walk alone, or with a guide (www.wildernessguidesnz.com).
Boating
Cruising the Marlborough Sounds' tranquil waterways is a stunning experience. There are many different options available, including water taxis, mussel cruises, scenic cruises, wine and food cruises, yachting, eco tours, and trips to the outer sounds.
Some great companies are as follows:
Relax
With a wide variety of recreational options available, days at Raetihi Lodge pass blissfully:
- Treat yourself to a relaxing massage with our onsite expert Juli Stevens
- Enjoy a game of Pentanque and Croquet
- Retire in the guest lounge to read, play board games or watch TV
- Enjoy the tranquillity and ambience of the guest lounge with the warmth of the fire and a good book
- Complementary fishing rods, kayaks and bikes available for your enjoyment
Links
New Zealand Tourism - New Zealand accommodation and information resource for New Zealand travel.
Marlborough Visitor Information- the official tourism website for the Marlborough region
Picton - everything there is to do and see in this beautiful seaside town
Blenheim - reknown for its award winning wineries, Blenheim is well worth the visit