Sources · Destination Guide

Marlborough Sounds

Temperate reef life, sheltered inlets, and New Zealand's most famous wreck dive

Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 21 sources

Research Sources

Destination Guide Sources For Marlborough Sounds

Reference links used to build and maintain this guide.

21 sources • Updated Feb 13, 2026

Written by DiveJourney. Built from public sources and local operator knowledge. Last updated Feb 13, 2026.

Tourism New Zealand: Marlborough Sounds - Destination overview and regional context
Department of Conservation: Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve - Marine reserve access notes, rules, and hazard warnings
Department of Conservation: Queen Charlotte Track - Track length, grades, and planning info
Waikawa Dive Centre (Picton): water temperature guidance - Local dive shop notes on typical water temperature and exposure

Research Sources

Reference links used to build and maintain this guide.

21 sources • Updated Feb 13, 2026

Written by DiveJourney. Built from public sources and local operator knowledge. Last updated Feb 13, 2026.

Tourism New Zealand: Marlborough Sounds - Destination overview and regional context
Department of Conservation: Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve - Marine reserve access notes, rules, and hazard warnings
Department of Conservation: Queen Charlotte Track - Track length, grades, and planning info
Waikawa Dive Centre (Picton): water temperature guidance - Local dive shop notes on typical water temperature and exposure

- Operator details about Lermontov wreck access and depths

PADI: MS Mikhail Lermontov Wreck dive site - Depth range and general wreck description

Blenheim Dive Centre - Local training hub; notes it is South Island's only PADI freediving facility

Bluebridge: timetable - Official ferry timetable and crossing duration guidance

DOC: Sharing our coasts with marine mammals - Approach and behavior rules around dolphins, seals, and whales

DOC: Respect king shags this breeding season - King shag disturbance guidance and exclusion distance

DOC: Humpback whales - Seasonal movement through Cook Strait

DOC: Dusky dolphin - Breeding and calving timing notes

Marlborough Airport: transport and planning - Ground transport options from Marlborough Airport

Canterbury DHB: Hyperbaric Medicine information - Hyperbaric service and Diver Emergency Service contact context

Birds New Zealand: King shag population and breeding census (Schuckard et al. 2015) - Background on king shag breeding season timing (often cited as March to September)

Tourism New Zealand: Penguins in New Zealand - General penguin viewing guidance and seasonal notes

Destination hero photo by Mark de Jong - Photographer profile: https://unsplash.com/@mrmarkdejong