Sources · Destination Guide

Marlborough Sounds

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

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