Most visitors treat Picton as the gateway town because it combines the Cook Strait ferry terminal with immediate access to Queen Charlotte Sound. Blenheim is the most convenient flight hub for the region and is also the base for Marlborough wine country.

Common routing patterns:

Fly into Blenheim (BHE), then drive to Picton and Waikawa Marina.
Fly into Nelson (NSN) for more flight options, then drive to Picton.
Fly into Wellington (WLG) and cross Cook Strait by ferry straight into Picton.

Car rental is the simplest way to move between Blenheim, Picton, Waikawa, and Havelock, and to carry dive gear. - Water taxis are the key transport mode once you are in the Sounds.

Common routing patterns:

Fly into Blenheim (BHE), then drive to Picton and Waikawa Marina.
Fly into Nelson (NSN) for more flight options, then drive to Picton.
Fly into Wellington (WLG) and cross Cook Strait by ferry straight into Picton.

Car rental is the simplest way to move between Blenheim, Picton, Waikawa, and Havelock, and to carry dive gear. - Water taxis are the key transport mode once you are in the Sounds.

Marlborough Sounds

Plan your stay

Getting there

Getting around

Plan your stay

Getting there

Getting around