Top 8 Lakes around Marlborough

Marlborough offers a diverse range of waterways, including serene alpine lakes like Lake Chalice and Lake McRae, the unique salt lake of Lake Grassmere, and the extensive fjord-like inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. Each offers distinct features and activities.

Yes, Lake Chalice, located within Mount Richmond Forest Park, offers a remote escape surrounded by dense beech forest. It's accessible via a scenic drive and a descent through native forest. Lake McRae, nestled in the Inland Kaikoura Ranges, also provides a remote, rugged alpine experience with a standard 6-bunk DOC hut nearby. Additionally, Lake Moawhitu on Rangitoto ki te Tonga (D'Urville Island) offers a remote campsite and access to fishing, hunting, and tramping.

Lake Chalice is known for its unique ecosystem, including rare plant species and a geographically isolated population of native kōaro fish. Lake Grassmere is a distinctive salt lake that changes color from pale to purple due to algae and pink shrimp, offering unique photographic opportunities. The Marlborough Sounds are characterized by forested hills rising steeply from the sea, creating intricate coastlines and rich marine life, including blue penguins, seals, and dolphins.

Absolutely. The world-renowned Queen Charlotte Track, stretching 70 km from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, offers multi-day adventures for hikers and mountain bikers with stunning views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. For other outdoor activities, you can find various routes for hiking, cycling, and road cycling around Marlborough.

Te Ruakanakana / Lake Elterwater holds traditional Māori cultural significance. Lake Moawhitu was historically an important source of mahinga kai (food source), particularly tuna (eels), for the local Ngāti Koata iwi, and is now a site of significant environmental restoration efforts.

While swimming is not possible in Lake Grassmere due to its commercial salt production, the Marlborough Sounds offer excellent opportunities for water-based activities, including swimming, kayaking, sailing, and even swimming with dolphins. Many sheltered inlets and sandy bays provide ideal spots.

The Marlborough Sounds are rich in marine life, including blue penguins, seals, dolphins, and the New Zealand king shag. Several islands within the Sounds are predator-free sanctuaries, providing safe havens for native wildlife and excellent opportunities for viewing and photography.

Yes, there are. The Lake Chalice Hut is available for overnight stays within Mount Richmond Forest Park, offering a remote experience. Similarly, a standard 6-bunk DOC hut is located near Lake McRae in the Molesworth recreation reserve, catering to trampers exploring the alpine landscape. You can find more information about the Lake Chalice Hut and Lake McRae Hut on the DOC website.

The Marlborough Sounds can be experienced in many ways. Popular options include kayaking, sailing, or boating through the sheltered inlets. Hiking or mountain biking the Queen Charlotte Track offers stunning views. Scenic drives like Queen Charlotte Drive provide panoramic vistas. Picton serves as a gateway, offering various activities and walks like the Snout Track.

Lake Grassmere is primarily used for commercial salt production, so swimming is not permitted. However, it is accessible for viewing. A scenic drive along State Highway 1 and Kaparu Road offers the best views of its unique, colorful evaporation ponds, which change appearance depending on the stage of evaporation and light conditions. It's a great spot for unique photography.

The Marlborough Sounds offer a wide array of family-friendly activities, including gentle walks, wildlife viewing (dolphins, seals), and safe swimming in sheltered bays. Picton, as a gateway to the Sounds, also has various family-oriented activities and beaches. For inland lakes, many areas offer picnic spots and easy walks, though some alpine lakes require more strenuous effort.

The best time to visit Marlborough's lakes and sounds generally depends on your preferred activities. The warmer months from late spring to early autumn (November to April) are ideal for water-based activities, hiking, and cycling, offering pleasant weather. Winter can be beautiful for crisp, clear days and fewer crowds, especially for scenic drives and some walks, but some remote areas might be less accessible.