Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Marlborough Sounds, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand

Based on the climate and weather in Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Marlborough Sounds, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand by month

January

January here is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Marlborough Sounds. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you choose the necessary kind. Many adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

If you vacation in Marlborough Sounds during February, you will probably find that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Marlborough Sounds. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you pick the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

March

If you are traveling to Marlborough Sounds in March, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Marlborough Sounds. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April for Marlborough Sounds is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Marlborough Sounds. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to pick the right type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

May

May for Marlborough Sounds is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Marlborough Sounds. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

June

June in Marlborough Sounds is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Marlborough Sounds. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to get the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

In July, Marlborough Sounds can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Marlborough Sounds, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Marlborough Sounds. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you get the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

If you visit Marlborough Sounds during August, you might notice that it is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Marlborough Sounds. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

September

September is relatively cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Marlborough Sounds. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you get the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

October for Marlborough Sounds is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Marlborough Sounds. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to find the right type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

November

In November, Marlborough Sounds is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Marlborough Sounds, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Marlborough Sounds. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you get the correct kind. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

In December, Marlborough Sounds is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Marlborough Sounds, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Marlborough Sounds. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand

Nestled on the northeastern coast of New Zealand's South Island, Marlborough Sounds is a region of stunning beauty, characterized by the winding waterways that penetrate deep into the landscape. Comprising a network of bays, coves and islands, Marlborough Sounds is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers and foodies alike. Here's your guide to the top tourist attractions in Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand.

1. Queen Charlotte Track

One of the premier outdoor adventures in Marlborough, the Queen Charlotte Track is a 71-kilometer walkway that stretches from the picturesque town of Ship Cove to the historic port of Anakiwa. The track is renowned for its exceptional coastal scenery, from deserted beaches to lush native bush, lagoons, and rugged cliffs. Walkers can stay overnight in one of the many campsites, lodges, or homestays dotted along the route.

2. Picton

Picton is a small town located at the top of the South Island, and it is the gateway to Marlborough Sounds. This charming town is surrounded by hills and sea, and it has quite a few excellent restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. In addition to its bustling marina, Picton has a range of tourist attractions, including the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, the Picton Heritage Railway, and the Essons Valley walking trail.

3. Marlborough Wine Region

Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine region, most famously known for its Sauvignon Blanc. Visitors can take tours of vineyards and cellar doors, or explore the region on a bike tour. The wineries are situated against a backdrop of mountain ranges and rolling hills, framed by the tranquil waters of Marlborough Sounds. In addition to wine tastings, visitors can indulge in gourmet food from the region and sample artisanal cheeses.

4. Kenepuru Sound

Kenepuru Sound is the southernmost inhabited sound in the region and is accessible by road or ferry. The sound beautiful and peaceful, with clear waters that are perfect for kayaking, swimming and fishing. The sound is home to a range of birds and marine life, including dolphins, seals, and orcas. There are several small bays and inlets to explore, and the historic village of Elaine Bay is a popular attraction with its dazzling views and pristine beach.

5. Pelorus River

Pelorus River is one of the top tourist attractions in Marlborough Sounds, known for its clear water and mesmerizing scenery. The river has several access points, and visitors can enjoy it through kayaking, swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing on its banks. The drawcard of Pelorus River is its abundance of glow worms, which light up the surrounding bush at night, creating a magical glow.

In conclusion, there are plenty of tourist attractions to see and experience in Marlborough Sounds. From hiking the Queen Charlotte Track to wine tasting in Marlborough's famous vineyards, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor adventures and gourmet experiences. Whether you come for a day trip or a longer stay, there is no shortage of things to do and see in Marlborough Sounds.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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