Molly Hunt
New Zealand’s South Island is known around the world for its breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife. Nowhere can one appreciate this island’s beauty more than in the Marlborough Sounds on the South Island’s north coast. Land meets water in a stunning contrast of lush green and dazzling blue. Chances to glimpse native birds and ocean critters draw thousands of visitors to the sound’s snaking network of remote coves and forested peninsulas every year.
Come along with NOLS Alumni, friends, and family for a week of excellent sea kayaking on this lodge-based trip through the Marlborough Sounds to explore the splendors of both land and sea.
This trip begins in the coastal town of Nelson, New Zealand with an orientation evening at the hotel provided by NOLS. From there we will visit the NOLS New Zealand campus to pick up gear and see where many students start their first big expeditions. Then a few hours in the car and a water taxi will transport us to our first destination of the week.
Our first day on the water will consist of some basic kayak skills classes for those new to paddling and a chance to practice those skills for those who are seasoned kayakers.
The next day we will begin passage to our next lodge. This trip follows a pattern of paddling to a new destination one day followed by a layover day to allow for more hiking, paddling, and coastal exploration in each area. This schedule also opens more opportunities for kayak instruction, and for those interested, trying out more advanced skills.
The waters of the Marlborough Sounds are more protected than the open ocean, land features prevent large waves from forming and disrupt wind patterns. This allows us to find sheltered places to paddle even when there may be high winds in the area.
This makes this location excellent for new paddlers looking for a first foray into expedition kayaking. Experienced kayakers might not be challenged by the conditions but with adept coaching from experienced NOLS staff will continue to hone their skills while exploring a new location.
Despite these kind waters, paddling can always be stalled or prevented by weather conditions. Instructors will help participants develop an awareness of the daily weather patterns, so that the group can make informed decisions about the daily plan.
The Marlborough Sounds cap off the South Island’s north eastern point. They are New Zealand’s “drowned valleys” referring to the land’s slow subsidence. The sinking land is filled in by ocean waters creating dramatic peninsulas, peaks, and bays that harbor a diverse array of marine wildlife.
We will see plenty of fauna as we kayak. Sea kayaking allows us to observe marine critters without disturbing the animals. With luck we may see dolphins, orcas, penguins, and many native birds.
Layover days can look like a variety of things depending on interest. The Marlborough sounds have excellent hiking opportunities if participants are keen to explore the lush forested environment of the sounds. Options for more paddling can also take us to remote coves, nearby bays or to practice kayak skills.
Paddling days will usually range from 5–7 hours depending on whether we are changing lodgings and weather conditions. We will typically arrive at our accommodations in the late afternoon. Evenings are relaxed with plenty of time for shoreline exploration to learn about the incredible, undeveloped area we are traveling in or resting in the lodge.
The coastal lodges are casual and comfortable and each has its own character. Accommodations are typically bunk style with shared kitchens and communal areas. We will rely on a mix of meals prepared by our group and meals provided by our lodge hosts.
Tourism is the primary industry in the region, so we can plan on interacting with other outdoor recreationists and inhabitants at work and play in the area.
A final passage will bring us to the end of our trip. A water taxi and shuttle will transport us back to the NOLS Campus for a celebration dinner out on the town in Nelson.
A final passage will bring us to the end of our trip. A water taxi and shuttle will transport us back to the NOLS Campus for a celebration dinner out on the town in Nelson.
Overall Difficulty*:
