Marlborough Sounds places to visit
Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, with a sturdy predator proof fence protects New Zealand endangered birds and wildlife. Volunteers are the backbone of this brilliant opportunity to visit nature as Kaipupu is mere 10 boat ride from Picton.
Kaipupu Sanctuary is the closest wildlife sanctuary to Picton. Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary keeps pesky predators out with a sturdy predator proof fence protecting New Zealand endangered birds and wildlife with public access via a ten-minute boat ride from Picton. Or you can also visit the Sanctuary via kayak, there is a kayak ramp alongside the jetty.
- Open every day of the year, 24 hours a day
- Admission Free, donations are encouraged to cover running costs
- The purpose built jetty and floating pontoon at Dolphin
- Bay offer easy access to the 2.7 km circular track
- Duration Allow two hours for the full loop track or 45 minutes (return) to the northern lookout
Kaipupu wildlife sanctuary walking tracks
- Easy walking tracks for all fitness levels
- Easily accessible from Picton, a 10 minute boat trip across the Sounds
- Supports local volunteers doing amazing things to restore wildlife
- Part of the kiwi guardian programme (Department of Conservation)
- Birds, wildlife and conservation projects engage visitors up close and personal with the native animals of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The easy firm well maintained track of 2.7km is a loop trail passing regenerating native coastal bush, old growth forest and the restoration zone. The bush clad hills are home to many of New Zealand’s unique native wildlife including tui, korimako (bellbird), piwakawaka (fantail), kereru (NZ woodpigeon), korora (little penguin), weta, raukawa gecko and waiharakeke grass skink. New Zealand fur seals can often be found lazing on the jetty over autumn and winter.
Entry is free however donations are welcome.
The community project is restoring 40 hectare ‘mainland island’ in Picton harbour (with the help of a massive predator proof fence).
The area, for pre-European Maori a food resource hence the name ‘kai’ meaning food and ‘pupu’ a type of shellfish.
Kaipupu Sanctuary is part of the Department of Conservation kiwi guardian programme.
Interested in gardens and parks, scroll through Marlborough gardens and parks to visit for more information. For ideas about Marlborough and visitor experiences a wine tour of award winning sauvingnion blanc vineyards, an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of military aviation at Omaka or a potter around weekend farmers markets in Blenheim are the ingredients for a brilliant every day holiday in Marlborough.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.
Our editors independently visit tour operators, purchase tickets, pay for accommodation, and rate products and places. We are not paid to go on a tour or visit a place. We only make money if you decide to purchase a product through our website links. We promise to never accept free products from manufacturers in return for boosting their products. Read more about our affiliate programme in the terms and conditions HERE.
