Discover the Serene Beauty of Ship Cove
Experience the tranquil beauty and historical significance of Ship Cove in Marlborough, New Zealand, a serene bay perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Nestled in the breathtaking Marlborough region, Ship Cove is a tranquil bay that offers stunning vistas, rich history, and a gateway to adventure. This idyllic location is perfect for tourists seeking natural beauty and cultural experiences. Whether you're exploring the hiking trails, enjoying a picnic by the water, or soaking in the stunning landscapes, Ship Cove promises an unforgettable experience.
A brief summary to ShipCove
- Marlborough, NZ
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the best views and fewer crowds.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy by the water, as seating is limited.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the walking trails.
- Check the weather forecast before visiting to ensure a pleasant experience.
- Consider kayaking for a unique perspective of the cove and its surroundings.
Getting There
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Car
From Blenheim, head southwest on State Highway 1 (SH1) towards Picton. Continue on SH1 for approximately 28 kilometers until you reach Picton. In Picton, follow signs for the Queen Charlotte Drive. The drive offers stunning coastal views and takes you to the entrance of the Marlborough Sounds. Continue along Queen Charlotte Drive for about 30 kilometers until you reach the Ship Cove ferry terminal at Meretoto. The road is scenic but winding, so take your time. There is no direct road access to ShipCove itself, so you will need to park in Picton and take a ferry or water taxi. Parking fees in Picton may apply.
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Public Transport
From Blenheim, you can take a bus to Picton. The bus service runs several times a day. Once you arrive in Picton, head to the ferry terminal for the water taxi or ferry to Ship Cove. The ferry ride is about 30 minutes, and you'll enjoy beautiful views of the Sounds. Ticket prices vary, so check with the ferry service beforehand. Ensure to check the schedule, as the last ferry may leave in the late afternoon.
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Ferry/Water Taxi
After arriving in Picton, you will need to board a ferry or water taxi to reach Ship Cove. The ferry service operates regularly, and you can purchase tickets at the terminal or book online. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Make sure to check the return schedule as well, to plan your time at Ship Cove effectively.
Discover more about ShipCove
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Perano whaling station
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Hugh England Memorial Lookout
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Mrs. Chippy Monument
46.9 km
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Ahumairangi - Wellington Town Belt (Tinakori Hill)
48.4 km
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James Hector Memorial Lookout
48.5 km
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The Soundshell
48.6 km
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Peace Flame
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Cable Car Museum
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Krupp Gun
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Bolton Street Cemetery
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Seddon Memorial
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Goldie's Brae
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Kelburn Park
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Katherine Mansfield House & Garden
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Thorndon Heritage Listed Villa
49.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Ship Cove Waterfall
1.0 km
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Motuara Island
2.8 km
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Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui
7.9 km
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Burney's Beach
9.8 km
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Eatwells Lookout
9.9 km
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Mount Stokes
10.7 km
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Queen Charlotte Track
17.0 km
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Dieffenbach Point
17.3 km
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Monkey Bay
20.5 km
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Karaka point beach access walking track
22.8 km
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The Snout
23.6 km
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Queen Charlotte View, only accessed from the Snout track starting at the top of Endeavour park
25.2 km
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Lochmara Lodge
25.4 km
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Bobs Bay Reserve
27.5 km
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Picton Harbour
27.8 km
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Essential places to dine
The Foredeck Restaurant
13.3 km
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Cortado Restaurant & Bar
29.2 km
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The Queen Charlotte Tavern
38.7 km
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UPESH KITCHEN
48.6 km
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Paradise Seafoods Kelburn
48.7 km
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Graze Wine Bar
48.7 km
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Yellow Chilli Indian Restaurant
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Caffe Mode
48.7 km
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Daisy's
48.7 km
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Aubergine
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Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen
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Hillside Kitchen
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Cable Top Eatery
48.9 km
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Krishna Food Kelburn
49.1 km
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Nam D
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Marlborough Creative Artisans
29.3 km
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Raukura Art Gallery and Giftware
29.3 km
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Mariners Mall
29.4 km
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Botanic Garden Shop
48.6 km
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Vinnies Kelburn
48.6 km
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The Vogue Store
48.7 km
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Ella Kids
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Paperswan Bride
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The Lunar Embassy (NZ)
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Quattro Catti
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Tinakori Antiques
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Space Place Store
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GreatGlo
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BoxHill
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Cactus Outdoor Wellington
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Seumus' Irish Bar & Restaurant
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Kelburn Village Pub
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Sprig + Fern Thorndon
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The Shepherds Arms Hotel
48.8 km
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Chapman Taylor Cafe & Inn
49.1 km
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The Hunter Lounge
49.2 km
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Oviedo
49.3 km
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The Backbencher Gastropub
49.3 km
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Juniper Gin Bar & Restaurant
49.5 km
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Leroy's
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The Arborist Rooftop Bar
49.6 km
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Flamingo Joe's Bar & Eatery
49.6 km
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The Green Man Pub
49.7 km
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Little Beer Quarter
49.7 km
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Blend Bar
49.8 km
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