Your Way to nowanden

Pardon me as I give you a little geography lesson because it’s a fair bet, and understandably so, that your knowledge of Marlborough Sounds starts and stops at Queen Charlotte Sound where the ferries access Wellington / Picton. A narrow ridge of land, home of the world famous Queen Charlotte Track, separates Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sound. Unlike the others, Kenepuru is a ‘blind’ waterway as it does not directly join with Cook Strait or open sea. On it’s western edge Kenepuru adjoins the larger Pelorus Sound.

Mailbox of Nowanden     Magnify

A long and winding road where the kids in the back seat call “how much further mum” circumvents Kenepuru Sound. At not quite the last bend relief is in sight as you join Manaroa Road where at Number 39 sits the mailbox of nowanden.

There are easier ways of getting here, taking the water taxi or Sounds Air options. Although a car on hand could be useful it’s not essential. “we won’t see you stranded!”.

How to get here:

Fly Sounds Air or take a ferry to Picton.

West Bay water taxi to Torea Bay connects with Portage bus to Portage Bay where Codswobble collects you for 10 minute whisk across the bay. ($30 pp, Children 5 to 13 half price; four & under free. Minimum fare $60)

or:

Take Sounds Air to Nopera where we collect you (courtesy transport).

or:

Travelling by car? Allow 2 hours from Havelock or Picton. We are at 39 Manaroa Road, Waitaria Bay.

or:

Travelling by bus? Get off at Havelock. Codswobble Water taxi to Waitaria Bay, $45 pp, children concessions as above, minimum fare $160.

or:

Got a boat? Bring it along. We have a mooring available (1 tonne block).