Kenepuru Sound is the third largest of the four Sounds that make up the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island, New Zealand.
If you have the time and resources, I absolutely recommend making arrangements to get out on the water. Fortunately for you, there are several wonderful options. The owners of Pelorus Tours and Kenepuru Water Taxi are quite literally our neighbors in St Omer/Nopera.
Kenepuru Water Taxi coming in to St Omer Homestead
Kenepuru Water Taxi is available for personalized cruises of the Kenepuru Sound or transfers.
They’ll even cart your bike or kayak to a destination of your choice.
Or, if you’re coming from or going to Queen Charlotte Sound, they coordinate with Cougar Line Water Taxi and Arrow Water Taxis that operate in the Queen Charlotte Sounds to get you to/from Picton.
There’s a contact form for booking inquiries on their website. If you’re staying with us and want a lift from Havelock Pete can give you a price for your group.
Phone (64) 03 573 4344
7170 Kenepuru Road
info@kenepuru.co.nz
The Amokrua Wreck is just around the corner
Pelorus Tours offers cruises in the Sounds, charter boats, fishing trips and eco tours.
They have a mammal watching permit to view NZ fur seals, whales and dolphins!
Detailed information about services and vessels are available on the site. There’s an easy “Book Now” button where you enter your desired dates, whether you’re interested in a cruise, fishing trip, eco tour, etc and the number of people in your group. Gary or Ellen will get back to you.
Nopera Lodge
Phones – 03 574 4203 or 0274 345 488
gary@pelorustours.co.nz
Brilliant every day
The Pelorus Mail Boat has been delivering mail, groceries and crucial supplies to homeowners in Pelorus Sound. And you can ride along! You’ll be visiting the most remote parts of the Sounds, where no roads, ferries or cruise ships go.
This might be a wonderful option for you as a day before or day after your stay in St Omer, as the boat leaves from Havelock. Or you may choose this option if something with Kenepuru Water Taxi or Pelorus Tours is not available during your stay.
The route varies depending on the day of the week.
Trip highlights can include a gannet colony, dolphins, a Greenshell Mussel farm, a King Shag colony, farm our and more. Be sure and check their website for seasonal days of operation and other FAQs.
Pier B, Havelock Marina
03 574 1088 or 027 900 9000
Five types of dolphins cruise the waters of the Marlborough Sounds, including dusky, bottlenose, common, orca and hector’s dolpins
The Marlborough Tour Company offers several cruises and tours, also from Havelock. (Pier C at the Havelock Marina.) They specially branded one the Greenshell Mussel Cruise.
There is both a morning and afternoon cruise. Click the link for the cruise for a short video.
Havelock is the Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World
Sounds by Sail offers a very different seafaring (or is that sound-faring) experience.
They offer a 3 hour sail, a luxury night afloat, private charters and a bareboat experience.
They are based just 4 or 5 kilometers from St Omer Hideout and they can pick you up from the St Omer Homestead. (The St Omer Homestead is the same place you go down to the beach to swim.)
Hopewell, Double Bay, Kenepuru Sound, NZ
0210 451 358
Nothing but the wind and water (and some Greenshell Mussels and Sauvignon Blanc!)
Havelock Water Taxi
Up to 15 people at a time, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week all year around. They bring people out to Rateihi and Hopewell Lodge in our area, so they can drop you at the St Omer Jetty too.
I believe the price per person goes down on larger parties.
Tel 021 2020 786 or email at skipper@havelockwatertaxis.co.nz
