Local Information

Welcome to KAIAHO

- an eco-lodge in Kenepuru Sound

(Click thumbnail photos to view larger images)

Kenepuru Sound is the largest branch or arm of Pelorus Sound, and also one of the most protected of the Marlborough Sounds waterways. This makes it, most of the time, favorable for sea kayaking and other recreational water sports. With most areas of the Sound enjoying road access, it has become one of the most popular areas of the Marlborough Sounds for New Zealanders to own holiday cottages or ‘baches’. It also provides the sea view to the north for much of the length of the Queen Charlotte (walking and biking) Track.

In the early years of European settlement, most of the bush-clad hills bordering Kenepuru Sound were cleared for farming. However, lack of fertility, transport difficulties, and weed and animal pest problems, in particular, have resulted in most of these hills being abandoned for livestock grazing, with conventional farming now being confined, in the main, to cultivable land on lower slopes and in the main valley areas (at the head of the Sound, in Waitaria Bay, and in Nopera Bay). The hills have either been planted in exotic forests (nearly all Pinus radiata) or allowed to begin the process of gradually reverting to native forest. Luckily, some patches of original native bush remained, providing a seed source which facilitated this regeneration. Unluckily, at least in the eyes of the purists, the early stands of planted exotic pine trees also provided a seed source which ‘contaminated’ native forest regeneration, leading to a widespread incidence of ‘wilding pines’, which are now a source of some concern and control efforts.

Unregulated commercial and recreational fishing in earlier years led to fish stocks in Kenepuru Sound becoming very depleted. In more recent years, management efforts are resulting in some resurgence. While blue cod remain rare, snapper are commonly caught. Among other bony fish species to be found in the Sound are kahawai, mackerel, kingfish, herring, red cod, gurnard, and flounder. There are also dogfish and rays representing the cartilaginous class of fish.

Mussel farming has been a major new development in recent decades in the Marlborough Sounds, with a significant amount of this in Kenepuru Sound. Its economic significance for the province of Marlborough is comparable to wine production. While this activity has its opponents, it appears to benefit the local fish populations. Furthermore, the economic necessity of keeping the water clean for mussel production is helping to increase the pressure for higher standards to be enforced regarding septic and other waste disposal systems, with obvious spin-off benefits for swimmers.

Besides the mussel farms, other items of interest around the shoreline of Kenepuru Sound include the old ship hulk beached near St. Omer in Nopera Bay, several small Pied Shag nesting colonies, several healthy stands of Nikau Palms (NZ’s only native palm tree), and several Scenic Reserves. Links to several attractions of a more commercial nature are listed below.

Other lower-priced Accomodation:

(Kenepuru Sound, inner Pelorus Sound, and within 1 day’s walk via Queen Charlotte Track)

Nowanden Homestay (Kenepuru Sound): www.nowanden.co.nz

Debretts homestay & backpackers, Portage Bay (Kenepuru Sound): www.stayportage.co.nz

Treetops (Kenepuru Sound): www.staytreetops.com

Hopewell Lodge, Double Bay (Kenepuru Sound): www.hopewell.co.nz

Te Mahoerangi Eco-Lodge, Nydia Bay (Pelorus Sound): www.nydiatrack.org.nz

Nikau Cottages, Nikau Bay (Pelorus Sound): www.nikaubay.co.nz

Mahana Homestead Lodge, Endeavour Inlet (Queen Charlotte Sound): www.mahanahomestead.com

Anakiwa Backpackers, head of Grove Arm (Queen Charlotte Sound): www.anakiwabackpackers.co.nz

Lochmara Lodge, Lochmara Bay (Queen Charlotte Sound): www.lochmaralodge.co.nz

Fishing Charters: