Hidden deep in the Marlborough Sounds—only accessible by boat or helicopter—Bay of Many Coves is the kind of place you come to truly disappear. No roads. No rush. Just a scattering of architecturally pared-back apartments tucked into native bushland, with every room angled towards the water.
It’s small—just a handful of suites and apartments, each with wraparound decks and uninterrupted views of the bay. From the moment you step off the water taxi, everything feels handled: your bags vanish quietly, drinks appear on cue, and the team makes it feel as though you’re the only guest who matters.
There are three dining spots, from casual to candlelit: the waterside café, a more elevated fine dining experience, and an easygoing lounge that’s ideal for evening wine by the fire. Food is a major focus, and the kitchen works closely with local growers and winemakers. The menu changes daily, depending on what’s in season (or what’s just been pulled from the sea).
Days are flexible by design. Paddleboarding at sunrise, long lunches with Marlborough wines, or hikes through untouched forest that leads straight from your door. There’s also a small spa for massage and facials, and no one’s watching if you fall asleep in the hot tub under the trees. Bay of Many Coves is a place for slowing right down—but it’s not without polish. It’s smart without trying to be flash, luxurious without show. It’s the kind of New Zealand most visitors never get to see—and we like keeping it that way.
Bay of Many Coves sits deep in Queen Charlotte Sound, in New Zealand’s Marlborough region. It’s only accessible by boat or helicopter, which adds to its quiet, exclusive feel. From nearby Picton, it’s a 30-minute water taxi ride through glassy bays and forested headlands. There are no roads, no other resorts—just calm waters, native bush, and a sense of true escape. Despite the remote setting, access is easy: fly into Blenheim, just 30 minutes away, then arrive by boat or take a 15-minute heli-transfer straight to the lodge.
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The accommodation is boutique but beautifully thought through—each apartment, suite or studio is finished in warm native timber, with soft textures and open-plan spaces that spill onto private decks. You’ll find outdoor loungers positioned for the best sunrise light, underfloor heating in the bathrooms, and binoculars by the bed for spotting dolphins or gannets out in the Sound.
Larger apartments come with full kitchens and generous living areas, perfect for longer stays, multi-generational escapes or simply spreading out. Everything can be fully catered if you’d rather leave the cooking to someone else, and the in-room wine selection is wonderfully local. Thoughtful touches appear where you least expect them—handwritten notes, jars of homemade cookies, even lavender pillow sprays for the evening turn-down.
Our tip? Book the Kererū Suite. It’s slightly tucked away, giving you a little more privacy, and the view through the trees out across the water feels straight from a film set.
Yes, though it’s not a traditional kids’ resort. Older children and teens who love nature, wildlife and outdoor adventures will thrive here. Some apartments are well set up for families, with kitchens and extra space.
Not quite—this isn’t your sandy-beach destination. The resort sits on the edge of a calm bay with a private jetty and direct access to the water. Ideal for kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding and boat trips.
Yes—absolutely. We can help arrange everything from private boat charters to sections of the Queen Charlotte Track, one of New Zealand’s most scenic multi-day walks. Everything is tailored, low-key and beautifully executed. You can also speak to the team on-site.
Absolutely. The bay is calm, clean and ideal for swimming. You’ll also have access to kayaks and paddleboards, and there are often dolphins or seals in the area if you’re lucky
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