Bay of Many Coves
Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Bay of Many Coves

luxury4.8Luxury Resort / Lodge
Price Tier
Luxury
Property Type
Luxury Resort / Lodge
Insider Tip
1/5

Water taxi schedules vary by season — arrange transfers before you arrive, not after. The resort will help coordinate Cougarline bookings.

Why It Matters

Water-access-only location in a private bay within Queen Charlotte Sound. Sits on 52 hectares of private native and regenerating bush. The Queen Charlotte Track — one of New Zealand's best multi-day walks — literally starts at the property's doorstep. Captain Cook used this area as his favoured anchorage during his New Zealand visits.

Bay of Many Coves is a 100% New Zealand-owned, five-star luxury lodge built into the hillside of Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough. There are just 11 apartments here, and there are zero roads — you arrive by water taxi (about 30 minutes from Picton) or by helicopter. The architecture is contemporary nautical: timber, glass, and stainless steel, with every room angled to maximise views over the bay. Cuisine is a genuine draw, with two restaurants on site and an award-winning chef working with local Marlborough seafood and Sauvignon Blanc.

BrandSmall Luxury Hotels of the World
TypeLuxury Resort / Lodge
Price Tierluxury
LocationMarlborough, New Zealand

Where You'll Stay

4 room types available

Kereru Premium Suite
Suite

Kereru Premium Suite

Two luxurious bedrooms each with their own ensuite shower. They connect through a contemporary lounge with a private fireplace. A wide private balcony sweeps across the Queen Charlotte Sound, and a secluded private spa deck sits beneath a Kowhai grove with its own outdoor hot tub. Private entrance. Includes the Executive Chef's 3-course dinner and breakfast daily.

King (x2)
Private entranceTwo en-suite shower roomsLounge with fireplacePrivate outdoor spa/hot tub on dedicated deck
Luxury One Bedroom Apartment
Apartment

Luxury One Bedroom Apartment

Popular for honeymoons and couples' escapes. Warm wooden interiors mirror the native bush setting. A king bed with lofty down pillows sits opposite floor-to-ceiling windows framing uninterrupted bay views. The private balcony has sweeping outlooks across the secluded cove. Sleeps 2.

King
Sleeps 2Private balcony with bay viewsKing size bed (can split to two King Singles)Warm timber interiors
Luxury Three Bedroom Apartment
Apartment

Luxury Three Bedroom Apartment

The largest option, ideal for families or groups. Three bedrooms with contemporary furnishings and bay views. Longest sightlines across the Marlborough Sounds. A private balcony runs the full width of the apartment with bush-clad shoreline below. Warm timber interiors throughout. Sleeps up to 6.

King (x3)
Sleeps 6Private balcony with panoramic Sound viewsWarm timber interiorsKing size beds (can be split to king singles)
Luxury Two Bedroom Apartment
Apartment

Luxury Two Bedroom Apartment

Suited to two couples travelling together or a family, with two bedrooms and the assured privacy of your own self-contained retreat. Natural wood comfort, private balcony, and bay views. Sleeps up to 4.

King (x2)
Sleeps 4Private balcony with bay viewsNatural timber interiorsKing size beds

Eat & Drink

3 venues on property

Spa & Wellness

On Property

How you'll actually spend your days.

Nature / Wildlife
Bird WatchingComplimentary

The native bush surrounding the resort is alive with New Zealand birds. Guests regularly wake to birdsong. Guided and self-guided bird watching on the resort's private trails.

Marine Wildlife WatchingComplimentary

Dolphins are regularly spotted around the resort — sometimes from the balcony of your apartment. Fur seals also frequent the area. The surrounding Marlborough Sounds is an eco-marine haven.

Nature / Hiking
Bush WalkingComplimentary

Over 6 kilometres of private walking trails wind through the resort's 52 hectares of native and regenerating bush, linking directly to the internationally-renowned Queen Charlotte Track. Tracks range from short loops to longer ridge walks with 360-degree views, plus routes to waterfalls and lookout points.

Marine / Charter
Eco Cruising

Guided eco cruises visiting protected islands and historic places in the Marlborough Sounds, including Ships Cove — where Captain Cook rested his vessels. Local wildlife and coastal scenery feature prominently.

Swimming with Dolphins

Chartered boat excursion to swim with the wild dolphins that frequent the Marlborough Sounds.

Fishing / Charter
Fishing Charters

The Marlborough Sounds is famous for fresh fish. Fishing charters depart from the resort's private jetty. Scuba diving is also possible, including the wreck of the Russian liner Mikhail Lermontov for experienced divers.

Nature / Nightlife
Glow Worm and Stargazing ExperiencesComplimentary

The resort's remote, light-pollution-free location makes for exceptional stargazing. Glow worms are also discoverable after dark on the bush trails.

Water Sports
Kayaking and Stand-Up PaddleboardingComplimentary

Complimentary kayaks, dinghies, and paddleboards are available to explore the bay and discover abundant marine life. The sheltered coves of the Marlborough Sounds make this manageable even on windier days.

Food & Wine / Charter
Marlborough Wine Tours

Chartered trips to Marlborough's world-famous wine region, including winery and cellar door visits. The region is particularly known for Sauvignon Blanc.

Water Sports / Charter
Motor Yacht Cruising and Sailing

Motor yacht and sailing charter options to explore the Marlborough Sounds and its maze of coves, bays, and waterways.

Nature / Charter
Motuara Island Visit

Boat charter to Motuara Island, a protected bird sanctuary in the Marlborough Sounds. Home to rare native species.

Leisure / Wellness
Outdoor Heated Pool and Cedar Hot TubComplimentary

An all-seasons outdoor heated freshwater pool with poolside loungers, plus a cedar hot tub. Open year-round.

Hiking / Charter
Queen Charlotte Track Charter

The resort arranges water taxi transfers to specific sections of the 72km Queen Charlotte Track, with a picnic lunch provided. One of New Zealand's best coastal multi-day walks, passing through native forest, ridge lines, and historic bays.

Amenities & Practical Info

The details that matter for planning.

Connectivity
Complimentary Wi-FiComplimentary

Free Wi-Fi throughout the resort and in all apartments.

Dining
Room Service

Room service available (limited hours). Particularly useful for families with young children.

Events
Exclusive Use Available

The entire resort is available for exclusive private hire — ideal for corporate retreats, weddings, or milestone celebrations. Enquire directly.

Family
Baby and Family EquipmentComplimentary

High chairs, cots, and baby monitors available for families on request.

Guest Services
Concierge / Activity DeskComplimentary

Full concierge service to arrange water taxis, charters, wine tours, Queen Charlotte Track transfers, and any other excursions.

Housekeeping
Turndown ServiceComplimentary

Full-service housekeeping with daily turndown.

Laundry
Guest Laundry

On-site laundry facilities for guest use.

Leisure
LibraryComplimentary

On-site library for guests.

Policy
Non-Smoking ThroughoutComplimentary

Non-smoking policy applies to all buildings on the resort, as required by New Zealand law.

Pool
Outdoor Heated PoolComplimentary

All-seasons freshwater outdoor heated pool with poolside loungers.

Pool / Wellness
Cedar Hot TubComplimentary

Outdoor cedar hot tub available year-round.

Transport
Private JettyComplimentary

Resort's own private jetty for water taxi and boat arrivals/departures.

BUILD YOUR BAY OF MANY COVES PLAN

Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.

Start Planning