Almost every exploration of the Marlborough Sounds will begin in Picton, Havelock or Rai Valley, all on the southern side of the Marlborough Sounds. Picton is the northern most point of State Highway 1 in the South Island, the northern terminal of the Tranzcoastal train and is the South Island port of ferries from Wellington. Havelock and Rai Valley are on State Highway 6 between Blenheim and Nelson.
