Things to do in Onahau Bay
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Top 10 attractions in Onahau Bay
Marlborough Sounds
Located at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, the Marlborough Sounds are a magnificent waterway system interwoven with azure waters and lush green mountains. Thanks to its unique temperate maritime climate and pristine natural environment, the region nurtures a thriving terrestrial and marine ecosystem. The calm waters provide an ideal habitat for a variety of marine life. When cruising through the sounds, visitors can often see dolphins playing at the bow, occasionally spot New Zealand fur seals, and even catch glimpses of orcas in the deeper waters. After exploring the sounds, visiting a nearby vineyard to enjoy a glass of white wine paired with locally sourced seafood is also a wonderful travel experience. The Marlborough Sounds blend magnificent geological wonders, rich history and culture, and vibrant ecological vitality. Whether cruising through the blue waters or gazing out at the sea and sky from a mountain trail, these pristine sounds always leave every visitor with an unforgettable impression.Bay of Many Coves · 17.3km from Onahau Bay
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Get up close and personal with the world's largest toothed predator - the giant sperm whale - for a thrilling experience. If you're lucky, you'll have the chance to see rare dusky dolphins, Hector's dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and other animals during the voyage. Visitors will take a professional Cruise deep into the Pacific Ocean to get up close and personal with large marine mammals such as humpback whales and killer whales, and experience the grandeur and mystery of marine life. The Cruise is equipped with professional Guide to provide visitors with detailed introductions to the habits and ecological environment of marine life, and enhance their awareness of marine protection. In addition, the Cruise also provides a comfortable viewing platform and rest area to ensure that every visitor can enjoy an unforgettable sea trip.New Zealand · Kaikoura
Queen Charlotte Track
Momorangi Bay · 5.8km from Onahau Bay
Picton TOP 10 Holiday Park
Waikawa · 7.7km from Onahau Bay
Cougar Line - Queen Charlotte Track Cruises
Picton · 8.2km from Onahau Bay
Momorangi Camping Area
Momorangi Bay · 5.8km from Onahau Bay
Edwin Fox Maritime Museum
Edwin Fox Maritime Museumis a museum known for showcasing and preserving the historic shipEdwin Fox. Edwin Foxis one of the best-preserved19th-century wooden sailing ships in the world. Throughout its long maritime history, it participated in routes between the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, and even took part in military operations during the Crimean War. Today,Edwin Foxis docked in Picton and has been converted into a museum, showcasing the ship and the maritime history of that era to visitors. At theEdwin Fox Maritime Museum, visitors can tour the exhibitions inside the ship's cabin to learn about its history and functions. The museum also displays artifacts, photos, and documents related to the ship, as well as exhibits concerning maritime life at the time. In addition, visitors can learn more about theEdwin Foxand19th-century seafaring through guided tours and commentary from docents. Edwin Fox Maritime Museumis not only a museum showcasing a historic ship but also an important cultural heritage site and tourist attraction. It shows people the hardships and adventures of19th-century seafaring, as well as the shipbuilding technology and living conditions of that time. For those interested in maritime history and culture, this is a place not to be missed.Picton · 7.8km from Onahau Bay
Picton Memorial Park
Picton · 8km from Onahau Bay
Alexanders Holiday Park
Picton · 9km from Onahau Bay
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa TongarewaIt is the largest museum in the southern hemisphere, located on the waterfront of Wellington. The museum's name in Māori is "Te Papa Tongarewa," meaning "container of treasures." It houses extensive collections of Māori culture, including a Māori meeting house and Pacific art exhibits. If you want to learn about New Zealand's customs and history, this is the place to visit.Museum of New Zealand Te Papa TongarewaThe museum is divided into six floors. The lobby on the first floor is flanked by a museum shop and café, while floors two to six feature exhibitions on different themes, including geology and biology, changes in landforms, Māori survival and culture, folk customs and art, and an outdoor sculpture balcony. The museum offers many engaging interactive displays, such as the earthquake house where visitors can experience the tremors of a quake, get up close with a colossal squid, and watch 3D animations to learn about its life mysteries. There is also a dedicated "discovery center" for children. In addition to these permanent exhibitions, the museum frequently hosts short-term contemporary art and cultural activities, which require separate tickets. The museum building itself is also worth seeing—before leaving, don't forget to admire the expensive architecture and the sculpture in front of it: a tree made of twisted wire that looks remarkably lifelike.Wellington · 68.5km from Onahau Bay
Experiences you can't miss in Onahau Bay
Featured Day tours in Onahau Bay
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Featured Cultural experiences in Onahau Bay
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Onahau Bay
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More things to do
Onahau Bay Cruises
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What travellers say about Onahau Bay
111***9724 October 2026
4.0
I took seasickness medication beforehand. The sea wasn't too windy that day, but there were still some swells, and I felt a little seasick when the boat first set off at a low speed. The boat was very clean, and the crew was very attentive to service. We didn't see many whales that day, and the ones we did see weren't very big; I only caught a glimpse of a whale's tail once. Overall, it was a good experience. The only downside was that it's about a 2.5-hour drive from Christchurch, but thankfully, the journey passes through vineyards, and there are a few wineries worth visiting.
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Anonymous user27 July 2026
5.0
It's a great museum; admission is free for children under 15 and for locals. It's very interactive and fun, making it a great place to bring kids. We saw the giant squid and experienced the earthquake simulator.
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa