Tui Nature Reserve in the Marlborough Sounds, top of the South Island, New Zealand

Tui Nature Reserve is located in the Marlborough Sounds, top of the South Island in New Zealand. Click here to view a map.

Our Wildlife Park is part of an isolated peninsula in the Outer Pelorus Sound. The only way to get to Tui Nature Reserve is by boat or floatplane.
The wharf is located on the left-hand side entrance of Waitata Bay.

We can pick you up with the ‘Tui Experience’ boat cruise from Elaine Bay (Duncan Bay and Penzance are optional).
Or alternatively you can arrive with the mail-boat or water taxi from Havelock.

It is a scenic drive to Elaine Bay on a sealed road, it takes about an hour from the Rai Valley turn off (French Pass SH 6 turn off, then follow directions Elaine Bay). Elaine Bay is a small settlement and there are safe parking possibilities.

When you arrive at the wharf in Waitata Bay we will have a people transporter (Kawasaki Mule) waiting for you to take you to the top of the reserve 200 meter above sea level, where your accommodation is located.

Read more about how to get here.