Ski Lanes
Water recreation regulations and harbour bylaws require that all vessels navigate at a proper speed not exceeding five knots within 200m of the shore.
Recognising the wide enjoyment of water-skiing, the Marlborough District Council has set aside specific areas where this activity can legally take place from beaches.
Areas set aside are shown in the diagram to the right, with entry and exit as indicated. The five knot speed limit does not apply in these marked areas.
Defined areas where water-skiing can take place are:
- Ngakuta Bay, Grove Arm
- Davies Bay, Grove Arm
- Bottle Bay, Grove Arm
- Kaipakirikiri Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound
- Cherry Bay, Ruakaka Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound
- Te Mahia Bay, Kenepuru Sound
Kumutoto Bay is different to the other ski lanes found in the Marlborough Sounds.
- Kumutoto Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound
Note: In this area only, the ski lane runs contrary to International Convention. This is due to the Topography of the shore line.
Swimming Areas
These are located at:
- Picton Foreshore
- Shelly Beach
- Waikawa Bay.
The areas are defined by yellow buoys and are reserved for swimming only between Labour weekend and Easter of the following year. There are swimming rafts associated with the Waikawa Bay and Picton Foreshore areas.
