Mt Stokes is an amazing hike to explore the unique landscape of Marlborough Sounds and grab one of the best views in the entire Marlborough Region. From the Queen Charlotte Drive turnoff at Linkwater, you can take Kenepuru Road and reach the start of the trail which leads to breathtaking views from Mt Stokes atop 1,203m high mountain ridge.

With its rugged terrain, steep ascents, and a distance of approximately 11 kilometers, this challenging hike is not for the faint of heart. The track passes through mountain bush with a lot of tree roots, old river beds and is very steep in parts so a good level of fitness is required.

Once you're at the top the view of the Marlborough Sounds is absolutely breathtaking and worth all that effort to get there. I visited at sunrise to capture the golden light and was lucky enough to be above the early morning fog and clouds. This spot would also work at sunset. Take your wide angle and zoom lenses to have a range of options capturing the amazing views.