Perano Whaling Station
Historic whaling station remnants viewed from the Interislander Ferry, offering a glimpse into New Zealand's maritime past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best views from the water
Perano Whaling Station
Best Time
Best views from the water
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic whaling station remnants viewed from the Interislander Ferry, offering a glimpse into New Zealand's maritime past.
"The information panels do well in explaining how this place functioned, but the bare industrial remains are unattractive."
View from the Ferry
The best way to see the Perano Whaling Station is from the Interislander Ferry. :ferry:
Focus on History
Appreciate the historical context provided by the panels; the site itself is industrial. :book:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Whaling Station Remains
View the industrial remnants of a bygone era as you sail into the Marlborough Sounds.
Informative Display Panels
Learn about the station's operational history through well-explained information panels.
Scenic Marlborough Sounds Entry
Enjoy the beautiful Marlborough Sounds scenery as you approach the historic site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Perano Whaling Station
What to Expect at the Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
View from the Ferry
The best way to see the Perano Whaling Station is from the Interislander Ferry. :ferry:
Focus on History
Appreciate the historical context provided by the panels; the site itself is industrial. :book:
Enjoy the Scenery
The journey into the Marlborough Sounds is beautiful, so take in the views. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
View from the Ferry
The best way to see the Perano Whaling Station is from the Interislander Ferry. :ferry:
Focus on History
Appreciate the historical context provided by the panels; the site itself is industrial. :book:
Enjoy the Scenery
The journey into the Marlborough Sounds is beautiful, so take in the views. :ocean:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors note that the Perano Whaling Station is best viewed from the Interislander Ferry, as road access is impossible. While the industrial remains are described as bare, the information panels are praised for effectively explaining the site's historical function. The scenic Marlborough Sounds setting is also a highlight for many.
"Inaccessible by road, this historic whaling site can be viewed as the Marlborough Sounds are entered by the Interislander Ferry."
Tom Turner
"The information panels do well in explaining how this place functioned but the bare industrial remains are unattractive."
Michael Berry
"Beautiful place"
William Strickland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Perano Whaling Station is not accessible by road. The best way to see it is from the Interislander Ferry as it enters the Marlborough Sounds.
No, road access to the Perano Whaling Station is not possible. It is a historic site viewed from the water.
The Interislander Ferry route between Wellington and Picton passes by the Perano Whaling Station as it navigates the Marlborough Sounds.
The decks of the Interislander Ferry offer the primary vantage point for viewing the Perano Whaling Station.
While specific tours to the station itself are uncommon due to access limitations, ferry journeys provide the most common way to observe it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need a separate ticket for the Perano Whaling Station. Your Interislander Ferry ticket grants you passage and the opportunity to view it.
The Perano Whaling Station is an outdoor historical site. It can be viewed anytime the Interislander Ferry is operating its crossings.
There is no direct admission fee for the Perano Whaling Station itself. The cost is associated with your Interislander Ferry ticket.
No, due to its inaccessibility by road and the nature of the site, you cannot walk around the Perano Whaling Station. Viewing is from the ferry.
The only booking requirement is for the Interislander Ferry crossing. No specific booking is needed for viewing the station itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are capturing the industrial remnants against the backdrop of the Marlborough Sounds from the ferry deck. :camera:
Yes, you can take photos from the decks of the Interislander Ferry. Be mindful of the movement of the ferry. :iphone:
Wide shots showing the scale of the station within the landscape, or closer shots of the industrial structures can be effective. :camerawithflash:
It can be challenging due to the ferry's movement and distance, but patience and a good zoom lens can help. :camera:
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography from the public decks of the ferry. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Day-Trippers & Ferry Passengers
Make sure to utilize the information panels if you can get a clear view from the ferry, or research the station beforehand. The real draw here is the historical context and the scenic ferry ride through the Marlborough Sounds, rather than the station itself.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Perano Whaling Station
While the industrial structures themselves are now bare, the information panels at the site do an excellent job of explaining its historical function and significance. These displays offer insights into the daily operations, the technology used, and the lives of the people who worked there. Understanding this history adds a layer of appreciation to the otherwise stark industrial remains.
Today, the Perano Whaling Station is primarily viewed as a historical landmark from the decks of the Interislander Ferry. It serves as a reminder of New Zealand's past and the evolution of its relationship with the marine environment. The site's accessibility via ferry makes it a unique point of interest for travelers passing through the Marlborough Sounds.
Experiencing the Perano Whaling Station from the Ferry
Travelers often describe the experience as a brief but informative glimpse into history. While the industrial remains themselves might not be visually striking to everyone, the historical context provided by the information panels is highly valued. Many appreciate the opportunity to learn about the whaling past of the region while enjoying the scenic ferry journey.
To make the most of your viewing, position yourself on the ferry's outdoor decks. Keep an eye on the coastline as you enter the sounds, and be ready with your camera. The scenic beauty of the Marlborough Sounds itself is a significant part of the experience, often highlighted by visitors.



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