Marlborough Sounds

The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery and wildlife. Visit Motuara Island and cruise the calm waters of the majestic Queen Charlotte Sound. Water, wilderness and wildlife. You will have the opportunity to see multiple species of wildlife, including rare sea birds, marine mammals and endangered land birds. Led by enthusiastic and fun Guides, you will be given the possibility of viewing five different species of dolphins, little blue penguins, seals, seabirds and land birds. Enjoy the only daily service fully-guided walk on Motuara Island, seeing and hearing the amazing bird life where Captain Cook planted the first flag and claimed New Zealand. The view is spectacular from the lookout all the way to the North Island. On the return enjoy complimentarily hot drinks and chocolate biscuits and in the afternoon tour local award-winning wine.

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island on this cruise. The cruise features a tasting of local salmon, and Greenshell mussels. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound while cruising aboard our luxury vessel that departs from Picton.

Visit Ship Cove on a morning boat cruise that explores the Marlborough Sounds, a broad network of waterways that makes up 20 percent of New Zealand’s coastline. Enjoy time to disembark at Ship Cove where you can see a memorial to Captain Cook, Maori wood carvings and the sheltered beach. Throughout your journey, marvel at breathtaking scenery and hear informative commentary from your knowledgeable captain about the marine life, cultural history, and natural features of this beautiful region Please note that this tour departs sharply on schedule at 9:00am Available to purchase for $6 in the office before you depart are Beachcomber Cruises keep cups, we no longer use single use cups on board our vessels due the huge environmental impact. Upon purchase of a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup guests can enjoy tea and coffee onboard for the duration of the tour.

Take a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at daily life in the unique and isolated Marlborough Sounds as we deliver goods and passengers to far-flung jetties and corners of Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui. This 3-hour cruise is a great opportunity to see the Marlborough Sounds through the eyes of those who live and work here. Discover places far from the nearest road, and maybe meet some of the locals who call this isolated and beautiful place home. Relax onboard our comfortable vessel as we deliver passengers and supplies to homes, secluded resorts and the Queen Charlotte Track, keeping an eye out for seals, penguins, dolphins, stingrays and rare sea birds. Learn about the Marlborough Sounds’ history and natural world from your friendly skipper and crew, and enjoy free tea and coffee.
 This cruise will take you to corners of the Sounds rarely seen by visitors – no cruise is ever the same.


Spend the day or a few hours at Lochmara in the Queen Charlotte Sound. Enjoy a 20 minute cruise over to Lochmara and choose from an array of activities, including a self guided walk around our 11 acre property with interpretation panels on the native flora and fauna, for those fit walkers we have a 3.5 km access track to the Queen Charlotte track, participate in the daily hand-feeding on animals including the Kakariki (native parakeet) and join a guided tour (additional fee applies) of the "Underwater Observatory – see below the sea without getting wet" The only one of its kind in the top of the South Island.

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island, with this indulgent Greenshell Mussel Cruise. On the cruise you'll sample local seafood such as salmon, and Greenshell mussels. Relax and unwind while you cruise the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound aboard our luxury vessel on this half-day tour, departing Picton. Learn about local history, pass by a mussel farm and take in the stunning scenery. This tour requires a minimum of 6 guests to proceed. In the event the minimum is not reached, travelers will be offered an alternative cruise date.

For over 60 years, Interislander has been sharing the stunning scenery of Wellington Harbour and the breath-taking Marlborough Sounds with over 800,000 passengers every year. The voyage between the North and South Islands of Aotearoa New Zealand has been described as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world and is a ‘must do’ experience for everyone exploring our stunning country. The three-hour journey gives plenty of time to soak in the scenery and enjoy the fresh, local food and beverages we pride ourselves in. Our three spacious and comfortable Interislander ferries – Kaitaki, Aratere and Kaiarahi – cross the Cook Strait at regular times, 7 days a week, all year round. Book your tickets now!

Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds on this 4 hour half day guided sea kayak tour. Your tour takes in the western end of the Queen Charlotte Sound with its sheltered coves, beautiful beaches, azure blue waters and lush native bush. Learn about the history of the area from your knowledgeable, relaxed and friendly guides.  On any given day, you have a good chance of seeing sting rays and eagle rays, a huge variety of sea birds including cormorants and sometimes little blue penguins, seals, huge starfish and if we are really lucky, even dolphins. We have small groups with 1 Guide per 8 people kayaking.

For over 60 years, Interislander has been sharing the stunning scenery of Wellington Harbour and the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds with over 800,000 passengers every year. The voyage between the North and South Islands of Aotearoa New Zealand has been described as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world and is a ‘must do’ experience for everyone exploring our stunning country. The three-hour journey gives plenty of time to soak in the scenery and enjoy the fresh, local food and beverages we pride ourselves in. Our three spacious and comfortable Interislander ferries – Kaitaki, Aratere and Kaiarahi – cross the Cook Strait at regular times, 7 days a week, all year round. Book your tickets now! Note: This InterIslander option does not allow travel with your vehicle.

Enjoy an afternoon among the vines on this half-day wine tour from Picton. You will be collected and taken on a tour through the Marlborough wine region visiting approximately three to four wineries. A lunch stop is not included in this tour so it is advised that you have something to eat prior to joining the tour so you can enjoy tasting a range of stunning Marlborough wines. Flexibility is the key, and we will always do our best to include any requests you may have or let the experts select some fabulous wineries for you to visit for the afternoon.

Postie's Day Off cruise includes a 45-minute bush walk through native bush in the Dillon Bell Reserve. A Picnic lunch/farm tour or lunch at Te Rawa Lodge and the final leg sees us arriving at Hopai Bay Farm, home to the Gerard family. Treasures from the farm, forest and foreshore are scattered throughout the garden, and a large variety of exotic and native plantings thrive in the high-rainfall, low-fertility clay soils in an almost sub-tropical climate. This is a unique and evolving Sounds Garden, where the chief gardener admits that the farm always comes first, but that the garden is at its very heart. Our friendly, fun local crew will provide informative and entertainment commentary about life in this isolated part of the Marlborough Sounds. LUNCH: You can either bring your own lunch – to enjoy at the Foote Family Farm or purchase lunch at Te Rawa Lodge (you cannot do both). WINE TASTING ADD ON: Enjoy wine tastings for an extra $20, just pay on the day!

The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular wildlife. Visit Motuara Island and cruise the majestic Queen Charlotte sound. Water, wilderness and wildlife. You will have the opportunity to see multiple species of wildlife, including rare sea birds, marine mammals and endangered land birds. Led by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, you will be given the possibility of viewing five different species of dolphins. Enjoy a fully-guided walk on Motuara Island, seeing and hearing the amazing bird life where Captain Cook planted the first flag and claimed New Zealand.

Explore the Marlborough Sounds on foot with one of the popular self-guided walks on the Queen Charlotte Track. Choose from three walks of varying length and challenge, with options that may include Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet or Torea Bay. Round-trip boat service takes you to the start of your route and picks you up at the end. The day hikes offer a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Queen Charlotte Track within a shorter time frame. Please note that the return times to Picton and pick up times are on a set schedule, you will not return to Picton until between 5:30pm-6:00pm. Please advise us if you are visiting with a Cruise Ship as our boat timings may not get you back in time for the ships departure from Port.

This air tour is the best way to see and experience the grandeur of the inner Marlborough Sounds, with views beyond to the Outer Sounds.

Join this guided full day tour in the historic Pelorus Mail Boat as it delivers mail, groceries, freight, and people to this stunning and remote inland waterway. The people living here have no road access and no mains electricity. A real-life cruise providing an essential service to the residents of the largest part of the Marlborough Sounds.

This tour offers an amazing fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! Guided by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, you are sure to spot some rare seas birds, marine animals, and endangered land birds. Enjoy spotting Dolphins in the calm, sheltered waters before traveling to Ships Cove and Motuara Island!

Experience the best of beautiful Marlborough on this full-day tour. Get picked up from Blenheim in the morning and head straight to your first of two wineries. Taste award-winning Marlborough wine, talk with respected winemakers, and explore beautiful Marlborough vineyards at both locations. Afterward, enjoy a light lunch prior to departure, then sit back for a relaxing afternoon as you join fellow travelers for our very popular Seafood Odyssea Cruise, accompanied by fresh local seafood tastings as you cruise the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound while cruising aboard a luxury vessel, and learn about the local history. Make use of the onboard licensed bar, serving a range of Marlborough wines, along with beers, juice, and bottled water. With the small group setting of the morning and the camaraderie of a larger group in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a well-rounded and memorable day exploring Marlborough's highlights.

The half day guided sea kayak trip is an ideal opportunity to fit a little kayaking adventure into a busy day – or for those just wanting a taste of sea kayaking. Our priority is to get you out on the water, allowing maximum time to enjoy the tranquil waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Your guide will enjoy sharing their knowledge of the Marlborough Sounds and it's native flora and fauna as you paddle along. The area is surrounded by bush-clad shorelines and sandy beaches. We’ll stop for a light refreshment break along the way before returning to Picton.

Tour participants see the full grandeur of the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds in one experience that can only be done by air. And get to stop by a remote beach to soak up the wilderness.

Enjoy a 4-5 hour fun tour with a local chauffeur/guide departing from the Port of Picton with a scenic journey to the Marlborough Wine region. Taste award winning local wines, delicious gourmet treats and view stunning landscapes as you travel from place to place. Each cellar door offers unique styles and of course some famous Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. There is time to visit 3-4 wineries on your tour. Savour local cuisine in a winery garden café or enjoy a wine with a cheese, meat, seafood platter overlooking the stunning Wairau Valley. Returning to Picton in plenty of time for your ships scheduled departure you might like to include a short return drive to see spectacular views from a great look out of Picton Port, your ship and the sparkling Queen Charlotte Sound.