Top Picton Cruises & Sailing

Spend half a day among the thriving wildlife of the outer Marlborough Sounds on a small-boat wildlife tour from Picton. Spot rare sea birds like penguins and shags, plus a couple of species of dolphin, in Queen Charlotte Sound. Set foot on Motuara Island, a bird sanctuary Island that holds significance to colonial New Zealand history. Your guides are deeply knowledgeable about this area, so make the most of them and ask plenty of questions.

An air tour is an ideal way to see the vast area of the Marlborough Sounds, much of which has no road access. Many visitors only see the relatively developed Queen Charlotte Sound, but on this tour by light aircraft you’ll fly above all four sounds. Be amazed by the views of mountains rising out of sunken river valleys, and even land at a remote, pristine beach in the outer sounds for 20 minutes.

- Hop on and off at 26 popular Marlborough locations without having to drive yourself - Knowledgeable drivers provide all information, easy to use map and timetable - Enjoy the freedom of hopping on and hop off at as many destinations as you please - stay as long as you like! - See some of the best wineries, breweries, museums and much more! - An awesome idea for groups of friends, couples or singles alike Please note a child ticket is 12years and under.

When you have limited time, a delivery cruise is an ideal way to get around the Marlborough Sounds. Get an up-close look at remote homes and resorts while your boat delivers supplies to hidden coves and tucked-away bays. Learn about the ever-popular Queen Charlotte Track and relax while exploring miles of wild coastline.

Visit several wineries in the Marlborough wine region on a half-day tour from Picton. Enjoy wine tasting at each location, and learn about New Zealand's prolific wine industry from your guide on this comprehensive wine tour.

Taste some great New Zealand wines on a half-day tour of the Marlborough wine region. Visit various vineyards, learn about the region's distinct terroirs, and go wine tasting at four wineries from Picton or Blenheim. Tastings, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included on this small-group tour limited to 11 guests.

Take in a slice of rustic Marlborough living on this mail boat cruise of Tōtaranui / Queen Charlotte Sound. Life in the sounds is remote, and this tour offers the chance to share in the excitement of mail day. Enjoy a free morning in Picton before spending your afternoon cruising past isolated bays, with a unique route on offer each day. Ask your skipper about the history of the Queen Charlotte Sound, and benefit from their help spotting the wildlife that frequent these waterways.

Enjoy the tranquil network of waterways that makes up Marlborough Sounds. This morning cruise will take you to Ship Cove, where you can disembark and see a memorial to Captain Cook, Mãori wood carvings and enjoy the sheltered beach. On your journey you will hear informative commentary about the marine life, cultural history and natural features of the region from your knowledgeable captain.

Pair superb views of New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds with a glass of the area’s famous Sauvignon Blanc and a bowl of freshly-steamed Greenshell Mussels on this sightseeing cruise. Cruise aboard a high-end luxury launch featuring both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Soak up the scenery of Queen Charlotte Sound and visit a local mussel farm.

The sunken river valleys, forested cliffs, and sandy bays of the Marlborough Sounds are one of the best places in New Zealand to spot dolphins in their natural environment, but increased tourism can often put wildlife at risk. This 4-hour cruise from Picton is run by certified Department of Conservation operators, allowing you to interact with dusky, bottlenose, and orca dolphins in a safe, fun, and eco-friendly way.

Set anchor at Ship Cove, a sheltered bay of Queen Charlotte Sound where Captain James Cook landed in the late 1700s. During this half-day nature cruise in the Marlborough Sounds, enthusiastic marine biologists point out wildlife including New Zealand fur seals and several species of dolphins: Hector's, bottlenose and dusky. Spot rare seabirds and learn about the history between Cook and the Maori people of Aotearoa while you’re treated to refreshments on board.

If you're looking for an unforgettable nature experience, look no further than the Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton. This tour takes you to one of New Zealand's rodent-free offshore sanctuaries, Motuara Island, where you'll see a variety of native birds in regenerating native bush. You'll also cruise to Meretoto / Ship Cove, a beautiful sheltered cove that was once a favorite spot of Captain James Cook. Compared with a traditional mail boat cruise, this tour offers more time seeing wildlife and less time parked on shore.

Benefit from the wildlife-spotting skills of marine biologists on this small-group ecotour from the Picton waterfront. You’ll cruise to Motuara Island, a bird sanctuary in the Marlborough Sounds, and search the sheltered waters for wild dolphins along the way. See rare seabirds, marine mammals, and endangered land birds protected in their natural environment.

Search for rare seabirds and several species of marine mammals, such as Hector's, bottlenose and dusky dolphins along with New Zealand fur seals, during a half-day sightseeing cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Cruise to Queen Charlotte Sound and take a nature walk on Motuara Island, where a predator-free landscape allows for plentiful birdlife. Listen to commentary from enthusiastic marine biologists, and treat yourself to tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies.

When your cruise ship arrives in Picton, take advantage of a half-day excursion that introduces you to four Marlborough wineries handpicked by a guide. On this small-group tour you’ll taste the region’s sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, stroll through Blenheim vineyards, and sample boutique chocolates. Round-trip minivan transport is provided from the nearby i-SITE.

The only Marlborough wine tour lead by a local winemaker or Marlborough wine expert. Make the most of your short time in Marlborough. Visit 4-5 wineries in the region. Enjoy an informative vineyard stroll, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at a modern working winery and capture the best behind-the-scenes winery photos. A shared gourmet platter at a vineyard restaurant is included and is always a highlight, along with a visit to a boutique chocolate factory or a Brewery. This tour is tailored to the needs of Cruise Ship passengers who may have different timing requirements to our standard daily tours. The tour usually departs at around 9.30am but may change to suit your ships arrival time. You can relax knowing that we will return you safely and on time for your ship. This tour is for a maximum of 10 people. For larger groups please contact us for a quote.

Combine some of Marlborough's classic activities on this full-day tour: cruising on Queen Charlotte Sound and tasting some of the area's world-renowned wines. Spend the morning out cruising aboard a catamaran, then go ashore to a winery for lunch and wine tasting. Continue the afternoon with more winery visits and tastings.

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island on this cruise. The cruise features Regal salmon and Greenshell mussels with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for the definitive wine/food match. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound while cruising aboard our luxury launch that departs from Picton. Cruise near an aquatic farm, learn about aquaculture in the Marlborough Sounds and take in the picturesque scenery.

Taste the wines of the Marlborough region on a full-day tour from Picton. You'll visit six or seven wineries and a boutique chocolate factory, and have time to purchase lunch at a winery restaurant. Your tour includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in central Picton.

Discover the award-winning wines of the Marlborough region on a private shore excursion from Picton for your group of up to six people. The exact itinerary is tailored to you, with plenty of time to sip locally-made wines, browse art galleries, then pause for lunch and views of Marlborough's rolling vineyards, plus many customizable options. Pricing is per-vehicle, and includes a wine tasting and a chocolate tasting, as well as round-trip shuttle transport from the Port of Picton.

Go exactly where you want, at your own pace and without having to compromise with a group, when you join a private guided tour of the Marlborough wine region. Relax and indulge in fine wine and good food in New Zealand’s largest wine-growing region without the risk of self-driving. Select your stops or let the experienced team choose the venues best suited to your needs and interests.

Experience the Marlborough wine region in a special way with a private group tour that lets you choose your own adventure. Your local and knowledgeable chauffeur guides you from Picton port through the scenic Wairu Valley to Marlborough’s wine tasting region, on a tour tailored for you. Visit local wineries with wine tasting, gourmet snacks and chocolate treats all included. This flexible tour allows you to choose the journey and can include attractions such as a visit to local galleries, beautiful gardens, and tasting delicious boutique chocolate at Makana Confections.

Nestled at the north eastern end of New Zealand’s beautiful South Island, Marlborough is a land of scenic lakes, fertile vineyards, and spectacular coastal scenery. With this tour, travel in comfort by private vehicle and see the best of Marlborough with ease. Zoom through the Pelorus Sound by powerful jet-boat, and experience wet and wild 360-degree spins across the waves. Then, travel into the Marlborough wine region for a delicious 2-course seafood lunch, and sample some of the delicate wines for which this corner of the South Island is famous.