Top Picton Water Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Access Motuara Island, a haven for some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable bird life. Enjoy a boat ride from Picton through the Marlborough Sounds with live commentary on board, then explore the island on your own. Look for rare birds (and well-known native favorites), see native bush flourishing, and relish the peace of the island.

Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge Cruise to Furneaux Lodge through Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui in the morning, arriving in time for lunch at the Furneaux Restaurant. Choose your delicious lunch from the set menu, and relax on the sweeping lawn overlooking Endeavour Inlet, or inside the cosy restaurant in Furneaux’s historic homestead. Explore the grounds, do a short walk or simply drink in the views until it’s time to meet us at the jetty at 3pm for the scenic cruise home - arriving back in Picton at approx 5pm.

Spend your day sea kayaking around Queen Charlotte Sound on a guided excursion from Picton. Paddle across the harbor and stop for morning tea at a remote beach, then continue into the Grove Arm of the sound and enjoy lunch in a tranquil bay. Keep an eye out for cormorants and other wildlife as you listen to expert commentary about the Marlborough Sounds from the guide.

Experience the adventure of a lifetime as we take you on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Escape to a world of breathtaking beauty and tranquillity. Our boat tour promises an extraordinary blend of luxury, nature, and adventure that you won't want to miss. Cruise around the beautiful bays, enjoy sightseeing tours, thrilling fishing charters and discover hidden treasures beneath the surface while snorkeling. Explore private beaches, bask in the company of abundant wildlife and explore everything the area has to offer. Whether it's a celebration, cherished occasion, business function, or family getaway, let the tranquil waters and breathtaking landscapes set the stage for unforgettable memories

Cruise to Punga Cove through Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui in the morning, arriving in time for lunch at the Punga Fern Restaurant. Relax on the deck while overlooking Endeavour Inlet, or inside the welcoming restaurant while you enjoy your lunch from the tasty lunch menu. Explore the grounds, sit on the beach, or simply drink in the views until we pick you up again at approximately 3.15pm for the scenic boat ride home to arrive back in Picton at approx 5pm.

We are the only Marlborough Sounds Guided Walk company with our own Boats. Your day starts with the Ultimate Wildlife Cruise through the calm sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound. You get onboard binoculars for viewing wildlife and species ID cards with a WCA Qualified Guide. Dolphins 95% of the time :-) Spend 1 hour on Motuara Island with its stunning views and range of Endangered Species where you can get close-up encounters with Rare Birds. The lookout has an amazing panoramic view. We pay DOC your access FEE. E-ko started Guided Walks on this island 25 years ago. After you visit Motuara Sanctuary Island, then to the famous Ship Cove. Then you can Walk the BEST of Queen Charlotte Track in a Loop. Trees up to 1500 years old only with us, Hidden in the bush. Self Guided with a Map showing you where the hidden gems are :-) Relive History and embrace nature. Walk the BEST 5kn, relax at Ship Cove with a complimentary glass of Pinot Gris, and enjoy the return cruise.