Discover the natural beauty and fresh seafood of the Marlborough Sounds during a 3.5-hour cruise from Picton. Travel by luxury catamaran through the sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound, located at the top of New Zealand's South Island. Taste fresh seafood served on board and paired with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. You'll also learn about aquaculture in the Marlborough Sounds, check out a salmon and mussel farm, and get great photo ops of the region.

3.5-hour Marlborough Sound sightseeing and seafood cruise, from Picton
Glide through Queen Charlotte Sound and listen to the captain's informative commentary on the region
Includes samples of fresh local seafood paired with a glass of Marlborough sauvignon blanc wine
Get clear views of the Sound's gorgeous scenery
Look for wildlife like seals, dolphins, and penguins

What's Included

Food tasting
Alcoholic Beverages
Live commentary on board
Local taxes

Food and drinks, unless specified

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Seafood Odyssea Cruise
Town Wharf 6 Picton Marina, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Our vessels are docked at Town Wharf 6 at Picton Marina. This is at the east end of the Picton waterfront, near the private vessel marina. There is a carpark nearby. OR, pop into our Cougar Line Office right on the waterfront - Corner of London Quay and Wellington Street in Picton.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Make your own way to the Picton Marina in the early afternoon to board your 65-foot (20-meter) luxury catamaran. Picton is located at the top of the South Island, near the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound and just 25 minutes north of Blenheim.

Get comfortable on one of the outdoor decks or in the cabin, which has booth seats with tables, and lounge areas. Take in sweeping views of the the scenic waterways of the Sound as your captain takes you to salmon and mussel farms along the route. The crew serves up samples of fresh seafood from local sources (typically steamed greenshell mussels, king salmon and Cloudy Bay clams) accompanied by a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc wine.

Hear informative commentary about the region from your captain during the cruise, and keep an eye out for possible sightings of wildlife such as penguins, dolphins and seals.

A range of light snacks, hot tea and coffee, Marlborough wines, beer, juice, and bottled water are available for purchase on board.

Your 3.5-hour tour ends with return to the Picton Marina in the early evening.

Queen Charlotte Sound (Pass By)

Marlborough Sounds

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate

Children must be accompanied by an adult
Check in for your cruise is 15 minutes prior to departure.
May not be suitable for cruise ship guests, as the times for this cruise may not align to meet the callback time to the cruise ship. Please confirm your callback time before booking.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Michael_K

This was an outstanding cruise that set the standard for our New Zealand cruise. The boat was comfortable and the cruise was great as we traveled through the Marlborough Sounds. The mussels and salmon were fantastic and the wine was also very good. A pleasant and courteous crew along with the great weather made it a very enjoyable time. Would highly recommend this excursion and well worth the price.

Reviews

5.0

91 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 91 reviews

An older couple’s adventure in NZ.

Geof_W, Apr 2024

We enjoyed the seafood tastings and local wine although we didn’t manage to see any dolphins. We did however see a small pocket of marine protection where there were some fish.

Magnificent experience

Joy_S, Apr 2024

It was a wonderful few hours exploring the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sounds. Very informative commentary from Captain Nick who also cooked the most beautiful green lipped mussels and salmon. It was the best we have ever tasted. Very generous quantities too! So pleased we did the cruise. Best value so far of all we have done in the south island. Highly recommend.

Mussels!

Stacey_H, Mar 2024

The mussels were great - good explanation of the growth and harvesting process. Friendly staff, informative cruise.

Serene Sounds

Jodi_L, Mar 2024

Had picture perfect weather and a relaxing afternoon for our day in Picton. The tour was a wonderful experience cruising around the Marlborough Sounds. Captain shared insights about the scenery and properties and the seafood experience was enjoyable.

Well worth it!

Colleen_M, Mar 2024

The mussels were wonderful and the cruise was very smooth, despite the windy conditions. A perfect day in Picton Bay!

Perfect afternoon on the water

Emily_S, Mar 2024

A great way to get out on the water and taste some local seafood. I ate as many mussels as I wanted to eat to my surprise. The crew and passengers were friendly, enhancing the experience.

An awesome cruise with seafood delights.

Tania_E, Mar 2024

Captain Fred and the crew of the Odyssey were brilliant, friendly and well informed of the area we were cruising. The green mussels and fresh salmon cooked by the captain himself on the bbq at the back of the vessel was mouth-watering along with the complimentarysavignonblanc wine. Great 4hrs to spend an a half day, would thoroughly recommend it. Boat was comfortable and roomy with circa 25 people.

Wonderful Day!

Cathy_V, Mar 2024

Great time! Weather was wonderful. Crew was friendly, informative and made the trip! The captain not only drive the ship but was the cook. If you get a chance go on this excursion.

Fabulous trip on the Sounds

Karen_H, Feb 2024

Beautiful scenery, friendly hosts and delicious food. A memorable experience, highly recommended afternoon trip.

Must Try the Most delicious Mussels in the World

Ann_W, Feb 2024

We had a marvelous time in the Picton cruise. we ate so, so many the most delicious fresh green NZ mussels I had ever eaten in my entire lifetime. People who worked in the ship were so friendly and generous. We really enjoyed the view and the food. Thank you so very much!

Great trip

Steven_H, Feb 2024

Fabulous trip. And the finest mussels you will ever taste. Highly recommended. And the wine wasn't shabby either.

Great Crew, Food, Weather and Sailing Excursion

Michael_K, Feb 2024

Pleasant afternoon on the Sounds.

Andrew_V, Feb 2024

A relaxing and pleasant tour in the Marlborough Sounds. The smaller boat was out of commission so we joined a larger boat with more people. This was a shame. A large cruise ship was in so might be helpful for people to know when this happens as can influence the atmosphere on the boat. It was a bit more looking at properties than exploring the sounds. All the crew were great and the seafood tasting enjoyable.

Super cool…..

Diane_W, Feb 2024

Captain was fantastic! The sounds are amazing. Wonderful time! Loved the 1/2 day tour. Food was good and the crew did a nice job.

A lovely trip!

Shauna_H, Jan 2024

This was a stunning sail on a beautiful river. The views were incredible. It was a really comfy trip. Though dress in layers! The fish they served and what they taught us was so good. My only complaint was if you sit at the bow with the best view it was hard to hear the captain speaking about the area. Overall it was really a great experience!

Missed the tour by 8 mins.

Sharyn_A, Dec 2023

Unfortunately we missed the tour by 8mins due to Ovation of the Seas being late to get clearance from the port authorities. Very disappointed.

Fabulous!

Karen_M, Dec 2023

Fabulous trip through the Marlborough sounds. Very well looked after by Captain and crew. Would definitely recommend.

Great day out

anthony_s, Nov 2023

Enjoyed the trip out to a bay we anchored in for lunch. Captain cooked up Plenty of Green Lip Mussels followed by Salmon, all with bread, oil and Dukka. We were served at least one glass of white wine each included and you could buy beer .Good company and excellent crew

Beautiful place

Julie_W, Oct 2023

Doesn’t deliver what is advertised. No aquaculture - you don’t see salmon farm or muscle/ clam farming. Lovely boat and friendly staff. From departure to return 2 3/4hr

The dolphins following...

Joanne_K, Aug 2023

The dolphins following the boat. The hosts very friendly and informative. Enjoyed the salmon and mussel tastings. We picked a great day for the weather. Stunning.