New Zealand · BOAT TOURS IN PICTON & MARLBOROUGH
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 boat tours in Picton & Marlborough justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part of planning.
Ride a working New Zealand Post mail boat through Queen Charlotte Sound from Picton, with live stories, wildlife and rural deliveries.
“One of the best activities we have done on our NZ trip! Great skipper full of stories, learned about the people who live remotely along the Tory channel, nice boat. Can only recommend it! Monika & Roland”
Cruise the Marlborough Sounds by working mail boat from Havelock. See seals and dolphins, hear real stories, and meet remote families.
“Great day out. Interesting to see people living so remotely. The Boat crew were friendly and helpful. We had to change the day we booked, not a problem. Loved the dogs, goats, and the big fat pig that greeted the boat.”
Mail day in Queen Charlotte Sound from Picton. A 4-hour cruise with onboard commentary, remote coves, possible dolphins, and optional onshore stops.
“This trip was everything I hoped for. Jason ( skipper) is clearly very very committed to his land and sea . Rightfully proud and worried for its future, he educated all of us on the work that's been done, and to be done in the future. It was a beautiful day and I loved the peace and solace I felt being out on the water. We delivered mail to the remotest of areas in the Sound and dropped off a few residents along the way. The uniqueness of the job Jason has is wonderful. A man of many talents!It was truly wonderful and a day I won't forget. Picton is…”
Morning cruise from Picton through Queen Charlotte Sound to Ship Cove, with live commentary, Captain Cook sites, and possible dolphins.
“Scipper informative and skilled and sore heaps dolphins , beautiful scenery. Fabulous day out!!”
Half-day Marlborough Sounds cruise from Picton with a predator-free Motuara bird walk, dolphin and seal spotting, plus snacks and wine.
“The eco-tour was very nice. We were given a good briefing and instructive information about animals and nature. We really enjoyed Motuara Island. Unfortunately, live animals such as jellyfish and starfish were taken out of the water and left on the boat in the hot sun. Without my intervention, the animals would have burnt in the sun. This has no ecological aspect for me.”
Small-group Marlborough wine tour from Picton port with pickup, up to 5 tastings, vineyard walk, and chocolate stop.
“Great choice of wineries were visited and our guide/driver Lucinda was very knowledgeable of the grapes and vineyards since she owns a winery in the area.”
Half-day Marlborough Sounds cruise from Picton to Ship Cove, with live commentary and great odds of dolphins, plus time to explore.
“This tour is a day in the life of the captain of this boat. It was interesting to find out how different people went about getting their personal bags to different places without carrying them everywhere.”
Small-boat wildlife cruise from Picton to Motuara Island, with dolphins, penguins and seals, free binoculars, and refreshments in the Marlborough Sounds.
“At first, we thought there were too many people on the excursion. The boat was filled, but everyone had a place to sit and view. We saw the King Cormorant, seals with their tails waving above water, as well as sunning. We were taken to MRead more”
3-hour luxury catamaran cruise from Picton with captain commentary and fresh salmon and mussel tastings in Queen Charlotte Sound.
“Very nice scenery. The staff were friendly and boat was nice and clean. enjoyed tasting of New Zealand green lipped mussels and salmon.”
Cruise the remote Marlborough Sounds on the Pelorus Mail Boat from Havelock, with mail drops, wildlife spotting, and a possible mussel farm tour.
“Very special and so very beautiful. An insight into living in the Pelorus Sounds.”
Hop on hop off from Picton into Marlborough wine country, with frequent bus stops for wineries, breweries, museums, and easy cruise-day timing.
“No indication is given in the details online that booking with individual wineries is required or that the time available realistically limits the number of stops to 2”
Marlborough Icons Tour pairs expert winery tastings with a Queen Charlotte Sound cruise and fresh greenshell mussels from Blenheim or Picton.
“AMAZING DAY - On the water and on land this was by far our best tour! Mussels, Clams, Salmon, Wine, Lunch - A”
A 90-minute Queen Charlotte Sounds cruise from Picton Port, with skipper commentary, wildlife spotting, and fish feeding.
“We loved the cruise to Queen Charlotte Sounds. The staff, both in the shop & on the cruise boat were very helpful, informative & safety conscious. It was a lovely & affordable way to spend an afternoon. We were shown some beautiful scenery and wildlife. Seating was adequate with inside, outside & upstairs seating available. Great memories made.”
Two winery tastings, light lunch, and a seafood cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, with mussels, salmon, and one Sauvignon Blanc.
“Such a great day and tour that sees all you need. the bus was very comfortable and we were picked up at our door. The two wineries were really nice. perfect day on the water eating Mussels and Salmon. Guides and crew were great. Very relaxing overall!”
A 3.5-hour Marlborough Sounds delivery cruise from Picton, with live skipper commentary, hidden coves, and big-chance wildlife views.
“Seeing the expanse if the Sounds and seeing all the remote hideaways. The boat was roomy and the skipper very informative”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
