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.”
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.”
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!”
Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound from Picton with marine-farm facts and a fresh seafood tasting of salmon and Greenshell mussels.
“Fantastic day- amazing scenery, great food and superb service.”
3-hour catamaran cruise from Picton through Queen Charlotte Sound, learning about marine farming and tasting salmon and Greenshell mussels.
“Beautiful scenery, friendly crew and delicious salmon and mussels !”
Cruise Marlborough Sounds from Picton, enjoy steamed Greenshell mussels and NZ salmon, learn about marine farming, and sip local wine.
Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound by water taxi, then enjoy lunch at an Endeavour Inlet lodge with stunning views, return to Picton.
“The transport service is good. Smaller boat going to Furneaux Lodge but a bigger and better boat picked us up back to Picton. Boat service going back is so much better than the smaller one… Lunch at Furneaux is great. We were lucky to have amazing weather so we had time to walk around before heading back to Picton.”
A self-guided 8-hour Marlborough cruise day with 26 stops for wine, beer, food, and museums, plus HOHO discounts, no bus alcohol.
“The initial reaction was chaos when we got to the office. Only one lady seemed to know what she was doing and the stress on her was horrible. She handled it well if not abruptly. We didn’t really know what we were supposed to be doing. Once we finally got to a bus things improved.”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
