New Zealand · PICTON & MARLBOROUGH TOURS
Good picton & marlborough tours fill up over summer; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
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”
Beyond the Vines Marlborough: small-group winery tastings and vineyard walks, with Saint Clair lunch. Pickup from Picton or Blenheim.
“Our guide was outstanding and made some real time adjustments to plan at the group’s request. Great set of wineries. Great communication.”
One-way Coastal Pacific train from Picton to Christchurch with GPS audio, Pacific and Kaikoura views, plus a cafe for snacks.
“Lovely train trip along the east coast of the South Island. Very scenic - great to see the seals. Comfortable journey.”
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.”
Self-guided wine tour by bike in Renwick, Marlborough with Lorelle and Greg. Includes bikes, cellar map video, shuttle, and support.
“Very well organized and friendly staff. The day was amazing from the beginning until the end. I would definitely recommend booking this activity with them!”
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…”
Small-group Marlborough wine tour from Blenheim, with tastings at multiple wineries, beer and chocolate stops, and door-to-door pickup.
“The tour included several really good wineries a fantastic luncheon and a wonderful guide. We enjoyed every minute.”
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!!”
InterIslander ferry Picton to Wellington (3.5 hours) across Cook Strait. Queen Charlotte Sound views, big luggage allowance, on-foot or with car.
“It was hugely beautiful vessel. Boarding was a breeze, staff very cordial. Views, outstanding, ofcourse (did n't see whales, just kidding).Highly recommended”
Flat, self-guided biking in Marlborough with hotel transfers, a wine map, and easy access to 12 nearby cellar doors.
“A lovely day with nice bikes and so well organised. Thank you so much! Jessicka”
Self-guided bike wine tour from Blenheim with e-bikes, pickup, and a wine map. Cycle Marlborough vineyards and taste at your pace.
“A very good way to do the tastings. pre-Bookings at vineyards just needed for lunch or at Cloudy Bay and Fromm.”
Half-day Marlborough wine tour from Picton or Blenheim with pickup, a small group, and tastings at 4 top wineries in 4 to 5 hours.
“Hamish was an awesome guide! Very knowledgeable. Four very nice wineries. Must do this tour When in Picton!”
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.”
Paddle the Pelorus River on a Hobbit barrel run from Havelock, with Smaug filming stops, local heritage talk, and return transport.
“We had a great time kayaking! Jade was a wonderful guide. There is a shower and hair dryer available if you decide to swim. I would definitely recommend!”
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.”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
