Top Picton Eco Tours

Discover the natural beauty and fresh seafood of the Marlborough Sounds on an afternoon cruise from Picton. Travel by luxury catamaran through the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Taste fresh, locally farmed salmon and Greenshell mussels on board, pairing them with a glass of local wine if you like (own expense). Learn about marine farming in the sounds, and admire the views of otherwise hard-to-reach places.

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 Māori people of Aotearoa while you’re treated to refreshments on board. Board in Picton and travel up Queen Charlotte Sound to difficult-to-reach Motuara Island and Ship Cove.

Enjoy a morning cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound in the Marlborough Sounds, visiting historic Ship Cove, where Captain Cook landed in the 1770s. Disembark to see the memorial on the sheltered beach, as well as Māori wood carvings. On the return journey, cruise through Endeavour Inlet with passenger and freight drop-offs while listening to informative commentary about the marine life, cultural history, and natural features of the Marlborough Sounds.

When your cruise ship docks in Picton, take the opportunity to go wine tasting on a tour that visits some of Marlborough’s award-winning wineries. Visit several wineries in Blenheim for tastings and vineyard tours to see how the grapes are grown, discovering both internationally famous wines and lesser-known New Zealand gems. Also stop for lunch (own expense) and visit a boutique chocolate factory for samples and sales.

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.

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.

Benefit from marine biologists' wildlife-spotting skills on this half-day morning or afternoon eco-tour from Picton. Cruise to Blumine Island in outer Queen Charlotte Sound, a predator-free bird sanctuary known for its rare orange-fronted kakariki and king shags, and search sheltered waters for wild dolphins. See rare seabirds, marine mammals, and endangered land birds protected in their natural environment. Light refreshments are provided to keep you energized.

An air tour is an ideal way to see the vast area of the Marlborough Sounds, much of which has no road access. Many visitors only see the relatively developed Queen Charlotte Sound, but on this tour by light aircraft you’ll fly above all four sounds. Be amazed by the views of mountains rising out of sunken river valleys, and even land at a remote, pristine beach in the outer sounds for 20 minutes.

Taste some great New Zealand wines on a half-day tour of the Marlborough wine region. Visit various vineyards, learn about the region's distinct terroirs, and go wine tasting at four wineries from Picton or Blenheim. Tastings, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included on this small-group tour limited to 11 guests.

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.

Visit several wineries in the Marlborough wine region on a half-day tour from Picton. Enjoy wine tasting at each location, and learn about New Zealand's prolific wine industry from your guide on this comprehensive wine tour. Includes transfers from central Picton or Picton accommodation, plus all wine-tasting fees. Eat before the tour to fully enjoy the wine-tasting experience.

Take in the sights of Marlborough's wine-country scenery and taste some of the region's best offerings on this full-day tour from Blenheim or Picton. Make several stops at different wineries and taste Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Pinot Noir as well as some lesser-known varieties from the area. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for central locations, making your experience seamless and relaxing.

Tour the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound on a half-day paddling adventure from Picton. Settle into your sea kayak and follow an expert guide from the waterfront to sheltered coves and remote beaches. Search the waters for eagle rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and dolphins while you learn about the natural history of the Marlborough Sounds.

Take advantage of Interislander's daily ferry service from Picton to Wellington. Swap New Zealand’s South Island for the North Island, crossing the Cook Strait to the capital city. The Picton-to-Wellington ferry starts with a scenic cruise through the serene waters of Queen Charlotte Sound before entering the Cook Strait. The 3.5-hour crossing offers good views of both islands, providing a relaxed entrance into Wellington when the weather is good.