Top Picton How to Get Around

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.

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.

Travel in a comfortable van, watch the beautiful countryside go by as we drive from location to location. Sample 4 different local wines at either 3 or 4 different cellar doors. Everything is all arranged and booked for you. Do you have a sweet tooth? We can also call into the Chocolate Factory as a free extra if you like. ARRIVING ON A CRUISE SHIP, PLEASE NOTE: -Shuttle buses will bring you from the cruise ship to the Picton Information Centre, and this is where I will be waiting for you. Start times/meeting time may change, so please do keep in contact. This is due to evey cruise ships arrival time is different.

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.

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.

When your cruise ship arrives in Picton, take advantage of a half-day excursion that introduces you to four Marlborough wineries handpicked by a guide. On this small-group tour you’ll taste the region’s sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, stroll through Blenheim vineyards, and sample boutique chocolates. Round-trip minivan transport is provided from the nearby i-SITE.

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.

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.

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.

Embark on a self-guided hike along the Queen Charlotte Track, starting with a scenic Cougar Line trip to Punga Cove. The 11km return trail leads through lush native bush and offers breathtaking views of the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds. The final ascent to Eatwells Lookout presents a moderately challenging climb, culminating in 360-degree panoramic vistas. This adventure is perfect for those with a good fitness level, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a rewarding experience in New Zealand's stunning landscapes. - 11 km return hike featuring lush bush and stunning coastal views - Approximately 4-5 hours of walking, plus 1.5 hours by water taxi each way - Moderate to challenging trail suitable for fit hikers - Track Pass required for access, available for purchase at reception

Lochmara Lodge is a luxury getaway nestled in the Queen Charlotte Sound, only accessible by water or by a few hours of hiking. Skip the sweating and the heavy backpacks with this short cruise from Picton across the Sound to Lochmara. Once there, you’re free to explore the Lodge and its surroundings at your own pace – there’s no itinerary or time limit. Walk through the forest, go kayaking in Lochmara Bay, enjoy lunch in the waterfront cafe or see the fish in the Lodge’s Underwater Observatory.

Be amazed by the views of the bays, beaches, and mountains of the Marlborough Sounds on this half-hour scenic flight. Many parts of the sounds are difficult to access any other way, so taking a scenic flight is the easiest way of seeing a lot in a short time. Starting in Picton, you’ll fly over Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds, and catch views of the outer sounds along the way.

Welcome aboard the original Round the Bays Cruise, operated by us for over 30 years. Step into the Queen Charlotte Sound the largest of the Marlborough Sounds, a breathtaking network of ancient sea-drowned valleys. Named by Captain Cook after Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, this remarkable area is steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. As you depart Picton and cruise across the main reach of the Sound, you’ll discover sheltered bays, rolling hills cloaked in regenerating native forest, and an ever-changing backdrop of bird and marine life. This relaxed scenic cruise is the perfect way to experience the very best of the Marlborough Sounds in a limited time frame, making it an ideal option for a cruise ship shore excursion. With over three decades of experience sharing these waters, your friendly crew is always happy to share local knowledge and stories, ensuring you leave with a true sense of the magic that makes this region so special.

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.

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.

When your cruise ship arrives in the port of Picton, located in Queen Charlotte Sound, take a shore excursion to Blenheim and the Marlborough wine region with a guide. Enjoy wine tasting while you learn about the area’s cultural heritage. Travel with a small group along a scenic route and relax in winery gardens and cafés overlooking the Wairau Valley.

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 up to five wineries in Blenheim for tastings and vineyard tours, discovering both internationally famous wines and lesser-known New Zealand gems. Also stop for lunch (own expense) and sample locally made chocolates before heading back to Picton in time to board your ship.

Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour. Enjoy a cultural self-guided audio tour of the serene seaside area of Picton. This tour will take you on a historical journey where you will learn about Picton’s Māori past and see sights such as the ancient Whaling Harpoon and postcard perfect Picton foreshore.

Pair superb views of the Marlborough Sounds with a bowl of freshly steamed greenshell mussels on this culinary and sightseeing afternoon cruise. Sail aboard a boat with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Try a glass or two of local Marlborough wine (own expense), great for pairing with your mussels. Soak up the scenery, learn about marine farming in the Marlborough Sounds, and pass a local mussel farm.

Discover the award-winning wines and delicious cuisine of the Marlborough region on a private shore excursion from Picton for your group of up to six people. The exact itinerary is tailored to you, with plenty of time to sip locally made wines (own expense), browse art galleries, then pause for lunch (own expense) with views of Marlborough's rolling vineyards. Start in Picton and visit both Blenheim and Havelock.

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.