Top Picton Sightseeing Tours

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spend your day sea kayaking around Queen Charlotte Sound on a guided excursion from Picton. Paddle across the harbor and stop for morning tea at a remote beach, then continue into the Grove Arm of the sound and enjoy lunch in a tranquil bay. Keep an eye out for cormorants and other wildlife as you listen to expert commentary about the Marlborough Sounds from the guide.

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.

The only Marlborough wine tour organized by a local winemaker we will tailor make this wine tour to perfection. Make the most of your short time in Marlborough. Visit 4-5 of the best wineries in the region. Enjoy an informative vineyard stroll, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at a modern working winery and capture the best behind-the-scenes winery photos. This tour is tailored to the needs of Cruise Ship passengers who may have different timing requirements to our standard daily tours. The tour usually departs at around 9.30am but may change to suit your ships arrival time. You can relax knowing that we will return you safely and on time for your ship. This tour is for a maximum of 10 people. For larger groups please contact us for a quote. Lunch is at own cost at the vineyard restaurant.

Embark on an unforgettable full-day journey through the Marlborough Sounds, blending adventure with refined indulgence. Begin your morning with a professionally guided kayaking experience, exploring the tranquil, sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound/Totaranui. Paddle past secluded coves, glide beneath native bush-clad hills, and encounter marine wildlife such as seals, rays, and native birdlife in their natural habitat.  Following your morning on the water, step aboard our catamaran for an exclusive afternoon seafood cruise. Relax in comfort as you cruise through the stunning waterways, enjoy sampling local seafood such as salmon, and Greenshell mussels, complemented by premium Marlborough wines available to purchase. Breathe in the fresh sea air, soak in breathtaking coastal vistas, and immerse yourself in the moment.

Go exactly where you want, at your own pace and without having to compromise with a group, when you join a private guided tour of the Marlborough wine region. Relax and indulge in fine wine and good food in New Zealand’s largest wine-growing region without the risk of self-driving. Select your stops or let the experienced team choose the venues best suited to your needs and interests.

Experience the adventure of a lifetime as we take you on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Escape to a world of breathtaking beauty and tranquillity. Our boat tour promises an extraordinary blend of luxury, nature, and adventure that you won't want to miss. Cruise around the beautiful bays, enjoy sightseeing tours, thrilling fishing charters and discover hidden treasures beneath the surface while snorkeling. Explore private beaches, bask in the company of abundant wildlife and explore everything the area has to offer. Whether it's a celebration, cherished occasion, business function, or family getaway, let the tranquil waters and breathtaking landscapes set the stage for unforgettable memories

We are the only Marlborough Sounds Guided Walk company with our own boats. Your day starts with the Ultimate Wildlife Cruise through the calm sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound. You get on board binoculars for viewing wildlife and species ID cards with a WCA Qualified Guide. Dolphins 95% of the time :-) Spend 1 hour on Motuara Island with its stunning views and range of Endangered Species where you can get close-up encounters with Rare Birds. The lookout has an amazing panoramic view. We pay DOC your access fee. E-ko started Guided Walks on this island 25 years ago. After you visit Motuara - Sanctuary Island, then head to the famous Ship Cove. There you can Walk the BEST of Queen Charlotte Track in a Loop. Trees up to 1500 years old only with us, Hidden in the bush. Self Guided with a Map showing you where the hidden gems are :-) Re-live History and embrace nature. Walk the BEST 5km, relax at Ship Cove with a complimentary glass of Pinot Gris, and enjoy the return cruise.