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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.

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.

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.

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.

Search for rare seabirds and several species of marine mammals, such as Hector's, bottlenose and dusky dolphins along with New Zealand fur seals, during a half-day sightseeing cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Cruise to Queen Charlotte Sound and take a nature walk on Motuara Island, where a predator-free landscape allows for plentiful birdlife. Listen to commentary from enthusiastic marine biologists, and treat yourself to tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Slip into Marlborough Sounds for a swim alongside pods of wild dolphins, with certified guides to help find the dolphins and ensure the tour is dolphin-friendly. Watch for dusky, bottlenose, common, orca, and Hector’s dolphins, and if conditions allow, you’ll have the chance to view the dolphins from inside the water. This dolphin tour includes wetsuits with hoods and booties, as well as hot drinks on board the boat, and round-trip transport from the Picton waterfront.

Make the most of Marlborough in winter during a private half-day tour of the vineyards in the off-season. Enjoy a custom itinerary featuring wine tastings at renowned wineries, local gourmet treats, and scenic views of snowy mountain tops. This tour includes bottled water and wine tasting fees, with lunch at your own expense. Experience a personalized journey through New Zealand’s largest wine region that’s tailored to your interests.

Drive Marlborough yourself, with a GPS audio guide that plays automatically as you go. Your booking unlocks the whole region in the free Wine Trails app: pick your date and starting point — most people begin in Blenheim or straight off the Picton ferry, though you can start anywhere and the GPS will pick you up — choose the cellar doors you want, and the app builds your personal route with turn-by-turn narration. 85 narrated stories cover 48 cellar doors and the valleys between them: as you cross the Wairau plain you'll hear how this was sheep country until 1973, when Montana Wines pushed seventy-five thousand vine cuttings into stony ground every expert had written off as too cold, too windy and too far south for serious wine. No group, no schedule, no guide — pause for a long lunch, replay anything, and the audio keeps working when the signal drops. You'll need a car and a designated driver; tastings are booked and paid directly with the wineries.

See the exquisite Marlborough Sounds from the water during a full-day adventure by sea kayak. Depart from the Picton waterfront and prepare to be wowed as you paddle past secluded coves in Queen Charlotte Sound. Your knowledgeable guide points out marine life such as eagle rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and more. Stop at a sheltered beach for a delicious lunch on-the-go.

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.

Combine sea kayaking and self-guided hiking on this full-day outdoor adventure in the Marlborough Sounds. Paddle from Picton to the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound, looking out for marine life such as eagle rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and dolphins. Paddle past secluded beaches before stopping to take an independent walk on the new Link Pathway from Ngakuta Bay to Picton in the afternoon.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 3-4 of the best wineries in the region. Enjoy an informative vineyard stroll, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at a New Zealand 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 flexible 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 2 people. But the van holds 11 so For larger groups please contact us for a quote. Lunch is at own cost at the vineyard restaurant.

Combine some of Marlborough's classic activities on this full-day tour: cruising on Queen Charlotte Sound and tasting some of the area's world-renowned wines. Spend the morning out cruising aboard a catamaran, then go ashore to a winery for lunch and wine tasting. Continue the afternoon with more winery visits and tastings.

Experience the Marlborough wine region in a special way with a private group tour that lets you choose your own adventure. Your local and knowledgeable chauffeur guides you from Picton port through the scenic Wairu Valley to Marlborough’s wine tasting region, on a tour tailored for you. Visit local wineries with wine tasting, gourmet snacks and chocolate treats all included. This flexible tour allows you to choose the journey and can include attractions such as a visit to local galleries, beautiful gardens, and tasting delicious boutique chocolate at Makana Confections.

Exploring Marlborough’s wine scene on your own means designating a driver and juggling reservations. This full-day tour from Picton removes the hassle, taking you to a curated selection of local wineries for guided tastings and insight into what makes this region one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine destinations. Along the way, learn about Marlborough’s winemaking style as you sample its wines, and enjoy free time to purchase lunch at a winery restaurant.