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Top Picton Eco Tours

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Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

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.

Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise

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.

Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Native Birds up close

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.

Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour to Blumine Island

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise

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.

Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Marlborough vine yard view

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.

Beyond the Vines - Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

visit a range of Marlborough cellar doors

Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton

Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton

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.

Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Queen Charlotte Sound

Bays and Bush Flight Scenic Tour

40 minutesFree Cancellation

Flying above the Queen Charlotte Sound

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.

Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Half-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton

Half-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Walking the Queen Charlotte Track

Experience the beauty on Marlborough Sounds on foot and by boat through a guided walk with round-trip boat service. You can choose from three walks of varying length and challenge. These include Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet or Torea Bay. Round-trip boat service drops you at the beginning and collects you at the end of your tour. A day hike is the perfect opportunity to experience the natural tranquility of the track, particularly if you have a shorter time-frame.

Self-Guided Queen Charlotte Track Walk from Picton

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Kaitaki travelling through 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.

InterIslander Ferry - Picton to Wellington

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Likely to Sell Out

Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton

Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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