Marlborough Sounds Greenshell Mussel Tasting Cruise
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Picton, New Zealand
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
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.
- Sample some of Marlborough's finest seafood, with wine to purchase
- This cruise departs from and returns to the Picton Marina
- Learn more about the area from live on-board commentary
- Afternoon cruise can easily fit into busy travel schedules
What's Included
- Food tasting
- Live commentary on board
- Local taxes
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Seafood Odyssea CruiseTown Wharf 6 Picton Marina, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Our vessels are docked at Picton Town wharf 6. This is at the east end of the Picton waterfront, near the private vessel marina. There is a carpark nearby. OR, pop into our Cougar Line Office right on the waterfront - Corner of London Quay and Wellington Street in Picton.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Head to Picton in the afternoon for the start of your cruise. You’ll climb aboard your vessel, with a seasoned skipper and crew to guide you through your sightseeing trip in this visually striking region.
Spend the afternoon cruising on a catamaran with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas as you sail through the Marlborough Sounds. Enjoy views of the mountains rising from the water and dig into a bowl of freshly steamed greenshell mussels. Choose whether to pair your meal with a glass of local wine from the onboard bar (own expense).
As you continue your boat trip, pass by a local mussel farm and listen to live commentary about how these bivalves are grown in the nutrient-rich, sheltered waters of the sounds.
You’ll return to Picton after your cruise, in the late afternoon.
Spend the afternoon cruising on a catamaran with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas as you sail through the Marlborough Sounds. Enjoy views of the mountains rising from the water and dig into a bowl of freshly steamed greenshell mussels. Choose whether to pair your meal with a glass of local wine from the onboard bar (own expense).
As you continue your boat trip, pass by a local mussel farm and listen to live commentary about how these bivalves are grown in the nutrient-rich, sheltered waters of the sounds.
You’ll return to Picton after your cruise, in the late afternoon.
1
Picton
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Minimum of six people
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please check in for this cruise is 15 minutes prior to departure.
- May not be suitable for cruise ship guests, as the times for this cruise may not align to meet the callback time to the cruise ship. Please confirm your callback time before booking.
- Please review and acknowledge our Swimming Waiver on our website before participating in any swimming activities. https://www.marlboroughtourcompany.co.nz/about-us/swimming-waiver/
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Emilly_B
I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who loves seafood, boats, and wine. The mussels were absolutely incredible—the best I’ve ever had in the world and incredibly large! We went as two couples, 32 yo, and it was easily the highlight of our trip. The attentiveness, professionalism, and quality of the service were excellent, and the staff were fantastic. We went on a day where the weather was a little hit and miss, but the boat is well protected and the staff provide blankets, so we were comfortable the whole time. The boat itself was amazing. My only suggestion would be to offer an option for food & wine pairings, as we definitely would have enjoyed that. Overall, an unforgettable experience!
Reviews
4.8
based on 54 reviews
Francesca_S, Mar 2026
What a beautiful sunny day to explore the sounds! Our cruise ship cancelled the sounds itinerary so this was a nice alternative in Picton. Wonderful mussels for tasting as well and plenty for everyone. Had a try of salmon on the grill as well.
Paul_D, Mar 2026
Incredibly fresh and tasty seafood (chinook salmon fresh off the barbecue and steamed green shell mussels) with a beautiful backdrop of ocean and undulating/ rugged landscapes. Our experience would not have happened if it were not for the incredibly hospitable staff (special shout out to Chelsea) who waited an extra 20 minutes to cast off (our ferry from Wellington) was an 1.5 hours late). Thank you for the great experience! 😊
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the fresh seafood.. Paired with those stunning coastal views, it really does make for a special day out.
A big thank you as well for your kind words about our team. We’ll be sure to pass on your shoutout to Chelsea, she’ll be so pleased to hear she made a difference to your experience. We’re always happy to go the extra mile when we can!
So glad you made it in the end, and we hope to welcome you back again soon
scott_c, Feb 2026
Great fun, learned about farming muscles - green llp muscles served were wonderful and the salmon was prefection. Service onboard was great, drinks were a good price, the wine was Marlborough and very, very good. Overall a wonderful way to spend time in Picton.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed learning about mussel farming, the seafood, and the local Marlborough wine. It’s great to hear the service and drinks hit the mark. We’d love to welcome you back for another memorable time in Picton!
Emilly_B, Sep 2025
I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who loves seafood, boats, and wine. The mussels were absolutely incredible—the best I’ve ever had in the world and incredibly large! We went as two couples, 32 yo, and it was easily the highlight of our trip. The attentiveness, professionalism, and quality of the service were excellent, and the staff were fantastic. We went on a day where the weather was a little hit and miss, but the boat is well protected and the staff provide blankets, so we were comfortable the whole time. The boat itself was amazing. My only suggestion would be to offer an option for food & wine pairings, as we definitely would have enjoyed that. Overall, an unforgettable experience!
Francis_K, Mar 2025
The cruise around Marlborough Sound was relaxing. The weather was sunny and warm allowing the clients to sit at the front of the boat to enjoy the scenery. But there was not much to see around the Sound. However, the captain was a superb cook. He steamed the fresh greenshell mussels and grilled two big pieces of fresh salmon. There was more than enough mussels for the clients. The salmon was an extra treat. Both were delicious. We have not tasted seafood of such quality and tastefulness. They were well worth the trip.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thanks Francis, yes we do pride ourselves on the fresh and wonderful seafood that we have.
Enilda_A, Feb 2025
The staff of the vessel was outstanding. The mussels were super delicious and gigantic. The view was amazing and very serene. Overall a 10!!!
Glenn_D, Feb 2025
This is a must do tour when visiting Picton. Not only was the boat extremely comfortable it had multiple viewing positions around all areas onboard to see some of the best and, to us, the most beautiful scenery anywhere. The opportunity to eat handfuls of superb and ultra fresh mussels and just cooked salmon was just another added bonus. As Australians, we have never tasted such fresh and delicious mussels as what was provided. Fresh, is obviously the big difference and the flavour profile of fresh mussels is unlike anything else. Terrific commentary, great service, delicious food and sensational views is what you can expect with this tour, and then you will have your expectations exceeded.
Kimberly_T, Feb 2025
Amazing boat ride, mussel and salmon tasting and the captain was fabulous! He was so knowledgeable about the area and made recommendations that were on point! Stopped at a few places to take it all in…absolutely lovely afternoon!
Clare_M, Feb 2025
Was a great way to see some of the sounds, food tasting was delicious.
Only problem was that the commentary was very hard to hear & unless you are sitting in the right spot you can't hear it at all, which was a shame as it was interesting when you could hear it
sharon_l, Feb 2025
We love mussels at home...wasn't sure about green mussels..wow! The best I've ever had. The staff were all great..and Captain Fred wad very informative as we sailed along the water to see such beautiful scenery. When we stopped for lunch green mussels and salmon, the captain prepared the salmon..it was all delicious! Blue skies and blue water went well with the green mussels ( and a glass of wine) a wonderful experience.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for this fantastic review! We couldn’t agree more, Greenshell mussels are truly something special! We’re so glad you enjoyed the unique experience of having our skipper cook for you, it’s one of our favorite touches too!
Teofila_T, Jan 2025
All the staff/personal are accommodating
and kind . I could really see in their eyes that they Love their jobs❤️ to be working in a Tourism branch , they are a good examples. Thank you 🙏
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for the lovely review, I will be sure to pass this onto the team!!
Becky_G, Jan 2025
Timely departure.
Excellent narration related to the bay area flora and fauna. HOn board food/beverage for purchase.
Clean restroom facilities.
Small sampling of mussels and salmon.
jacana04, Nov 2024
Loved the whole experience especially the tasting and the great staff were friendly and looked after us.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for your review
alesia_s, Oct 2024
What a fantastic way to introduce New Zealand. That was our first stop and first tour in this country. The boat takes you to the Marlborough sounds. The ride is spectacular. Also, the Captain and crew cook green muscles and fresh caught salmon on the boat, which are delicious and you can find those mussels only in that region. Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for your great review - is great hearing that our guests enjoy their time out on the water with us.
Chiew_S, Apr 2024
Wonderful leisure cruise trip. But the Mussels nailed the memories. I simply can't have enough !!!! The crew onboard also served some killer salmon. The tour totally exceeded our expectation.
Nicholle_T, Mar 2024
The mussels - I have never tasted such fresh, tender mussels. And the size! And not to forget the cruise itself, it was amazing Thank you for the wonderful experience Nick & crew!
Mark_G, Mar 2024
Wonderful experience! Mussels and salmon was delicious, lovely wine to sip on while enjoying the beautiful views and the staff were so friendly and informative. Highly recommend this tour. Thank you.
SUSAN_W, Feb 2024
Seeing the mussel farm and of course eating the mussels. There were about 10 too many people on board. Crowded
John_B, Feb 2024
A little confused at first because there were two boats, but we finally boarded and the scenery was beautiful. Could not hear the commentary because of speaker issues, but we enjoyed the ride out. The mussel farm was interesting, and once they started serving the amazing mussels (which never seemed to stop coming) we all had a great time. Add grilled salmon, calm waters, beautiful scenery and what’s not to love!
James_M, Feb 2024
Excellent scenery, food and staff. Gorgeous day too.
It was difficult to hear the captain if sitting outside the main cabin
Wendy_M, Jan 2024
The cruise was excellent very informative captain and the staff were professional and friendly. Food was excellent thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip.
Frances_M, Jan 2024
sharing travel experiences with fellow guests. Enjoying the sights of beautiful Marlborough. Wonderful hosts on the Oydessa. Amazing mussels and salmon and wine provided!
Marea_D, Mar 2020
Well worthwhile. Interesting commentary about sound & mussel growing also very tasty feed of same with a glass of local white wine.
Gerry_N, Feb 2018
The cruise and staff were excellent. The tasting was very good. Only one glass of wine was included, a bit more would have been appreciated.
Belanger_D, Nov 2024
Bateaux très stable, le personnel super gentil, par contre, ne pas se fier aux images, il n'y a plus vraiment de vie marine, pas de dauphins,de phoques, d'orques, plutôt des morues bleus attiré par des restes de moules verte lancée par dessus bord pour les attiré. Il n'y a plus de dégustation de vin. Très beau fjord. Arrivé tôt pour être les premiers sinon vous n'aurez aucune place pour apprécier le voyage.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thanks
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