Top 20 Experiences in picton
Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch
Experience and immerse yourself in the rugged coastal architecture of New Zealand. The Coastal Pacific travels breathtakingly close to the Pacific Ocean, where the roaring, windblown sea meets enormous bush-clad mountains.
Cruise Ship Day - Marlborough
- Hop on and off at 18 popular Marlborough locations without having to drive yourself - Knowledgeable drivers provide all information, easy to use map and timetable - Enjoy the freedom of hopping on and hop off at as many destinations as you please - stay as long as you like! - See some of the best wineries, breweries, museums and much more! - An awesome idea for groups of friends, couples or singles alike
Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise
The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we are the only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service by water in the Queen Charlotte Sound making this a truly unique tour! Come along on the Mail Boat Cruise and share the excitement of Mail Day as the skipper delivers the Rural post bags, groceries and freight to the residents that call the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways home. If time allows the Mail Boat Cruise will take a short stop at one of the brilliant locations within the Queen Charlotte waterways, you route will shown upon check in. Available to purchase for $6 in the office before you depart are Beachcomber Cruises keep cups, we no longer use single use cups on board our vessels due the huge environmental impact. Upon purchase of a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup guests can enjoy tea and coffee onboard for the duration of the tour.
Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise
The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery and wildlife. Visit Motuara Island and cruise the calm waters of the majestic Queen Charlotte Sound. Water, wilderness and wildlife. You will have the opportunity to see multiple species of wildlife, including rare sea birds, marine mammals and endangered land birds. Led by enthusiastic and fun Guides, you will be given the possibility of viewing five different species of dolphins, little blue penguins, seals, seabirds and land birds. Enjoy the only daily service fully-guided walk on Motuara Island, seeing and hearing the amazing bird life where Captain Cook planted the first flag and claimed New Zealand. The view is spectacular from the lookout all the way to the North Island. On the return enjoy complimentarily hot drinks and chocolate biscuits and in the afternoon tour local wine and muscles. The Ultimate Cruise.
Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton
Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island on this cruise. The cruise features Regal salmon, Cloudy Bay clams and Greenshell mussels with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for the definitive wine/food match. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound while cruising aboard our luxury launch that departs from Picton. Cruise near a aquatic farms, learn about aquaculture in the Marlborough Sounds and take in the picturesque scenery.
Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tour Including Wine Tasting
Enjoy a relaxing day out around some of the beautiful wineries in Marlborough. Learn about the regions great wines and sample at least 4 wines at each cellar door. Our tour is door to door so you don't have to worry about driving, just relax and enjoy your tour. Outside of peak times we don't have preset cellar doors so if you have somewhere you would like to go please message us and we will do our best to schedule your visit. There are over 30 cellar doors to choose from on a daily basis so plenty of variety.
Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton
Visit Ship Cove on a morning boat cruise that explores the Marlborough Sounds, a broad network of waterways that makes up 20 percent of New Zealand’s coastline. Enjoy time to disembark at Ship Cove where you can see a memorial to Captain Cook, Maori wood carvings and the sheltered beach. Throughout your journey, marvel at breathtaking scenery and hear informative commentary from your knowledgeable captain about the marine life, cultural history, and natural features of this beautiful region Please note that this tour departs sharply on schedule at 9:00am Available to purchase for $6 in the office before you depart are Beachcomber Cruises keep cups, we no longer use single use cups on board our vessels due the huge environmental impact. Upon purchase of a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup guests can enjoy tea and coffee onboard for the duration of the tour.
InterIslander Ferry - Picton to Wellington
Jump aboard the Interislander, a daily ferry service across the Cook Strait; the stretch of water separating the South and North Islands of New Zealand. Not just the link between islands, it's a New Zealand experience not be missed. An edition of the US magazine Wine Spectator, described the Interislander trip as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world' and the scenery was described as 'jaw droppingly stunning!'
Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton
Enjoy an afternoon among the vines on this half-day wine tour from Picton. You will be collected and taken on a tour through the Marlborough wine region visiting approximately three to four wineries. A lunch stop is not included in this tour so it is advised that you have something to eat prior to joining the tour so you can enjoy tasting a range of stunning Marlborough wines. Flexibility is the key, and we will always do our best to include any requests you may have or let the experts select some fabulous wineries for you to visit for the afternoon.
Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise
This tour offers an amazing fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! Guided by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, you are sure to spot some rare seas birds, marine animals, and endangered land birds. Enjoy spotting Dolphins in the calm, sheltered waters before traveling to Ships Cove and Motuara Island!
Half-Day Marlborough Wine Region Tour from Picton or Blenheim
Discover New Zealand's premier wine region on this half-day tour from Picton or Blenheim. Visit four different wineries in the Marlborough wine region, stroll through the vineyards, and sample wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. This small-group tour is limited to 11 people and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour has two pick up locations with a different price point. Picton at 12.30pm Blenheim 1pm If your location and time slot is not available that means we are sold out. NOTE: please do not book this tour if you are on a cruise ship which departs Picton at 6pm or earlier.
3 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise
Take a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at daily life in the unique and isolated Marlborough Sounds as we deliver goods and passengers to far-flung jetties and corners of Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui. This 3-hour cruise is a great opportunity to see the Marlborough Sounds through the eyes of those who live and work here. Discover places far from the nearest road, and maybe meet some of the locals who call this isolated and beautiful place home. Relax onboard our comfortable vessel as we deliver passengers and supplies to homes, secluded resorts and the Queen Charlotte Track, keeping an eye out for seals, penguins, dolphins, stingrays and rare sea birds. Learn about the Marlborough Sounds’ history and natural world from your friendly skipper and crew, and enjoy free tea and coffee. This cruise will take you to corners of the Sounds rarely seen by visitors – no cruise is ever the same.
Picton CRUISE SHIP Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour
The default start time is 9.30am. However ship schedules are not the same so please check your emails for Tripadvisor advice on definitive departure times for your date. Ride in a luxury minibus to the famous cellar doors of Marlborough on this approx. 5-hour shore excursion from Picton to Blenheim. Compare the aromas of Marlborough's finest wines and taste the passion that goes into every bottle. You will visit four to five wineries ranging from the internationally famous to boutique, family-run wineries. Finish the day with a nibble of hand made gourmet chocolates at a chocolate factory.
Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton
Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds on this 4 hour half day guided sea kayak tour. Your tour takes in the western end of the Queen Charlotte Sound with its sheltered coves, beautiful beaches, azure blue waters and lush native bush. Learn about the history of the area from your knowledgeable, relaxed and friendly guides. On any given day, you have a good chance of seeing sting rays and eagle rays, a huge variety of sea birds including cormorants and sometimes little blue penguins, seals, huge starfish and if we are really lucky, even dolphins. We have small groups with 1 Guide per 8 people kayaking.
Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour
Tour participants see the full grandeur of the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds in one experience that can only be done by air. And get to stop by a remote beach to soak up the wilderness.
Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton
Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove, learn from your expert captain about wildlife and cultural history, and take in the gorgeous scenery of Queen Charlotte Sound. Look for endangered native birds including the South Island saddleback, king shag, little blue penguin and kiwi as well as seals and rare dolphins. Please note that this tour departs sharply on schedule at 8:00am Available to purchase for $6 in the office before you depart are Beachcomber Cruises keep cups, we no longer use single use cups on board our vessels due the huge environmental impact. Upon purchase of a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup guests can enjoy tea and coffee onboard for the duration of the tour.
Full-Day Wine Tour from Picton
Discover the full diversity of wine varieties this stunning Marlborough region has to offer and learn the secrets behind fine wine appreciation on this full-day tour from Picton. You will visit approximately six or seven wineries during the day and any special requests you may have can usually be accommodated. A winery lunch stop is included (at your own cost). A complimentary pick up from your central Picton accommodation is included and will return you thereafter or to a suitable drop off point.
Half-Day Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton
Enjoy some of the majestic dolphins that visit the sheltered waters of the scenic Marlborough Sounds. Degree qualified guides will be there to ensure you (and the dolphins) have an enjoyable and safe experience. Whether you see a school of dolphins leisurely cruising along or marvel at their high leaps, back-flips and somersaults during social bouts, dolphins are a magnificent sight! Our Department of Conservation permits allows us to seek out and interact with all species of marine mammals that live in the Sounds.
Half-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton
The half day guided sea kayak trip is an ideal opportunity to fit a little kayaking adventure into a busy day – or for those just wanting a taste of sea kayaking. Our priority is to get you out on the water, allowing maximum time to enjoy the tranquil waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Your guide will enjoy sharing their knowledge of the Marlborough Sounds and it's native flora and fauna as you paddle along. The area is surrounded by bush-clad shorelines and sandy beaches. We’ll stop for a light refreshment break along the way before returning to Picton.
Early Bird Eco Cruise
Cruise with us Oct-Apr to Motuara Island in the outer Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui, for a very special Marlborough Sounds experience. Disembark into the magic of morning birdsong, look for penguins on the shore or in nesting boxes, and spot some of the rare species that call this island sanctuary home, including the South Island saddleback and bush robin. Follow the well-formed track to the island’s summit to take in the sweeping views across the Sound to Cook Strait. You’ll have approximately 2 hours to explore this natural paradise before the relaxing return boat ride. Cruise with us back to Picton for a 1pm arrival, OR, at no extra cost, choose from one of the following free add-ons: Discover Ship Cove/Meretoto Cruise & Walk from Resolution Bay to Furneaux Lodge (3 hours walk) Cruise & Lunch at Furneaux Lodge Restaurant or Punga Cove’s Boatshed Café & Bar (Lunch at own cost)