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.

Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat 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 wildlife. Visit Motuara Island and cruise 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 Marine Biologists, you will be given the possibility of viewing five different species of dolphins. Enjoy a fully-guided walk on Motuara Island, seeing and hearing the amazing bird life where Captain Cook planted the first flag and claimed New Zealand.

Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise 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.

Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton

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 award-winning wine.

Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise 

Depart Picton at 9:00am and cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound to historic Ship Cove. Along the way enjoy the sights and scenery and keep your eye out for any chance wildlife encounters. 
Enjoy a site visit at Ship Cove, take the chance to get onshore where Captain Cook laned in the 1770's where his ship the Endeavour was anchored to replenish supplies. See the monument, comb the beach and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings.
Upon re-joining your vessel we will cruise through the Endeavour Inlet completing drop offs and deliveries of passengers and freight before returning to Picton.

Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island on this cruise. The cruise features a tasting of local salmon, and Greenshell mussels. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound while cruising aboard our luxury vessel that departs from Picton. 

Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton

Sea kayak from the picturesque Picton foreshore, across the harbour and into the Grove Arm of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Stop on a sandy beach in this beautiful remote location for morning tea and lunch. Your guide will enjoy sharing their knowledge of the Marlborough Sounds and it's native flora and fauna as you paddle along.

Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton

Explore the Marlborough Sounds on foot with one of the popular self-guided walks on the Queen Charlotte Track. Choose from three walks of varying length and challenge, with options that may include Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet or Torea Bay. Round-trip boat service takes you to the start of your route and picks you up at the end. The day hikes offer a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Queen Charlotte Track within a shorter time frame.

Please note that the return times to Picton and pick up times are on a set schedule, you will not return to Picton until between 5:30pm-6:00pm. Please advise us if you are visiting with a Cruise Ship as our boat timings may not get you back in time for the ships departure from Port.

Self-Guided Queen Charlotte Track Walk from Picton

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island, with this indulgent Greenshell Mussel Cruise. On the cruise you'll sample local seafood such as salmon, and Greenshell mussels. Relax and unwind while you cruise the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound aboard our luxury vessel on this half-day tour, departing Picton. Learn about local history, pass by a mussel farm and take in the stunning scenery.

This tour requires a minimum of 6 guests to proceed. In the event the minimum is not reached, travelers will be offered an alternative cruise date. 

Marlborough Sounds Greenshell Mussel Tasting Cruise

This Wildlife and Dolphin tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough!

You will have the opportunity to see rare seas birds, marine mammals, and endangered land birds. Led by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, WCA certified Guides .Drop off at Blumine Island the only place in New Zeland to see the rarest New Zeland Busbird - Orange Fronted Kakariki ( 98% succes rate ) King Shag ( 99 %Sucess rate ) Search for Dolphins in calm sheltered waters before traveling to BlumineIsland DOC Predator Free Bird Sanctuary Island.
Bio-securtiy applies - No BAGS ON ISLAND unless DOC checked 

Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour to Blumine Island 

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.

Half-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton

This adventure combo is without a doubt, one of the best ways to experience the Marlborough Sounds. On your full day kayak and walking tour you will experience some of the iconic activities of the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound. Spot rays and sea birds while learning about the lush native bush. You will encounter amazing beaches and spectacular views. After the guided kayak tour concludes at Ngakuta Bay, its time to don you tramping boots and hike to Picton on the iconic Link Pathway. This is an independent hike and covers a variety of native bush with breathtaking scenic views along the route. The track is a purpose built walkway connecting up local communities and is dual use for walkers and bikers. The tour concludes when you arrive back into Picton making it a round trip at approximately 4pm.

Full Day Kayak & Walk Tour-Queen Charlotte Sound & Link Pathway

Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds on a full day small group 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. You will stop at a secluded beach for a delicious lunch. Learn about the history of the area from your knowledgeable, relaxed and friendly guides.

Your guide will be with you for the day to answer questions, share pearls of wisdom and ensure your comfort and wellbeing. Depending on the weather, we will vary our route each day to take advantage of sea breezes at our back - we don't follow an enforced plan which enables us to cater for all abilities on the day.

Full day Guided Sea Kayak Tour from Picton

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!

Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise

Experience 'The Ultimate Marlborough Day Out', on this full day, small group tour. 

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound, aboard Beachcomber Cruises catamaran* and get to see the historic Ship Cove, where Captain Cook anchored way back in 1770. Returning to shore around 12.30pm, The Original Marlborough Wine tours will pick you up and take you on your wine tour. At the first winery enjoy a shared platter lunch.
After lunch you will get to visit a couple more wineries with a chance to try some more of the wines produced here. This is while you are relaxing, savouring and enjoying this beautiful Marlborough region.

If you are located outside of the Picton area we may be able to transfer you to the start point for an additional fee, please contact us to find out. 

* The boat cruise is provided by Beachcomber Cruises on their Ships Cove Cruise and is generally a large boat for 80 pax ( winter the boat will be smaller).

Full-Day Marlborough Catamaran Cruise with Wine Tour and Lunch

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.

Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch

For over 60 years, Interislander has been sharing the stunning scenery of Wellington Harbour and the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds with over 800,000 passengers every year. 

The voyage between the North and South Islands of Aotearoa New Zealand has been described as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world and is a 'must do' experience for everyone exploring our stunning country. 

The three-hour journey gives plenty of time to soak in the scenery and enjoy the fresh, local food and beverages we pride ourselves in.

The spacious and comfortable Interislander ferries run 7 days a week, all year round.

Book your tickets now!

Note: Choose to travel with a vehicle or on foot

InterIslander Ferry - Picton to Wellington

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.

3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise

This tour is one you design yourself. Use our timetable and descriptions of venues to decide where you want to hop off. Then when you're there, most venues have special discounts for you as a passenger on Hop on Hop off.

If you're not a drinker then there is still plenty on offer with a fantastic range of other activities such as museums, bike tours, chocolate shop, and amazing food to be sampled.

• Get to your choice of some of Marlborough's best wineries safely and with ease
• Great way to go wine tasting without a car or designated driver
• Choice of a half-day afternoon or full-day ticket
• Flexibility to customize your itinerary to your own preferences

Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough

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.

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

Spend the day or a few hours at Lochmara in the Queen Charlotte Sound. Enjoy a 20 minute cruise over to Lochmara and choose from an array of activities, including a self guided walk around our 11 acre property with interpretation panels on the native flora and fauna, for those fit walkers we have a 3.5 km access track to the Queen Charlotte track, participate in the daily hand-feeding on animals including the Kakariki (native parakeet) and join a guided tour (additional fee applies) of the "Underwater Observatory - see below the sea without getting wet" The only one of its kind in the top of the South Island.

Marlborough Sounds Day Visit to Lochmara

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.

Queen Charlotte Track - Ultimate one Day Walk and Cruise 

Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour.

Enjoy a cultural self-guided audio tour of the serene seaside area of Picton. This tour will take you on a historical journey where you will learn about Picton's Māori past and see sights such as the ancient Whaling Harpoon and postcard perfect Picton foreshore.

Discover Picton: Self-Guided Audio Tour

Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge
Cruise to Furneaux Lodge through Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui in the morning, arriving in time for lunch at the Furneaux Restaurant.

Choose your delicious lunch from the set menu, and relax on the sweeping lawn overlooking Endeavour Inlet, or inside the cosy restaurant in Furneaux's historic homestead.

Explore the grounds, do a short walk or simply drink in the views until it's time to meet us at the jetty at 3pm for the scenic cruise home - arriving back in Picton at approx 5pm.



Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge

This late afternoon cruise is a perfect way to spend a few hours if you have limited time. Go for a short walk, enjoy the views from the cafe. Trip departs throughout December, January, February and March.

Happy Hour Cruise to Lochmara -from Picton? Take a short cruise

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 

 Private Yacht Cruise in the Marlborough Sounds New Zealand

Embark on a self-guided hike along the Queen Charlotte Track, starting with a scenic Cougar Line trip to Punga Cove. The 11km return trail leads through lush native bush and offers breathtaking views of the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds. The final ascent to Eatwells Lookout presents a moderately challenging climb, culminating in 360-degree panoramic vistas. This adventure is perfect for those with a good fitness level, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a rewarding experience in New Zealand's stunning landscapes.

- 11 km return hike featuring lush bush and stunning coastal views
- Approximately 4-5 hours of walking, plus 1.5 hours by water taxi each way
- Moderate to challenging trail suitable for fit hikers
- Track Pass required for access, available for purchase at reception

Queen Charlotte Track Self Guided Hike to Eatwells Lookout

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.

Things to do in Picton