Things to do in Marlborough Sounds, South Island: The Best Sightseeing Tours

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region.  Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet treats.  Enjoy the wineries or mix and match the day with exciting options. From the Port of Picton your local chauffeur/guide will meet you at the Picton I Site car park near the vehicle to take you on a scenic journey through to Blenheim and the famous wine region. Savour our local cuisine in a winery garden café or enjoy a wine with a cheese, meat, seafood platter overlooking our stunning Wairau Valley. Later, visit a chocolate boutique. Ride with peace of mind with flexible drop off to suit your ships scheduled departure.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Round-trip shuttle bus service between the ship and the departure point, Wine tasting, Chocolate tasting, Bottled water

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Lunch at own cost due to varying appetites

An experienced local chauffeur/guide will take you on an exciting wine and gourmet experience on this private, full-day tour from Blenheim. You will enjoy stunning scenic views of the Marlborough wine region and taste the sensational wines and seriously delicious gourmet treats and cuisine. Your interests are the priority for the day and can also include the Heritage air museum, award winning gardens, local producers of crafts and talented artisans. Your tour is custom made especially for you.  Your chauffeur/guide is a professional local to ensure you receive the very best Marlborough has to offer. Your tour will be in a comfortable 6 seat vehicle with wide window view advantages. Tours depart from Blenheim with flexible tour times to suit your own schedule. Treat yourself to this tour of discovery and experience the very essence of Marlborough.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Gourmet treat tasting, Wine tasting, Chocolates, Local guide, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Lunch

Enjoy our ‘Top of the South’ 11 day itinerary which showcases two wonderful coastal tracks with stunning yet varying scenery – the Queen Charlotte Track and the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Both tracks are walked independently with all elements of your trip pre arranged.

Inclusions: 2 nights Motel accommodation in Picton, 2 nights Motel accommodation in Nelson, 3 nights upgrade lodge accommodation on the Queen Charlotte Track, 3 nights boat/lodge accommodation on the Abel Tasman Track, Queen Charlotte track transport connections, Abel Tasman track transport connections, Ferry from Wellington to Picton, Bus from Picton to Nelson, Packed lunches x 4 on the Queen Charlotte Track, Packed lunches x 3 on the Abel Tasman Track, Dinner and breakfast on the Aquapackers and breakfast at Ratanui Lodge on the Abel Tasman Track, Full detailed 11 day itinerary provided prior to your trip with an information pack including maps provided on arrival for each of the tracks, Lunch

Exclusions: Dinner and breakfast whilst in Picton, Dinner and breakfast whilst in Nelson, Dinner and breakfast whilst on the Queen Charlotte Track, Dinner and breakfast whilst on the Abel Tasman Track (except dinner and breakfast on the Aquapackers and breakfast at Ratanui Lodge which are included)

Enjoy the very best of Marlborough, at the top of New Zealand's South Island. Indulge in Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, the Marlborough Sounds and fresh local seafood on this full-day tour. A Marlborough wine tour in the morning is followed by a delicious Marlborough Sounds waterfront lunch, then a relaxing seafood cruise for the afternoon, accompanied by fresh local seafood and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc as you cruise the stunning Marlborough Sounds.

Inclusions: Wine tasting, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle, Local taxes, Seafood Cruise

Exclusions: Waterfront lunch (at your own expense), Food and drinks (except wine and seafood tastings specified)

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.

Inclusions: Food tasting, Wine tasting, Live commentary on board, Local taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

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.


Inclusions: Live commentary on board, GST (Goods and Services Tax), All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Food and drinks (available for purchase on some cruises)

Swim near wild dolphins in the calm sheltered waters of the scenic Marlborough Sounds on this half-day tour. Qualified guides will be there to make sure you (and the dolphins) have an enjoyable and safe experience. They will also help you spot some of the five species of dolphins that frequent the waters of the Sounds. The Department of Conservation full permits allows you to seek out and experience with all species of marine mammals that live in the Sounds. With guidance from your tour operator, travel where the wildlife is and respectfully interact with these amazing creatures. 

Inclusions: Wetsuits, Mask and Snorkel, Booties and Hoods (if needed), Hot and cold Drinks, Chocolate biscuits

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Enjoy stunning scenic views of the Marlborough wine region and taste the sensational wines and seriously delicious gourmet treats and cuisine with your experienced local chauffeur/guide who will take you on an exciting wine and gourmet experience on this private, full-day tour from Picton. Your interests are the priority for the day and can also include the Heritage Air Museum, award winning gardens, local producers of crafts and talented artisans. Your tour is custom-made especially for you. Your chauffeur/guide is a local with experience and knowledge to ensure you receive the very best Marlborough has to offer. Your tour will be in a comfortable 6 seat vehicle with wide window view advantages. Tours depart from Picton at 9:30 am or can be flexible to suit your own schedule.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Gourmet treats tasting, Wine tasting, Chocolates, Local guide, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Lunch

A unique chance to book a large group coach experience from the Port of Picton, 49 seats are available to book your family and friends or gather others from the cruise ship to join you in a custom wine and gourmet scenic tour. This tour is not provided per seat. You have the exclusive use of the coach for the day. A minimum group of 20 people to a maximum of 49 people are offered a private and exclusive tour of Marlborough and the wine region plus a chance to taste local gourmet treats and cuisine. You have a private local chauffeur who will share stories of the region and ensure you have an exciting experience. Come and enjoy an exciting and fun day in Marlborough. Note that the rate offered is a day rate and split between the number of people in the group. This program will only register and show maximum 15 seats - please ignore this. You have up to 49 seats for your group. - 20 $129.75NZD p seat and 49 $52.95NZD p seat. One payment is required to secure this tour.of $2595.00 NZD.

Inclusions: Wine Tasting Fees and Bottled Water

Exclusions: drinks

Top of the South Island Delights are your first link to the South Island arriving into Marlborough by air , sea or road. Marlborough is the heart of the wine and food and seascapes and the best place to start your 3 day tour delights. Arriving on Day 1 your accommodation is booked ready to start the next day with your first experience: Marlborough Wine and Food Delights Tour. Your tour has been designed and created to include many attractions of the Marlborough region. Spend Day 2 discovering the spectacular Marlborough Sounds, beautiful Bays and local seafood or vegetarian options and Day 3 tasting locally grown produce and treats. South Island Road Trips are created in special linked road trips to cover all of the South Island starting Top of The South. You can custom your tours to enjoy just one link or join together from 3 days through to 14 days. All custom designed from the set itinerary and instantly booked by you. You are looked after by one dedicated chauffeur entirely.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, One glass of wine or beer or non alcoholic per lunch. Coffee or Tea and Brunch

Exclusions: