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

From Blenheim or Picton, arriving from Wellington on the Ferry at 12:15 pm or staying at one of the local accommodations join a local chauffeur/guide on a scenic drive throughout Marlborough. Your tour includes an option to do wine tasting and have a relaxing time to enjoy a winery, gourmet treats and chocolates in Blenheim. A small group tour is perfect to catch three wineries, delicious chocolate treats and perhaps a cheese platter and a tour around the town seeing all we have to offer in Marlborough.. Relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region, a custom tour offering the things you enjoy most.

Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, Professional local guide, Wine tasting, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks

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)

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, All taxes, fees and handling charges

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

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)

Let our winemaker tailor a Marlborough wine tour especially for you or your group’s needs… or let us surprise you with something special! You decide the start and finish time of the tour. Visit your favourite wineries without having to compromise with others in the group. You can get behind the scenes for a private tasting, or take a drive through the Awatere Valley and soak up Marlborough’s stunning scenery. We can focus on boutique, or organic wineries, breweries, combine fine wine and food… anything is possible with a private tour. This option is recommended for larger groups or families with children under the age of 12. We can visit wineries more suited to young families to keep everyone happy. If you are arriving on a cruise ship into Picton we can arrange a tour that works around your ship’s schedule. For larger groups, or to find out more about our Private Tour options please check out our website and contact us for a quote on 021 157 4094.

Inclusions: All wine tasting fees, Lunch stop during the tour - at your own cost, Free door-to-door collection and drop off from Blenheim/Renwick areas, Picton, Havelock, Rarangi transfers may be available with additional charge., Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Note: Bring a pair of closed shoes (no heels) for our winery visit, Lunch - at your own cost on the day, Note: We encourage our guests to have a good breakfast before the wine tour.

Explore 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. NOTE: please do not book this tour if you are on a cruise ship which departs Picton at 6pm or earlier.

Inclusions: Professional driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Visits to four wineries, Wine tasting

Exclusions: Lunch (optional; extra cost)

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. We have small group sizes with 1 guide per 8 people kayaking

Inclusions: Local guide, Lunch, All necessary equipment included, boat ride back to Picton Waterfront after your walk

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Paddle down New Zealands most beautiful river. Join our experienced, friendly guides on an eye-opening, fun adventure paddling down the scenic Pelorus river. Includes short native bush walk informing about native plants, including the silver fern. Talk about the pioneers whom founded the top of the south Island , historic relics still remain for viewing in this hidden secluded valley. Explore the famous filming locations used in the second “Hobbit” movie “The Desolation of Smaug” listen to the native bird song, as you drift through crystal waters, New Zealand paradise,  Definetly the most beautiful river you ever paddled.

Inclusions: Professional guided tour with all safety equipment supplied, Return transport from Havelock., Local taxes, National Park fees

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island, with this indulgent Greenshell Mussel Cruise. The cruise features freshly steamed mussels paired with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for the ultimate wine/food match. Relax and unwind while you cruise the tranquil Pelorus Sound and Kenepuru Sound aboard our launch MV Spirit on this half-day tour, departing Havelock. Learn about local history, visit a mussel farm and take in the stunning scenery.

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

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Join this guided full day tour in the historic Pelorus Mail Boat as it delivers mail, groceries, freight, and people to this stunning and remote inland waterway. The people living here have no road access and no mains electricity. A real-life cruise providing an essential service to the residents of the largest part of the Marlborough Sounds.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Live commentary on board, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

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.

Inclusions: Local guide, All necessary equipment provided

Exclusions: Food and drinks