Marlborough Sounds Tours and Activities

The sunken river valleys, forested cliffs, and sandy bays of the Marlborough Sounds are one of the best places in New Zealand to spot dolphins in their natural environment, but increased tourism can often put wildlife at risk. This 4-hour cruise from Picton is run by certified Department of Conservation operators, allowing you to interact with dusky, bottlenose, and orca dolphins in a safe, fun, and eco-friendly way.

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc and scenic Marlborough Sounds. Discover both on this full-day small-group tour as you visit several Marlborough wineries, indulge in expert-led wine tastings, tuck into lunch at a waterfront restaurant (own expense), then set sail on a cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, accompanied by a delicious seafood tasting platter.

Search for rare seabirds and several species of marine mammals, such as Hector's, bottlenose and dusky dolphins along with New Zealand fur seals, during a half-day sightseeing cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Cruise to Queen Charlotte Sound and take a nature walk on Motuara Island, where a predator-free landscape allows for plentiful birdlife. Listen to commentary from enthusiastic marine biologists, and treat yourself to tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies.

Tour the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound on a half-day paddling adventure from Picton. Settle into your sea kayak and follow an expert guide from the waterfront to sheltered coves and remote beaches. Search the waters for eagles rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and dolphins while you learn about the natural history of the Marlborough Sounds. Numbers are limited to ensure a small-group experience.

Slip into Marlborough Sounds for a swim alongside pods of wild dolphins, with certified guides to help find the dolphins and ensure the tour is dolphin-friendly. Watch for dusky, bottlenose, common, orca, and Hector’s dolphins, and if conditions allow, you’ll have the chance to view the dolphins from inside the water. This dolphin tour includes wetsuits with hoods and booties, as well as hot drinks on board the boat, and round-trip transport from the Picton waterfront.

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.

Explore the scenic waterways of the Marlborough Sounds on a small-group half-day cruise by mail boat from Havelock. The historic Pelorus Mail Boat delivers mail, groceries, and freight to residents along this remote inland waterway where the boat is the main link to the outside world. Hear commentary from the crew about the region, and perhaps have time to disembark at spots along the way (conditions permitting).

Discover the award-winning wines of the Marlborough region on a private shore excursion from Picton for your group of up to six people. The exact itinerary is tailored to you, with plenty of time to sip locally-made wines, browse art galleries, then pause for lunch and views of Marlborough's rolling vineyards, plus many customizable options. Pricing is per-vehicle, and includes a wine tasting and a chocolate tasting, as well as round-trip shuttle transport from the Port of Picton.

See the exquisite Marlborough Sounds from the water during a full-day adventure by sea kayak. Depart from the Picton waterfront and prepare to be wowed as you paddle past secluded coves along the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound. Your knowledgeable guide points out marine life such as eagles rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and more. Stop at a sheltered beach for a delicious lunch with locally sourced ingredients. Numbers are limited to ensure a small-group experience.

Combine sea kayaking and self-guided hiking on this full-day outdoor adventure in the Marlborough Sounds. Paddle from the Picton waterfront to the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound and search the azure waters for marine life such as eagle rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and dolphins. Encounter secluded beaches along the shoreline before an independent hike on the Queen Charlotte Track, from Anakiwa to Mistletoe Bay. Lunch and return transfer by water taxi are included.

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region and a renowned foodie hotspot. Customize your itinerary on this private tour from Picton and taste an array of regional delicacies, sweet treats, and fine wines. Optional activities include a visit to the Omaka Air Museum, a tour of a local brewery, a cruise around the Marlborough Sounds, and many more.

Marlborough is not only New Zealand’s most important wine region, but it’s a renowned foodie hotspot. Taste regional delicacies, gourmet cuisine, and fine wine on this private 6-hour tour from Blenheim, then customize your itinerary with a visit to the Omaka Air Museum, a tour of a local brewery, or a cruise around the Marlborough Sounds.

What a difference wine and food can make to your perfect holiday or day out. Special tour options are created at each winery cellar door to taste the wines and complimented by delights of local cheeses and/or meats for even our vegetarians and vegans are catered for. Local producers of hazelnuts, pine nuts, chocolate, honey and preserves and more to delight. Award winning gardens and strolling along the rambling streams in our botanical parks, scenic drives of beautiful landscapes, rolling hills and vineyards, Marlborough Sounds and the idyllic bays with high view points of the leisure boats and craft. Wine and gourmet picnic basket also as part of your custom created day. Our quaint country townships with artisan wares and fresh fruit ice-creams. Marlborough has much in store for a perfect day out or long weekend getaway.

The lush valleys and sloping vineyards of the Marlborough wine region are at their most enchanting beneath the winter sun. Discover New Zealand’s largest wine region on a group 5.5-hour tour and enjoy a custom-made itinerary including activities like wine and food tasting, a scenic drive around the Marlborough Sounds, or a visit to the Omaka Air Museum. Sample Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Albarino, other whites and Pinot Noir or Merlot wines along the Marlborough wine trail, taste regional delicacies such as chocolates, cheeses, green lip mussels, and more. Great-value tour includes award winning gardens, art studios and local producer farms. This group tour can be customized to everyone's interests and ensures you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide.

Discover New Zealand’s largest wine region without the crowds on this winter wine tour from Blenheim. Make the most of your private guide and enjoy a custom-made itinerary, including activities like wine and food tastings at local purveyors. Winter wine tour of Marlborough from Blenheim Sample Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot noir wines along the Marlborough wine trail Taste regional delicacies such as chocolates, cheeses, green lip mussels, and homemade fudge Great-value tour includes hotel pick-up, and round-trip transport This private tour can be customized to your interests and ensures you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide.