Travel in a comfortable van, relax and watch the countryside out the window as we go from location to location. Guide lives locally and will tell you all about the region. Family friendly tour. Can take groups of up to 9 people. Tours can be altered to suit you.
This tour is for Cruise Ship passengers arriving in Picton, New Zealand
Explore New Zealand's premier wine region on this 5-6 hr tour from Picton. Visit four different wineries in the Marlborough wine region and visit the boutique Chocolate Factory, stroll through the vineyards, and sample wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. This small-group tour is limited to 11 people and it is tailored to the needs of people coming off the Cruise Ships who may have different timing requirements to our standard daily tours.
please Note : There is no Cruise Terminal in Picton so all passengers must disembark the ship onto shuttle buses to the Picton I Site where we meet all tour particpants
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
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.
Welcome aboard the original Round the Bays Cruise, operated by us for over 30 years. Step into the Queen Charlotte Sound the largest of the Marlborough Sounds, a breathtaking network of ancient sea-drowned valleys.
Named by Captain Cook after Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, this remarkable area is steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. As you depart Picton and cruise across the main reach of the Sound, you’ll discover sheltered bays, rolling hills cloaked in regenerating native forest, and an ever-changing backdrop of bird and marine life.
This relaxed scenic cruise is the perfect way to experience the very best of the Marlborough Sounds in a limited time frame, making it an ideal option for a cruise ship shore excursion. With over three decades of experience sharing these waters, your friendly crew is always happy to share local knowledge and stories, ensuring you leave with a true sense of the magic that makes this region so special.
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 five or six 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.
Take a water taxi from Picton to Kaipupu Sanctuary, a peaceful predator-free island. Enjoy a 2.8km loop track through native bush, perfect for a leisurely walk and spotting native birds in their natural habitat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
The only Marlborough wine tour organized by a local winemaker we will tailor make this wine tour to perfection.
Make the most of your short time in Marlborough. Visit 4-5 of the best wineries in the region. Enjoy an informative vineyard stroll, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at a modern working winery and capture the best behind-the-scenes winery photos.
This tour is tailored to the needs of Cruise Ship passengers who may have different timing requirements to our standard daily tours. The tour usually departs at around 9.30am but may change to suit your ships arrival time. You can relax knowing that we will return you safely and on time for your ship. This tour is for a maximum of 10 people. For larger groups please contact us for a quote.
Lunch is at own cost at the vineyard restaurant.
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).
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 Visitors Centre 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.
This tour has been created due to the demand for larger but small personal groups of a maximum of 11. A comfortable 11 seat Mini Tour Van is provided for your pleasure.
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.
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.
Join the water taxi with us to Punga Cove as we go through Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui in the morning, arriving in time for lunch at the Punga Fern Restaurant.
Relax on the deck while overlooking Endeavour Inlet, or inside the welcoming restaurant while you enjoy your lunch from the tasty lunch menu.
Explore the grounds, sit on the beach, or simply drink in the views until we pick you up again at approximately 3.15pm for the scenic boat ride home to arrive back in Picton at approx 5pm.
Book your Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim Woodbourne Airport (BHE).
Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door airport/port transfer.
Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination.
• Meeting with a Nameplate
• We track your Flight
• Door-to-door Service
• No Hidden Charges
• Clean cars & Professional drivers
Join one of our experienced wine tour guides for a day out in the Marlborough region. You can choose to visit all wineries or you might want to add a gin or beer tasting to experience the full varitety of what marlborough has to offer. Spend a bit of time relaxing with lunch overlooking a vineyard and take in the ambience that is Marlborough.
These tours cater for 2-6 pax ( pricing is tiered)
Be chauffeur driven in style in our luxury Mercedes SUV or small Mercedes Van
Let us know if you have anywhere you want to visit and we will do our best to make it happen or let us pick an interesting variety of places to visit.
If you are coming off a cruise ship we will ensure that you are returned from your tour in plenty of time to reboard your ship. ( start finish time may be altered to meet your timings)
We have been operating Wine Tours for more than 25 years and Shore Excursion Tours so let us show you the best of our brilliant Marlborough region.
A compact Marlborough tour especially designed for cruise ship passengers who are keen to take in the scenery by joining a short guided walking tour that has stunning photo opportunities at historic Karaka Point, and views of the Marlborough Sounds. We then whisk you away to our boutique hotel (and wine bar) in Picton to sample and taste Green lipped Mussels. Afterwards, continuing to travel through the re-known Marlborough Wine region to sample hand-made boutique chocolate. While also having the opportunity to buy Marlborough wine, whisky & liqueurs & gin. All the while enjoying a range of beautiful local food - from yummy snacks, to tastings, to lunch! Minimum age for drinking is 18 years
Travel by late model Mercedes Vans via SH1 and reach the Garden City of New Zealand, Christchurch in less than 8 hours (or in reverse order). Spend the day exploring wineries in Blenheim; visit the seal colony in Kaikoura with peninsula walkway.
Meet your guide at the ferry terminal or your preferred location in Picton and enjoy New Zealand landscape, all whilst in the comfort and safety of your very own chauffeur driven vehicle.
