New Zealand · TOURS IN PICTON

The 15 Tours in Picton That Earn Their Price

56 tours  ·  from $16 a head

Good tours in Picton fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton - Leaving Picton for the day’s delivery route
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Picton

Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton

1.Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 541 reviews · 4 hours · from $75Our pick

Spend about four hours aboard Beachcomber Cruises’ working mail boat, delivering post, groceries, and freight around Queen Charlotte Sound. Skippers such as Dylan, Ian, Greg, and Jason add local stories and answer questions as the route changes each day. Bring warm layers, sunscreen, food, and your own cup for tea or coffee.

“So enjoyed our trip. The boat captain was so great with his interesting commentary. Such a wonderful trip”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beyond the Vines - Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour - Guides Make the Difference Between a Ride and a Good Day
Food & Drink, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Picton, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Picton

Beyond the Vines – Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour

2.Beyond the Vines – Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 438 reviews · from $136Top rated

Travel from Picton or Blenheim through Marlborough’s wine country with a small group of up to 11 people. Visit about five wineries, taste Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and other local varieties, and stop for lunch at Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen or another selected estate. Guides may include Gavin, Hamish, James, Keith, or Lynley.

“Our guide was outstanding and made some real time adjustments to plan at the group’s request. Great set of wineries. Great communication.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch - The Pacific coast and Kaikoura are the main event
Tour Reviews, Tours in Picton, Train Experiences

Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch

3.Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 345 reviews · from $164

Take the Coastal Pacific from Picton to Christchurch at 1:40 pm for a 5-hour-40-minute scenic rail journey. You will pass Marlborough vineyards, 98km of Pacific coastline, Kaikoura, native bush, and the Canterbury Plains. Panoramic windows, GPS-triggered commentary, a café, and an open-air viewing carriage are included, while food and drinks cost extra.

“A wonderful way to experience the best of East coast South Island. Relaxing, beautiful and comfortable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise - Five hours through Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds
Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours in Picton

Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise

4.Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 321 reviews · from $86

Join Ross, Mark, or the Pelorus Mail Boat crew for a full day through Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds. Mail, groceries, and freight go to remote homes while you watch for dolphins, seals, and blue penguins. Bring lunch and warm layers. Some trips include a farm visit or time for a swim, conditions permitting.

“Excellent communication from crew.We loved the whole trip.Weather wasn’t the best but enough seats inside as it got very cold on the top deck.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise - What happens after the 1:30 pm departure
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Picton

Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise

5.Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 295 reviews · from $75

From Picton, you’ll spend about four hours cruising Queen Charlotte Sound as the skipper delivers mail and parcels to remote bays and settlements. Expect local stories, native wildlife, beautiful coves, and a changing route. Skippers such as Jason and Daryl are praised for their local knowledge. Ship Cove stops operate from October through April.

“Nice relaxing cruise in the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. Good informative Captain of the history of the area. Inside and outside seating. Clean tidy Catamaran.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton - Leaving Picton at 9:00am
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Picton, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Picton

Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

6.Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 252 reviews · 3 hours · from $66

Leave Picton at 9:00am for a three-hour cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound to Ship Cove. Your English-speaking skipper shares local history and ecology, while the route may bring dolphins, seals, penguins, and seabirds. Boats range from a 9-seat launch to a 90-seat two-level catamaran.

“Nice little trip. Informative guide. Plenty of time to explore.”

Check availability →Read our full review

InterIslander Ferry - Picton to Wellington - Arriving beneath Wellington’s hills
Tour Reviews, Tours in Picton

InterIslander Ferry – Picton to Wellington

7.InterIslander Ferry – Picton to Wellington

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 247 reviews · from $58Best value

Travel from Picton to Wellington in about 3.5 hours by InterIslander ferry. You can bring a vehicle or travel on foot, carry two 23-kilogram bags, use the viewing decks, and buy meals and drinks onboard. The route passes through Queen Charlotte Sound before crossing Cook Strait and entering Wellington Harbour.

“Great view, nice ferry with few seating arrangements, cafes & food, good services. Need improvement in toilet cleanliness.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour - Riding in a small, climate-controlled minivan
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Picton, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Picton

Discover Marlborough Wine – Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour

8.Discover Marlborough Wine – Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · from $117

Spend four to five hours visiting four Marlborough wineries in a climate-controlled minivan. Guides such as Gavin, Glenn, Keith, and Phil explain the region’s wine story, vineyard work, and famous Sauvignon Blanc. Tastings, hotel transfers, and a group of no more than 11 are included. Eat before you go, as lunch is not part of the tour.

“A good little tour a short drive from Picton to the Marlborough area, really well hosted in a comfortable Mercedes van and always wonderful to learn/experience/taste wine in the Region it’s grown. Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton - Cruising into Queen Charlotte Sound
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Picton, Wildlife

Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

9.Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 180 reviews · from $104

Spend about four and a half hours with E-Ko Tours exploring Queen Charlotte Sound by boat and on foot. Guides such as Bella, Andy, Will, Cam, and Nicky lead wildlife viewing and the Motuara Island walk. Expect seabirds, fur seals, possible dolphins, tea, biscuits, binoculars, and a PM glass of local wine.

“Great way to explore the charlotte sound track. Captain's commentary was great too. Lots to see from the boat and shore”

Check availability →Read our full review

The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River - Getting ready with supplied safety equipment
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Picton, White Water Rafting

The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

10.The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · from $133

Set out from Bluemoon Lodge in Havelock for a guided rafting trip on the Pelorus River. You’ll wear supplied safety gear, paddle past filming sites from *The Desolation of Smaug*, and hear about local milling and mining. Guides such as Jade add a friendly touch, with showers and a hair dryer available afterward.

“We had a great time kayaking! Jade was a wonderful guide. There is a shower and hair dryer available if you decide to swim. I would definitely recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Picton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour - Why Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc matters
Cruises & Boat Tours, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in Picton, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Picton, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Picton

Picton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour

11.Picton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 165 reviews · from $155

From Picton’s i-Site, a guide such as Bruce, Lucinda, Lisa, or Marsley drives you through the Koromiko Pass to Marlborough’s vineyards. Expect tastings at up to five cellar doors, a vineyard stop, lunch at your own cost, and handmade chocolate. Groups are capped at 11, with careful timing for cruise departures.

“The tour itself was very good. Our guide, Mike, was very knowledgeable and organized. Unfortunately, we were delayed by passengers arriving on a different cruise which meant rushing a very nice lunch and skipping one winery. This was certainly not the fault of Jade Tours.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton - From Picton to Marlborough’s first vines
Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Picton, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Picton

Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton

12.Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 150 reviews · from $114

Set out from Picton at 1pm with Sounds Connection for three or four Marlborough wineries, tastings, vineyard views, and commentary from guides such as Andy, Chris, Rose, or Brett. Pickup and drop-off are included. Eat first, pace yourself, and allow up to four and a half hours if the day includes an extra stop.

“This was a great afternoon. We sat in beautiful outdoor settings to have our wine. The bus ride was relatively short which was nice. Sam was a great tour guide, lots of wine info as well as interesting stories. The chocolate factory at the end was icing on the cake!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton - Wildlife Watching Without Guarantees
Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours in Picton, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Picton

Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

13.Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 145 reviews · from $65

Start at 9:00 am in Picton for a 3.5-hour Beachcomber Cruises trip through Queen Charlotte Sound. Stop at Ship Cove, where Captain Cook landed, then return through Endeavour Inlet with live commentary, wildlife watching, and local passenger and freight drop-offs.

“A little long. Captain was informative. Left a tip for him. Rating was based on lack of variety of cruise NOT the captain.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton - What the four-hour route feels like
Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Picton

Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton

14.Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 143 reviews · from $74

Set out from 1 London Quay with Wilderness Guides for a four-hour sea-kayaking trip into Queen Charlotte Sound. You will receive safety instruction, a stable kayak, water protection, and a small dry bag. Guides such as Jenna, Jake, Helen, and Alex share stories about local wildlife, culture, and the waterway.

“A lovely way to see Queen Charlotte Sound. A bit bumpy at times due to wind and other boats but lovely in the coves.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise - Cruising through the Marlborough Sounds
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Picton, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Picton

Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise

15.Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 128 reviews · from $104

Cruise from Picton into the outer Marlborough Sounds with guides such as Bella, Andy, Nicky, Dan, and Ella. Watch for dolphins, fur seals, penguins, shags, gannets, and king cormorants, then walk on Motuara Island bird sanctuary. Binoculars, ID cards, refreshments, and a small group make this a strong nature outing.

“Great to do a cruise of the sound. Nikki and Andy were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the area and eco friendly initiatives. The only downside was that the boat was a bit crowded and we picked up two hikers so there was not enough places for everyone to sit - which was hard as it was choppy.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Tours in Picton

★ 5.0Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic TourFrom $18551 reviews
★ 4.5Self-Guided Queen Charlotte Track Walk from PictonFrom $5970 reviews
★ 5.0Marlborough Wine Tour – Picton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion TourFrom $17628 reviews
★ 5.0Queen Charlotte Track – Ultimate one Day Walk and CruiseFrom $2289 reviews
★ 4.0Private Excursion: Scenic and Seascape Delights from Picton5 reviews
★ 3.0Discover Picton: Self-Guided Audio TourFrom $158 reviews
★ 4.0Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from PictonFrom $6836 reviews
★ 5.0Private Marlborough Winery TourFrom $52717 reviews
★ 5.0Exclusive Picton Wine & Scenic Adventure: VIP Cruise Experience6 reviews
★ 5.0Private Shore Excursion: Explore Marlborough from Picton4 reviews
★ 4.5Marlborough Sounds Day Visit to LochmaraFrom $5813 reviews
★ 4.5Captain Cook and Dolphin CruiseFrom $10426 reviews
★ 4.5Hop on Hop off Wine Tours MarlboroughFrom $8046 reviews
★ 5.0Half-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from PictonFrom $7430 reviews
★ 5.0Full day Guided Sea Kayak Tour from PictonFrom $10526 reviews

Keep browsing

Milford Sound Cruises110Hobbiton Movie Set Tours123Wine Tours202Scenic Helicopter Flights136Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours110Walking Tours99
Scroll to Top

Two islands, end to end

Pick a coast, a summit or a cellar door.

The set pieces

HobbitonGlowworm CavesMaori EveningsLarnach CastleRail Journeys

On the water

Milford CruisesHole in the RockSea KayakingWhale WatchingSailing Days

In the air

Helicopter FlightsSkydiving & BungyGlacier CountryDark Sky NightsAoraki & Tekapo

Slow days

Cellar DoorsFood WalksHot SpringsWildlife ToursCycle Trails