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.
Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island on this cruise. The cruise features local salmon, and Greenshell mussels with a glass of 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.
- Hop on and off at 26 popular Marlborough locations without having to drive yourself
- Knowledgeable drivers provide all information, easy to use map and timetable
- Enjoy the freedom of hopping on and hop off at as many destinations as you please - stay as long as you like!
- See some of the best wineries, breweries, museums and much more!
- An awesome idea for groups of friends, couples or singles alike
Please note a child ticket is 12years and under.
The Wines of Marlborough cruise excursion tour is a brilliant way to experience the Marlborough wine region. You will catch the bus provided by the cruise ship into the Picton information centre where you will meet your guide for the day. They will talk you through the tour itinerary and then take you the 30 minute drive to the stunning Marlborough wine region. Surrounded by mountains the wine valley is the home of NZ wine and in particular Sauvignon Blanc.
Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will provide you with a wealth of information on the region and the wines. Midway through the day we will stop for a delicious platter lunch at one of the winery restaurants. (Lunch is at your own cost). At the end of the afternoon before returning to the ship we will go via our local chocolate factory before having you back to Picton in time to catch the cruise buses back to the ship.
For over 6o years, Interislander has been sharing the stunning scenery of Wellington Harbour and the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds with over 800,000 passengers every year.
The voyage between the North and South Islands of Aotearoa New Zealand has been described as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world and is a ‘must do’ experience for everyone exploring our stunning country.
The three-hour journey gives plenty of time to soak in the scenery and enjoy the fresh, local food and beverages we pride ourselves in.
Our three spacious and comfortable Interislander ferries - Kaitaki, Aratere and Kaiarahi - cross the Cook Strait at regular times, 7 days a week, all year round.
Book your tickets now!
Note: This InterIslander option does not allow travel with your vehicle.
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 award-winning wine.
The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we are the only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service by water in the Queen Charlotte Sound making this a truly unique tour!
Come along on the Mail Boat Cruise and share the excitement of Mail Day as the skipper delivers the Rural post bags, groceries and freight to the residents that call the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways home.
If time allows the Mail Boat Cruise will take a short stop at one of the brilliant locations within the Queen Charlotte waterways, you route will shown upon check in.
Available to purchase for $6 in the office before you depart are Beachcomber Cruises keep cups, we no longer use single use cups on board our vessels due the huge environmental impact. Upon purchase of a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup guests can enjoy tea and coffee onboard for the duration of the tour.
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.
Enjoy a relaxing day out around some of the beautiful wineries in Marlborough. Learn about the regions great wines and sample at least 4 wines at each cellar door. We usually visit 5 tasting rooms so you will get plenty of wine and different experiences. Our tour is door to door so you don't have to worry about driving, just relax and enjoy your tour. Outside of peak times we don't have preset cellar doors so if you have somewhere you would like to go please message us and we will do our best to schedule your visit. There are around 20 cellar doors to choose from on a daily basis so plenty of variety.
The default start time is 9.30am. However ship schedules are not the same so the start time may differ - typically we leave about 1 hour after docking. Please check your emails for Tripadvisor advice on definitive departure times shortly before your date.
Ride in a luxury minibus to the famous cellar doors of Marlborough on this approx. 5-hour shore excursion from Picton to Blenheim. Compare the aromas of Marlborough's finest wines and taste the passion that goes into every bottle. You will visit four to five wineries ranging from the internationally famous to boutique, family-run wineries. One stop will be at a vineyard restaurant for lunch (at own cost) as well as a wine tasting. Finish the day with a nibble of hand made gourmet chocolates at a chocolate factory.
Visit Ship Cove on a morning boat cruise that explores the Marlborough Sounds, a broad network of waterways that makes up 20 percent of New Zealand’s coastline. Enjoy time to disembark at Ship Cove where you can see a memorial to Captain Cook, Maori wood carvings and the sheltered beach. Throughout your journey, marvel at breathtaking scenery and hear informative commentary from your knowledgeable captain about the marine life, cultural history, and natural features of this beautiful region
Please note that this tour departs sharply on schedule at 9:00am
Available to purchase for $6 in the office before you depart are Beachcomber Cruises keep cups, we no longer use single use cups on board our vessels due the huge environmental impact. Upon purchase of a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup guests can enjoy tea and coffee onboard for the duration of the tour.
Enjoy an afternoon among the vines on this half-day wine tour from Picton. You will be collected and taken on a tour through the Marlborough wine region visiting approximately three to four wineries. A lunch stop is not included in this tour so it is advised that you have something to eat prior to joining the tour so you can enjoy tasting a range of stunning Marlborough wines. Flexibility is the key, and we will always do our best to include any requests you may have or let the experts select some fabulous wineries for you to visit for the afternoon.
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.
The half day guided sea kayak trip is an ideal opportunity to fit a little kayaking adventure into a busy day – or for those just wanting a taste of sea kayaking.
Our priority is to get you out on the water, allowing maximum time to enjoy the tranquil waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Your guide will enjoy sharing their knowledge of the Marlborough Sounds and it's native flora and fauna as you paddle along. The area is surrounded by bush-clad shorelines and sandy beaches. We’ll stop for a light refreshment break along the way before returning to Picton.
Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island on this cruise. The cruise features Regal salmon 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 an aquatic farm, learn about aquaculture in the Marlborough Sounds and take in the picturesque scenery.
Tour participants see the full grandeur of the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds in one experience that can only be done by air. And get to stop by a remote beach to soak up the wilderness.
Experience 'The Ultimate Marlborough Day Out', on this full day, small group tour.
In the morning enjoy a scenic cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound, aboard a catamaran and get to see the historic Ship Cove, where Captain Cook anchored way back in 1770. Returning to shore around 12.30pm, you will then be taken to a winery to have a single main course lunch with a glass of wine of your choice.
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.
We are are small tour company offering you and fellow cruisers that big personal service.
Join our knowledgeable guide who shares your enthusiasm for wine on a flexible, friendly Marlborough discovery wine tour.
Your tour is designed especially for cruise ship passengers arriving in Picton with times to fit the ship schedule 5-6 hours
**some experts describe wine as "silky", "flabby", "floral" or even like "cat's pee". Their evocative descriptions don'e just add romanticism to the act of drinking wine. They're also there to help unlock a spectrum of flavours and senses.
Discover 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. With about 20 tasting rooms to visit on a daily basis there is plenty of choice. If you have somewhere you really want to go let us know at booking time so we can see if that will work on the day.
The tour has two pick up locations with a different price point.
Picton at 12.30pm
Blenheim 1pm
If your location and time slot is not available that means we are sold out.
This afternoontour does not include a lunch stop - you may be able to purchase small eats or cheese platter along they way.
NOTE: please do not book this tour if you are on a cruise ship which departs Picton at 6pm or earlier.
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
The only Marlborough wine tour lead by a local winemaker or Marlborough wine expert.
Make the most of your short time in Marlborough. Visit 4-5 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. A shared gourmet platter at a vineyard restaurant is included and is always a highlight, along with a visit to a boutique chocolate factory or a Brewery.
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.
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 Queen Charlotte Sound aboard our luxury launch on this half-day tour, departing Picton. Learn about local history, visit a mussel farm and take in the stunning scenery.
This tour offers an amazing fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! Guided by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, you are sure to spot some rare seas birds, marine animals, and endangered land birds. Enjoy spotting Dolphins in the calm, sheltered waters before traveling to Ships Cove and Motuara Island!
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, you may even catch a glimpse of the King Shag and South Island Saddleback. Search for Dolphins in calm sheltered waters before traveling to Motuara Bird Sanctuary Island.
