NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand's best.
New Zealand's 15 most popular picton tours, in one place. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Ride a working mail boat through Queen Charlotte Sound. Scenic cruise, live skipper stories, and mail deliveries to remote homes. 4 hours.
“Our guide made the whole trip really interesting lots of knowledge about the sound and inhabitants including wildlife.”
Full-day small-group Marlborough wine tasting from Picton or Blenheim with vineyard walks, multiple winery stops, and Saint Clair lunch.
“This was such a fantastic day! Our driver was funny, charismatic, and made the whole experience really enjoyable. The van was full but very comfortable, which made travelling between wineries easy and relaxing. The tour itself was well plaRead more”
Coastal Pacific one-way train from Picton to Christchurch with ocean-and-Kaikoura views, panoramic windows, and GPS audio commentary. Great value.
“A very well organized activity. The station ticket seller gave all the solo travelers single seats which were really appreciated. The route (100Km of coastline) and rural landscapes were photographic perfection! The train staff were very professional and kind.”
Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound on a real mail run from Picton, with wildlife chances and skipper stories, plus tea/coffee via a keep cup.
“Packed a cooler with some wine and cheese and crackers, dressed in layers, then sat back and watched the beautiful scenery. Very cool to be able to get into the bays and see the isolated homes of the people who live there. The dogs coming down for their treats were so entertaining!”
3-hour cruise from Picton through Queen Charlotte Sound to Ship Cove, with live commentary and a Captain Cook landing stop.
“It was an awesome experience with a funny guide who explained perfectly the history of Marlborough Sounds. I wish the stay at ship cov would have been a bit longer but other than that I cannot complain. totally worth the money”
Ride the InterIslander ferry from Picton to Wellington for great views, easy vehicle transport, and a calmer alternative to flying.
“The ferry from Picton to Wellington was a bit lackluster but effective. Staff was very nice and helpful. The premium lounge was small and seating almost comfortable.”
Small-group Marlborough wine tour from Picton or Blenheim with hotel transfers and tastings at four wineries in half a day.
“We had a very good time doing something a little unusual for us. Our guide Phil was very informative and fun. The wineries were all very different, and each was glad to have us visit. The timing for the wine and travel was well organized. And Phil helped get a non-alcoholic option for me. The…”
Small-group Marlborough Sounds cruise from Picton with a Motuara bird sanctuary walk, dolphin and seal sightings, and included drinks.
“Had a great trip with Andy and Bella, they were so friendly and informative. We saw plenty of bird species and some amazing dolphins, highly recommend this trip.”
Picton to Marlborough by small-group minivan for 4–5 winery tastings, vineyard tours, and a chocolate stop, with port pickup.
“Jade Tours provided an outstanding day! We were a small group and John was our guide. The wineries were all great and lunch was outstanding.”
Half-day Marlborough wine tour from Picton with pickup, 3–4 winery tastings, and guide stories. Eat first, pace your pours.
“This was one of our best tours in NZ, our guide Andy was a great ambassador for his country. We toured the Marlborough area in an excellent van and Andy kept us entertained with many stories of the area, the wineries, Picton toRead more”
Morning cruise from Picton to Ship Cove in the Marlborough Sounds, with wildlife spotting, Captain Cook history, and live onboard commentary.
“We enjoyed the cruise, lovely weather, great captain letting the kids steer the boat on the return trip. Liked all the extra stops along the way, dolphins turned up which was exciting for everyone. Wekas interaction at ship's cove. No complaints very enjoyable cruise.”
Half-day guided sea kayaking from Picton into Queen Charlotte Sound. Wildlife, expert guidance, gear included, and back in 4 hours.
“As intermediate kayakers, we thought this was a perfect time frame and challenge for us. We appreciated the thorough pre-departure safety orientation and the large map on site to illustrate our route. Jenna, our guide, provided commentary at points along the way so we learned about the region, culture, and wildlife. Trip was well-organized and…”
Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound from Picton on a luxury catamaran, taste local salmon and greenshell mussels, and watch for wildlife.
“Try it !! Worth every moment. Comfortable boat, very fortunate we were a smaller group. Weather was not the best but still enjoyed every minute of the cruise. Beautiful fresh mussels and local salmon. Scenery just gorgeous… and the staff alRead more”
A half-day small-boat wildlife cruise from Picton to Motuara Island, with binoculars, species ID cards, and chances at dolphins, seals, and sea birds.
“This was a wonderful tour. Bella and Dan were fantastic a the slipper and guide. We saw a lot of wildlife. Right off we saw a blue penguin floating in the water, then we saw Dusky Dolphins jumping and tons of birds. We were able to see hillRead more”
7-hour guided sea kayak from Picton through Queen Charlotte Sound, with wildlife spotting, shore breaks, lunch, and small-group pace.
“Fantastic experience, well-led, beautiful location. Our guide, Hannah, was amazing. We were fortunate to have wonderful weather.”
