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Marlborough Sounds Tours and Tickets
A series of sunken river valleys at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, the Marlborough Sounds offer a range of sights and adventures—hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife watching, to name but a few. Many travelers pass through Queen Charlotte Sound and the town of Picton on the ferry between the North and South islands.
- Picton, South Island
Tours and Tickets to Experience Marlborough Sounds
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20 results
Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton
Discover the natural beauty and fresh seafood of the Marlborough Sounds during a 3.5-hour cruise from Picton. Travel by luxury catamaran through the sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound, located at the top of New Zealand's South Island. Taste fresh seafood served on board and paired with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. You'll also learn about aquaculture in the Marlborough Sounds, check out a salmon and mussel farm, and get great photo ops of the region.
... More- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$76.13
Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise
Spend half a day among the thriving wildlife of the outer Marlborough Sounds on a small-boat wildlife tour from Picton. Spot rare sea birds like penguins and shags, plus a couple of species of dolphin, in Queen Charlotte Sound. Set foot on Motuara Island, a bird sanctuary Island that holds significance to colonial New Zealand history. Your guides are deeply knowledgeable about this area, so make the most of them and ask plenty of questions.
... More- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$90.75
Full Day Marlborough Sounds Mail Boat 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).
... More- 10 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$76.13
Likely to Sell Out
Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton
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.
... More- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$61.84
Marlborough Icons Tour - Wine tasting + Cruise
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.
... More- 6 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
from
US$152.26
Half-Day Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton
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.
... More- Free Cancellation
from
US$90.75
Full day Guided Sea Kayak Tour from 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.
... More- 7 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
from
US$94.40
Full-Day Marlborough Catamaran Cruise with Wine Tour and Lunch
Combine some of Marlborough's classic activities on this full-day tour: cruising on Queen Charlotte Sound and tasting some of the area's world-renowned wines. Spend the morning out cruising aboard a catamaran, then go ashore to a winery for lunch and wine tasting. Continue the afternoon with more winery visits and tastings.
... More- 7 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$210.12
Bay of Many Coves Helicopter Tour with 3-Course Lunch from Wellington
Across the Cook Strait is the Marlborough Sounds, a cluster of picturesque bays, inlets and islands. Set in one of these bays is the Bay of Many Coves Resort, a luxury hotel that can only be accessed by boat or helicopter. Your helicopter will leave the Wellington waterfront and fly you over the Cook Strait to the Resort. Once there, you’ll be treated to a three-course lunch at the resort’s gourmet restaurant The Foredeck.
... More- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$587.72
Private Shore Excursion:Explore Marlborough Wine and Scenic Delights from Picton
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.
... More- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$910.50
per group
Amazing Luxury tours of NZ
This is just an example of a luxury highlights tour of NZ. The itinerary can be customized to suit your time frame and budget. However it is targeted mainly at the luxury 5* market.
... More- 23 days
from
US$9,135.48
Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Picton
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.
... More- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$605.99
per group
Wine gourmet and scenic Escape - Enjoy Your NZ Backyard:
Enjoy a wonderful day out around the Marlborough region of New Zealand with this fully customizable tour. Visit famous wineries, be delighted by award-winning meats, cheeses, chocolate, honey and more (vegetarians and vegans also catered for) or take in amazing views of natural landscapes. With pickup available at many locations throughout the region, this is a stress-free way to explore this special corner of the country.
... More- 3 hours 20 minutes
- Free Cancellation
from
US$118.76
Winter Wine Gourmet and Scenic Pleasures of Marlborough:Group Tour
Enjoy a customizable winter-time tour around Marlborough, one of New Zealand’s most charming regions. Visit enchanting wineries to sample award-winning wines, taste regional delicacies such as green-lip mussels as well as delicious chocolates and cheeses, drop in at the fabulous aviation museum and more. This is a wonderful way to take in so much of what this region has to offer in just a short space of time.
... More- 5 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$93.08
Heli-Scenic Marlborough Sounds
Included in this adventure:
• Approximately 60 minutes flight time exploring the Marlborough Sounds
• Two-way communication between you and your pilot
SIGHTS:
• Native bush
• Breathtaking waterways
... More- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$2,283.87
per group
Heli-Fish Marlborough Sounds D'Urville Island Indulgence - 'Catch and Dine'
Included in this adventure:
• Approximately 120 minutes flight time over Tasman Bay coastline, and D’Urville Island
• Two-way communication between you and your pilot
• 1 x Mountain landing
• Dining of the fish caught by the clients and local wine and beer
SIGHTS:
• The beautiful D’Urville Island
• Breathtaking mountain landscapes
... More- 5 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$2,405.68
per group
20 Day New Zealand Uncovered Haka Plus Tour
You’re probably wondering what makes this tour a little fancier than some of our others with similar itineraries? Well, it’s pretty simple – along with a number of extra-special itinerary inclusions, the biggest difference is you'll stay in comfortable twin-share hotel accommodation.
That’s right: say au revoir to busy budget dorm rooms – you get a twin-share room to lay your head down each night.
Haka Plus Tours are great for couples or friends who are travelling together. If you’re travelling alone, we’ll match you with someone for an instant road trip pal! Or if you’d prefer a room to yourself, that’s no trouble at all. You have the option to upgrade to a private room as well.
We kick off in Auckland and 20 days later we wave goodbye in Christchurch. Along the way you’ll get to see some of the most breathtaking scenery New Zealand has to offer. This includes national parks, rainforests, hidden pools, UNESCO World Heritage Areas, and probably more beaches than you have toes.
... More- 20 days
from
US$5,480.68
Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Blenheim
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.
... More- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$605.99
per group
Winter Wine and Scenic Private Delights Tour of Blenheim
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.
... More- 5 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
from
US$371.67
per group
Winter Wine and Scenic Delights Private Tour from Picton
A private winter wine and scenic tour departing Picton at 10:20am and returning at 4:30pm is the perfect option for discovering Marlborough which has the record for the longest sunshine hours in New Zealand. There are plenty of sensational wines, gourmet delights and stunning scenic landscapes all year round for you to enjoy. Indoor and outdoor itineraries are custom made to suit your day. Travel in comfort with your tour guide, a local owner with experience and knowledge to share. Relax and enjoy the sunshine with views of the snowy mountain tops in the distance. Your tour is custom-made to include any of your requests and your chauffeur/guide can recommend the very best highlights of Marlborough. Our local cuisine at our winery cafes and restaurants is a total experience where you could taste our local mussels and salmon. Lunch is at your cost, however all wine tasting fees are included.
... More- 5 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$309.21
per group
What are people saying about Marlborough Sounds
Willie_S, Sept 2023
Getting to meet both...
Getting to meet both human and animal locals very enjoyable. It was a wonderful experience and would highly recommend trip to anyone.
The web site says wheelchair accessible which for 1 of our party proved wasn't that easy.
Entry through boat doorway needs portable ramp.
Secure space for wheelchair during trip is also needed.
Bryan_R, Jul 2023
great tour!
Great tour! The captain and the crew were very knowledgable. We were able to see beautiful coasts, lots of birds and marine wildlife. Well worth the tour
Sharon_H, Jul 2023
Relaxing way to send the afternoon.
Informative commentary, beautiful views and a little stop along the way to sample some seafood and wine and feed the fish.
Sharon_G, Apr 2023
Wonderful experience xx
Amazing scenery, lovely staff and beautiful seafood companied with beautiful wine, what more can you ask for.
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ:What's the best way to experience Marlborough Sounds?
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