Search icon

Marlborough Sounds Day Cruises: Discover Wildlife and Scenic Beauty

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Marlborough Sounds with our day cruises from Picton. This New Zealand paradise offers 1,500 kilometres of unspoiled coastline, hidden beaches, charming bays, and lush forests.

Encounter dolphins, penguins, and fur seals in their natural habitat, making it a wildlife lover's dream. We provide a variety of day cruises to cater to every traveller's interests. Nature enthusiasts can visit Kaipupu Point and Motuara Island, two wildlife sanctuaries, to connect with the region's diverse fauna.

Search icon
Aerial view of Interislander ferry sailing through Marlborough Sounds
Search icon
Beachcomber Cruises mail boat speeding across Queen Charlotte Sound on a sunny day.
Search icon
Kaitiaki Interislander ferry with passengers viewing Blackwood Bay in Queen Charlotte Sound
Search icon
Passengers enjoying views from Interislander ferry in Marlborough Sounds
Search icon
Aerial view of lush green hills and blue waters in Marlborough Sounds
Search icon
Aerial view of Mahana Lodge nestled at Endeavour Inlet along the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough Sounds
Search icon
Seafood platter with greenshell mussels, clams, and sashimi on a Marlborough cruise.
Search icon
Fresh greenshell mussels and clams served on deck during a Marlborough Sounds cruise.
Search icon
Couple walking along the jetty at Ship Cove on the Queen Charlotte Track
Search icon
Signpost at Ship Cove marking Queen Charlotte Track distances in the Marlborough Sounds

Alternatively, opt for a more relaxed experience by journeying to Ship Cove, Captain Cook's beloved anchorage. Here, you can enjoy a delicious lunch at Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove Resort while surrounded by tranquillity. No matter which adventure you choose, our day cruises guarantee unforgettable moments amid the stunning landscapes of Marlborough Sounds.

Related Tours

Some other tours you might be interested in

Couple walking along the jetty at Ship Cove on the Queen Charlotte Track
Ship Cove Cruise
South Island
Cruises Family-friendly Tours Half-Day Tours
This Ship Cove Cruise from Picton takes you through Queen Charlotte Sound with live commentary, wildlife spotting, ...
Calendar icon Duration: 4 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 106
Visitor and baby meet a curious Weka at Ship Cove in the Marlborough Sounds.
Captain Cook Cruise to Ship Cove
South Island
Cruises Nature & Wildlife Family-friendly Tours Small Group Tours Half-Day Tours
Join a Captain Cook Cruise to Ship Cove in the Marlborough Sounds. Discover rich history, native wildlife, and stun...
Calendar icon Duration: 4 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 159
Xxlarge E52 G Qnprl Q76x QL Meuazis Yzq
Magic Mail Run
South Island
Cruises Family-friendly Tours Half-Day Tours
The Magic Mail Run offers a unique Marlborough Sounds adventure aboard the official Mail Boat. Watch as mail and su...
Calendar icon Duration: 5 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 122
Three Hector’s dolphins swim in formation just beneath the water’s surface.
Marlborough Sounds Dolphin Watching Tour
South Island
Cruises Nature & Wildlife Family-friendly Tours Small Group Tours Half-Day Tours
Join a Marlborough Sounds Dolphin Watching Tour from Picton and witness dolphins leaping alongside the boat. With e...
Calendar icon Duration: 1-2 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 159
Guests enjoying outdoor dining in the garden at Furneaux Lodge on the Queen Charlotte Track
Day in the Sounds at Furneaux Lodge
South Island

Oct-Apr

Cruises Family-friendly Tours Day Tours
A Day in the Sounds features a cruise from Picton, a stop at Captain Cook’s Ship Cove, and time at Furneaux Lodge, ...
Calendar icon Duration: 9 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 111
Aerial view of Punga Cove jetty with boats and kayaks on turquoise waters along the Queen Charlotte Track.
Day in The Sounds at Punga Cove Resort
South Island

Oct-Apr

Cruises Day Tours Family-friendly Tours
A Day in the Sounds includes a cruise from Picton through Queen Charlotte Sound with a stop at historic Ship Cove. ...
Calendar icon Duration: 9 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 111
A New Zealand Saddleback (Tīeke) bathes in a forest puddle, its red wattles visible.
Motuara Island Wildlife & Dolphin Watching Cruise
South Island
Cruises Nature & Wildlife Small Group Tours Half-Day Tours
Join the Motuara Island Wildlife & Dolphin Watching Cruise from Picton. Encounter dolphins, seals, and native birds...
Calendar icon Duration: 4 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 159
Snorkeller swimming right next to two dolphins in crystal-clear waters.
Marlborough Sounds Dolphin Swimming Tour
South Island
Snorkelling & Diving Nature & Wildlife Family-friendly Tours Cruises Half-Day Tours Small Group Tours
Swim with dolphins in the stunning Marlborough Sounds with expert guides ensuring safety and fun. Spot Dusky, Bottl...
Calendar icon Duration: 2-4 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 199
Native bellbird (Korimako) perched on a branch at Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds.
Motuara Island Bird Watchers Cruise
South Island

Oct-Apr

Nature & Wildlife Cruises Family-friendly Tours Half-Day Tours
A predator-free sanctuary in the Marlborough Sounds, Motuara Island is home to rare native birds, melodic birdsong,...
Calendar icon Duration: 5 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 115
Collage of Marlborough wildlife including native birds, seals, and local wine.
Marlborough Wildlife, Beach & Wine Cruise
South Island
Cruises Nature & Wildlife Food, Wine & Beer Tours Family-friendly Tours Small Group Tours Half-Day Tours
Experience Marlborough Wildlife, Beach & Wine Cruise from Picton. Enjoy native bush, tranquil beaches, and a taste ...
Calendar icon Duration: 2 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 90
Aerial view of a Beachcomber mail boat rounding a bush-clad point in Queen Charlotte Sound.
Sunday Afternoon Cruise
South Island

Oct-Apr

Cruises Family-friendly Tours Half-Day Tours
A Sunday Afternoon Cruise from Picton explores Queen Charlotte Sound’s wildlife-rich waters, with the chance to see...
Calendar icon Duration: 4 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 121
Paua shell resting on a wooden jetty at Whekenui Bay near Arapawa Blue Pearls.
Paua Pearl Farm Tour
South Island
Shore Excursions Cruises Half-Day Tours
This tour begins with a scenic cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound to Arapawa Island. Meet the Radon family, disco...
Calendar icon Duration: 4 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 1,080
Little Blue Penguin swimming on the calm waters of the Marlborough Sounds
All Day Birdwatchers Experience to Blumine & Motuara Islands
South Island
Nature & Wildlife Cruises Day Tours Small Group Tours
Cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound on the All Day Birdwatchers Experience to Blumine & Motuara Islands. Spot rare...
Calendar icon Duration: 9 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 220
Fantail bird with tail fanned out on Blumine Island, Marlborough Sounds
Blumine Island Bird Watchers Tour
South Island
Cruises Nature & Wildlife Private Tours Half-Day Tours Small Group Tours
Join the Blumine Island Bird Watchers Tour in Marlborough Sounds to see rare native birds. With a 95% success rate ...
Calendar icon Duration: 4 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 199
New Zealand bellbird perched on a forest branch, singing on Blumine Island
Queen Charlotte Track Walkers Drop Off and Motuara Island
South Island
Transfers and Shuttles Hiking & Walking Nature & Wildlife Half-Day Tours
Experience the Queen Charlotte Track Walkers Drop Off and Motuara Island with a guided cruise, dolphin encounters, ...
Calendar icon Duration: 2 hours
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 100
Tour group walking along Ship Cove jetty in the Marlborough Sounds at sunrise
Queen Charlotte Track Walkers Drop Off or Pick Up (One Way)
South Island
Transfers and Shuttles Hiking & Walking
Discover a wildlife and dolphin cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound with walker drop off or pick up. Enjoy stunnin...
Calendar icon Duration: 1.5 hour
Map icon Location: Picton
from NZ$ 80

Sign up to our newsletter for special deals & exciting news.