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Sunday Afternoon Cruise

Oct-Apr

South Island

Beachcomber Cruises

from
NZ$121
per adult
Book Now
Aerial view of a Beachcomber mail boat rounding a bush-clad point in Queen Charlotte Sound.

Experiences

Cruises Cruises Family-friendly Tours Family-friendly Tours Half-Day Tours Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Picton
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 4 hours

Details

Relax and Explore on a Sunday Afternoon Cruise

A Sunday Afternoon Cruise is the perfect way to enjoy Queen Charlotte Sound, where peaceful waterways are rich in stories, history, and incredible scenery. From New Zealand King Salmon farms to hidden coves, your skipper shares fascinating insights along the way. The setting sun makes this journey even more special, with the Sounds bathed in golden light.

Wildlife encounters add to the charm, with dolphins, seals, and little blue penguins often spotted. Bird enthusiasts may see cormorants, gannets, terns, and even the curious weka. Depending on the season, you’ll step ashore at a point of interest, which could be a bird sanctuary, a historic site, or even a local lodge, before returning to Picton.

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Two mailboats cruising through Marlborough Sounds with scenic coastline in the background.
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Aerial view of a Beachcomber mail boat arriving at a remote lodge in Marlborough Sounds.
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New Zealand kererū perched on a branch overlooking Queen Charlotte Sound from Motuara Island.
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Native New Zealand saddleback bird (Tīeke) at Motuara Island predator-free sanctuary.
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Vibrant red-crowned parakeet (Kākāriki) seen during a birdwatching walk on Motuara Island.
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Hector’s dolphin leaping playfully near a cruise boat in Queen Charlotte Sound.
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Pair of New Zealand fur seals resting on sunlit rocks near Motuara Island.
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Native bellbird (Korimako) perched on a branch at Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds.
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Native New Zealand fantail bird (Pīwakawaka) foraging on the forest floor of Motuara Island.
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Skipper steering the boat through Queen Charlotte Sound with scenic views from the cabin.
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Mail Boat Cruise passing through Queen Charlotte Sound with a dolphin leaping in the foreground.
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Two Hector’s dolphins leaping out of the water in Marlborough Sounds.
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New Zealand fur seal peeking over rocks on the shoreline in Marlborough Sounds.
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Travellers admiring a tall Pouwhenua (Maori carving) on Queen Charlotte Track at Ship Cove
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Couple viewing Captain Cook monument surrounded by native bush at Ship Cove

TRIP TIMINGS:

  • Operates: Year Round
  • Check in time at Picton: 1pm
  • Depart Picton: 1:30pm
  • Arrive Picton: 5:30-6pm

ONBOARD FACILITIES

To help reduce our environmental impact, Beachcomber Cruises no longer uses single-use cups on any of our vessels. Reusable souvenir keep cups are available for purchase at the office before departure. We also provide complimentary tea and coffee for you to enjoy during the tour.

AGE INFORMATION

  • Adult: 15 years +
  • Children: 5-14 years
  • Infant: 4 years & under

CANCELLATION FEES & REFUNDS:

  • 48 hours or more before travel: Full refund**
  • Less than 48 hours: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card, payment or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

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