See & Do > On the Water > Boat Cruises

Boat Cruises

With 1500km of winding coastline, explore the secluded bays, historic sites, marine reserves and island sanctuaries in the Marlborougfh Sounds by private or group boat tours.

DM F Hooked On Wairau Sounds Boat Group (11)

Jump aboard a scheduled mailboat run for a unique experience delivering supplies to people living in remote bays. Join a seafood a sample fresh mussels and salmon, or head out on a wildlife cruise for an incredible experience with Marlborough's marine and bird life.

Boat tours in the Marlborough Sounds

Mail Boat Cruises

Scheduled mail boat cruises are a fantastic way to see the way of life in the Marlborough Sounds Mail, food and supplies are delivered to people living in remote locations in the Marlborough Sounds, and this is a brilliant opportunity to see parts of Marlborough that few know even exist. No one day is the same as routes and delivery points change daily depending on what the residents of the sounds need. Your skipper will provide interesting commentary along the journey as you pull along side the wharfs in sheltered bays. Photo by Beachcomber Cruises

Wildlife Cruises

There’s no better way to discover the incredible ecosystem of the Marlborough Sounds than on a wildlife cruise. Marlborough is the ultimate destination for a world-class dolphin viewing and swimming experience. Home to five species of dolphin, the chances of getting up close for that perfect photo are simply brilliant! Tours depart Picton daily. For nature lovers, take a trip out from Havelock to see the marine and bird life of the Pelorus Sound, and to visit Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Park, ranked by BBC Wildlife Magazine as one of the top 10 eco-destinations in the world.

Seafood Cruises

Sample fresh salmon and mussels straight from the waters below. Some of the world’s finest seafood is grown in the Marlborough Sounds. Join a seafood cruise from Picton and taste fresh salmon and mussels, matched with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Scenic cruises & water taxis

Catch a water taxi to a holiday house you've rented, or get dropped off at Ship Cove to walk or bike the 72km Queen Charlotte Track. If you're just looking for a half or full day trip, choose from an abundance of day cruises departing Picton or Havelock. You could go on a seafood cruise, a mail run cruise, a wildlife cruise, a fishing charter, hire a jet ski, or book an exclusive charter and let the skipper tailor a trip just for you. Photo by Beachcomber Cruises

Charters & boat hire

Boat Hire Embrace the freedom of hiring a bare boat or jetski to explore the intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. It's important that you have had sufficient experience on a vessel of similar size to the one you are hiring. It is strongly recommended that you brush up on boating safety and navigation before heading out. Visit the Cruise Guide to get started. Chartered Trips Charters are the perfect way to get out on the water. Having a skipper and crew allows you to put your feet up and relax while being provided with great local knowledge, and having the freedom to visit the best spots for your group. Main photo by Daniel Forster