best marlborough sounds cruise

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Discover Marlborough Sounds:

An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds

Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds 30% off selected departures

DAYS 7 / SHIP Heritage Explorer

PRICES FROM $3,650 $2,555 USD (More Rates)

PROMO: Save 30% per person on May 2024 departures!

Discover the tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds on an unforgettable 7-day Kiwi adventure exploring Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d'Urville Island.

Famed for the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife and remote coastlines these regions are also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country's most important conservation efforts.

Formed by a system of submerged valleys carved out following the last ice age around 10,000 years ago, the scenic playground of Marlborough Sounds encompasses some 1,500-kilometres of forested coastline, sheltered inlets and bays awaiting exploration, many only accessible by sea. The union of three main bodies of water - Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds - Marlborough Sounds has more than 50 Department of Conservation managed reserves and several predatorfree wildlife sanctuaries.

Just 500 treacherous metres from the mainland, d'Urville Island was named after French admiral Jules Sebastien Cesar Dumont d'Urville and his ill fated passage of the infamous French Pass in January 1827. After several near misses while seeking passage inside the island, he came close to losing his ship Astrolabe after hitting the reef. Now a possum, rat and weasel-free conservation reserve, d'Urville Island is one of the last strongholds of the critically endangered Long-tailed Bat and provides a respite for the world's rarest shag - the King Shag - and several other species of rare birds and geckos.

A voyage of adventure and discovery awaits in the Marlborough Sounds.

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Discover Marlborough Sounds - 19 May 2024 to 25 May 2024 - Heritage Explorer

Havelock → Picton

30% off selected departures

Book before 31 May 2024 and SAVE 30% on Marlborough Sounds autumn and summer departures.

T&C's apply, new bookings only made on Heritage Explorer Marlborough Sounds voyages departing in May and November & December 2024, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Landing fees, pre and post cruise transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.

All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.

Discover Marlborough Sounds - 14 Nov 2024 to 20 Nov 2024 - Heritage Explorer

Discover marlborough sounds - 29 nov 2024 to 5 dec 2024 - heritage explorer, discover marlborough sounds - 9 dec 2024 to 15 dec 2024 - heritage explorer.

Picton → Havelock

Discover Marlborough Sounds - 1 May 2025 to 7 May 2025 - Heritage Explorer

Discover marlborough sounds - 7 may 2025 to 13 may 2025 - heritage explorer, discover marlborough sounds - 17 may 2025 to 23 may 2025 - heritage explorer, discover marlborough sounds - 21 nov 2025 to 27 nov 2025 - heritage explorer, discover marlborough sounds - 27 nov 2025 to 3 dec 2025 - heritage explorer, discover marlborough sounds - 3 dec 2025 to 9 dec 2025 - heritage explorer, discover marlborough sounds.

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• DESTINATIONS
• CAPTAIN’S LOG

• NEW ZEALAND
• SOUTH PACIFIC
• SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS

THE 10 BEST Marlborough Sounds Tours & Excursions

Tours in marlborough sounds.

• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Private Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Walking Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Motorcycle Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tour Including Wine Tasting

2. Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise

3. Marlborough Wine Region Tour from the Port of Picton

4. Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton

5. Cruise Ship Day - Marlborough

6. Scenic flight - Experience our Water and Wilderness scenic tour

7. Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

8. Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

9. Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton

10. Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise

11. Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch

12. Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton

13. Cruise Excursion - Wines of Marlborough Tour

14. Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour

15. Half-Day Guided Sea Kayaking Tour from Anakiwa

16. Marlborough Sounds Greenshell Mussel Tasting Cruise

17. Full-Day Wine Tour from Picton

18. 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise

19. Full-Day Marlborough Catamaran Cruise with Wine Tour and Lunch

20. Full Day Marlborough Sounds Mail Boat Cruise

21. Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton

22. Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise

23. Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

24. The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

25. InterIslander Ferry - Picton to Wellington

26. Day Cruise & Lunch at Punga Cove Resort

27. Self-Guided Queen Charlotte Track Walk from Picton

28. 2 hour Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton

29. Bays and Bush Scenic Tour

30. Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge

What travellers are saying.

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• youtube-play
• pinterest-circled

10 Best Things to Do in the Marlborough Sounds + Best Boat Trips

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the must-dos and best boat trips in the marlborough sounds.

Covering one-fifth of New Zealand’s coastline, the Marlborough Sounds is a mecca for all things coastal. As a haven for wildlife, a treat for landscape lovers and an area steeped in history, the Marlborough Sounds makes the perfect setting for some awesome activities. So whether you’re into mountain biking, hiking, watching wildlife or just relaxing, you’ll certainly find some awesome things to do in the Marlborough Sounds.

Located at the north of the South Island , the Marlborough Sounds are typically accessed via Picton and Havelock . Many travellers’ first introduction to the sounds is when they take the ferry between Picton and Wellington . Believe us, the stunning mountainous hills rolling into the ocean is just the beginning. Just scroll down to see the gems this labyrinth of inlets hides, including how to get there with the best Marlborough Sounds boat trips.

1. Walk or Cycle the Queen Charlotte Track

An excellent way to spend some time in the Marlborough Sounds is by doing the Queen Charlotte Track . This 70km (43-mile) walking/biking trail winds its way through native forest and high mountain ridges overlooking the Marlborough Sounds. While the full multi-day hike is the best way to make the most out of the track, there are options to do sections as day hikes or rides. More details are available on Viator and Tripadvisor . For more information on biking the trail, check out  The Ultimate Guide to the Queen Charlotte Track and Mountain Biking in Marlborough .

Location: Boat transport to various sections of the Queen Charlotte Track can be taken from Picton Marina. See the guides linked above for more details.

2. Spend Time at a Resort

Not quite a typical New Zealand activity, but the Marlborough Sounds is home to quite a few resorts and lodges packed with things to do. What’s more, they are pretty affordable. Many of the accommodations on the Marlborough Sounds have their own kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear, beaches, bush walks and more. So why not take a boat out to one of these paradise-like locations for a couple of days and relax?! Try Anakiwa Lodge , Punga Cove Resort and Lochmara Lodge .

Location: Boat transport and water taxis can be taken from Picton Marina.

3. Watch Birds at the Motuara Island Sanctuary

New Zealand is home to some fascinating native birds. Many of which can be seen on the pest-free Motuara Island . An hour’s walk takes you up to a stunning viewpoint across the Queen Charlotte Sound . However, we recommend spending a good amount of time at the watering hole with a seating area looking onto it. The birds will come to you! For more about New Zealand’s birds, check out the 10 Things You Did Not Know About New Zealand Wildlife .

Location: Boat trips out to Motuara Island depart from Picton Marina with E-Ko Tours (more info on Viator and  Tripadvisor ) , Beachcomber Cruises (on Viator and Tripadvisor ) and Cougar Line (on Viator and Tripadvisor ) .

4. Cruise Around the Marlborough Sounds

There is no lack of boats in the Marlborough Sounds! Just take your pick from Picton or Havelock and cruise out into the majestic setting of Queen Charlotte or Kenepuru Sound. A popular choice is a mail boat cruise, with Beachcomber Cruises (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor ) , Cougar Line (on Viator and Tripadvisor ) and Pelorus Mail Boat (on Viator , Tripadvisor and Klook ) , taking passengers out on the water to the remotest stretches of the Marlborough Sounds to deliver mail.

Location: Boat transport can be taken from Picton Marina and Havelock Marina.

5. Swim with Dolphins in Their Natural Habitat

Bottlenose dolphins are regular visitors to the Marlborough Sounds. The playful dolphin species are often seen riding the bow of the many boats out on the water. To get a real close encounter with these fascinating creatures, join a dolphin swimming tour with E-Ko Tours (more info on Viator , Tripadvisor and Klook ) .

Location: Tours depart from 1 Wellington Street, Picton Marina.

6. Take a Trip to Historic Ship Cove

Check out this heritage icon of New Zealand near the entrance of the Queen Charlotte Sound . Not only did the first Maori to discover New Zealand, Kupe, stop at Ship Cove on a voyage of the Marlborough Sounds, but it was also an anchorage for Captain James Cook, the first European to land on New Zealand. Sculptures, memorials and heaps of interpretation panels help tell the story of these early days in a stunning coastal setting. Ship Cove is also the start of the Queen Charlotte Track (see above).

Location: Cruises with Beachcomber Cruises to Ship Cove depart from Picton Marina. Find out more on Viator and Tripadvisor .

7. Kayak or Hike in Okiwi Bay

Those who have their own car or campervan can experience an awesome road trip through the Rai Valley to Okiwi Bay . Once in this quiet corner of the Marlborough Sounds, there’s kayaking to be done and hikes to tackle. Try the Goat Hill Track , Seaward Valley Track or Okiwi Bay Lookout Walk to see some wildlife, get awesome views and walk through native forest.

Location: Okiwi Bay, approximately 112km (70 miles) from Picton.

8. Do a Road Trip Down French Pass

To get well and truly off the beaten track, extend your visit to Okiwi Bay and drive down the French Pass Road . This beautiful drive reveals far-stretching coastal views all the way out to D’Urville Island . Stop along the way to visit a beach and some ferocious whirlpools. Once you reach French Pass, go camping or hop on a water taxi to D’Urville Island. For more information, check out The Guide to French Pass and D’Urville Island .

Location: French Pass Road starts from the eastern end of Okiwi Bay (see above).

9. Go Fishing in the Marlborough Sounds

Marlborough is renowned for its abundance of delicious seafood, particularly its salmon and greenshell mussels. A great way to see the Sounds while experiencing the thrills of catching your own dinner is by fishing! Hop on a fishing charter and see just how easy it is to grab yourself a blue cod or aim for something a little more challenging like gurnard, tarakihi, snapper, kahawai and scallops (in season). Fishing charters are available with Sounds Connections and Reel Therapy in Picton and Local Knowledge Charters in Havelock.

Location: Fishing charters depart from Picton Marina and Havelock Marina.

10. Take the Cook Strait Ferry

Well, when money’s tight and you need to get between the North Island and South Island, the Cook Strait ferry is actually a pretty good way to see the Marlborough Sounds. The ferry taking passengers and vehicles between Wellington and Picton travels right through the Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte Sound , providing some stunning photo opportunities along the way. Find out more in our guide to the Ferry Between the North Island and South Island and book your tickets with Interislander to Wellington on Direct Ferries , Viator , Tripadvisor and Klook . Alternatively, take the Bluebridge ferry available on Direct Ferries and Klook . 

Location: Interislander – 1 Auckland Street, Picton. Bluebridge – 1 Lagoon Road, Picton.

For More Must-Dos and Things to Do in the Marlborough Sounds…

That’s it for our list of the best things to do in the Marlborough Sounds including the best boat trips. For more experiences in the Marlborough Sounds, take a look at our alternative guides:

12 Best Things to Do in Picton

• 10 Marlborough Must-Dos
• 9 Best Things to Do in Havelock

Finally, plan your entire trip to Picton and the South Island using  The Complete Travel Guide to Picton and the  51 Best Things to Do on the South Island .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Marlborough NZ (Regional tourism website)
• Visit Waitohi / Picton (Regional tourism website)
• Marlborough District Council (Local council website)

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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THE 10 BEST Marlborough Sounds Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in marlborough sounds.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Water Sports
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Queen Charlotte Sound
• Marlborough Sounds
• Cougar Line
• Marlborough Tour Company
• Beachcomber Cruises
• Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company - Day Tours
• Indian Summer Charter
• Marlborough Wine Tours
• Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen
• Pelorus Eco Adventures
• Queen Charlotte Track
• Pelorus Mail Boat
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise

2. Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton

3. Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

4. Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

5. Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise

6. Marlborough Sounds Greenshell Mussel Tasting Cruise

7. 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise

8. Full-Day Marlborough Catamaran Cruise with Wine Tour and Lunch

9. Full Day Marlborough Sounds Mail Boat Cruise

10. Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton

11. Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise

12. Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

13. The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

14. Day Cruise & Lunch at Punga Cove Resort

15. 2 hour Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton

16. Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge

17. Marlborough Icons Tour - Wine tasting + Cruise

18. Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton

19. Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton with Seafood

20. Private Yacht Cruise in the Marlborough Sounds New Zealand

21. 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk

22. Early Bird Eco Cruise

What travellers are saying.

Marlborough Sounds - cruise overview

Marlborough Sounds, Marlborough

By Mahana Lodge

Picton sits snuggled between the mountains and the sea, at the head of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound.

Winery, Marlborough

By Ian Trafford

"Rhapsody of the Seas" in the Sounds, New Zealand

Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough

By Destination Marlborough

By Rob Suisted

The Marlborough Sounds encompass 1,500 km of coastline, bays, beaches and native forest. It is a place of incredible natural beauty, a place that needs to be seen to be believed. The area is abundant with wildlife, from penguins and rare King Shags to dolphins and fur seals, and offers some of the world's best boating, diving, fishing and hiking.

Cruise ships stop at the quaint port town of Picton, known for its museums, galleries and picturesque walking tracks. The wineries of Blenheim are within a short drive of Picton; be sure to try the Sauvignon Blanc for which this region is famous.

Popular onshore activities in Marlborough

• Marlborough is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, which is best experienced on a winery tour . Explore the countryside and sample the vino, either by car, coach, or bicycle. Be sure to enjoy lunch alfresco amidst the vines at a winery restaurant.
• Get a closer look at Marlborough Sounds and local wildlife on a scenic cruise . Some companies have cruise and walk options so you can see native flora up close. 
• Explore the vibrant seaport town of Picton , with its art and craft galleries and intriguing museum. The Edwin Fox, the world's ninth oldest ship, is on display in Picton Harbour.
• Aviation fans will love the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre , about 30 minutes' drive from Picton, showcasing displays of WWI and WWII aircraft.

Getting around

Cruise ships arriving into Picton berth at Waitohi Wharf, 10 minutes’ walk from the centre of the picturesque township.

Upon arrival you will be greeted by friendly and helpful locals who can supply maps and important information such as where to find money changing facilities. If you are looking for local assistance, visit Picton’s i-SITE Visitor Information Centre located on the Foreshore.

Banks and money changing facilities can be found on Picton’s main street, High Street.

To access the Queen Charlotte Sound you can catch many of the water transport options from Picton Marina. If you would like to go further afield to Havelock or on a winery tour it’s a good idea to join one of the organised shore tours or organise a rental car.

Picton is a small town and is easy to explore on foot. Walking from one side of town to the other takes less than 20 minutes.

If you are planning to travel slightly further afield during your shore excursion in Picton you may want to book a rental car in advance. Find a rental car in Picton.

Water taxis

Picton has a good selection of companies offering water taxi services if you want to explore the Marlborough Sounds. One of the larger companies is Cougar Line, which offers 2-3 hour scenic cruises and longer eco-cruise or “cruise and walk” options.

Plan your holiday

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Top 10 things to do in Marlborough long-arrow-right

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• Seafood Odyssea Cruise

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds with the exclusive afternoon Seafood Odyssea Cruise, departing Picton.

As you cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui, sample local seafood such as salmon, and Greenshell mussels, with Marlborough sauvignon blanc for the definitive wine/food match. Discover the natural beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui while relaxing aboard our well-appointed catamaran. Learn about this fascinating industry in the Marlborough Sounds from our knowledgeable crew and take in the picturesque scenery, keeping an eye out for local wildlife including seals, dolphins and birds.

Departures:

Departing daily 2024 (on request June - Aug '24) 

email [email protected] for group bookings

A premium catamaran

Terms and conditions:

Minimum six people, booking fee of 2.5% applies - includes card, administration and associated costs.

Seafood Cruise

You may also like....

Greenshell Mussel Cruise

Marlborough Icons Tour

• Tours and Cruises

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• 0800 862 334
• [email protected]

• Marlborough Sounds Cruises and Top of the South

“Superb trip! Great walking & scenery! Crew amazing people and the food utterly amazing cuisine could not be faulted - thanks heaps!”

Glen from Wellington

Marlborough Sounds Cruises and Top of the South – October to April

2024 / 2025 dates.

• 4 Nights Pelorus Cruise and Walk Walk 3 tracks in Pelorus Sound
• 5 Nights Cruise and Walk Walk the Queen Charlotte Track
• 2 Days Cruise Cruise the Marlborough Sounds
• 5 Nights New Year’s Scenic Cruise Cruise Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds including D’Urville Island and French Pass
• 6 Nights Scenic Cruise Cruise Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds including D’Urville Island and French Pass
• 10 Nights Ultimate New Zealand Cruise Explore the beauty of New Zealand’s Golden Bay, Tasman Bays, Abel Tasman, Pelorus, Kenepuru, and Queen Charlotte Sounds.
• 2-10 Nights Exclusive Cruises  

Prices are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD), and include:

• Daily continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon teas, and sunset nibbles.
• All linen – including duvets and towels.
• All activities in each itinerary.
• Relaxing accommodations
• Shore excursions
• Friendly and attentive staff

THE 10 BEST Marlborough Sounds Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in marlborough sounds.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Water Sports
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Queen Charlotte Sound
• Marlborough Sounds
• Cougar Line
• Marlborough Tour Company
• Beachcomber Cruises
• Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company - Day Tours
• Indian Summer Charter
• Marlborough Wine Tours
• Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen
• Pelorus Eco Adventures
• Queen Charlotte Track
• Pelorus Mail Boat
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise

2. Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton

3. Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

4. Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

5. Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise

6. Marlborough Sounds Greenshell Mussel Tasting Cruise

7. 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise

8. Full-Day Marlborough Catamaran Cruise with Wine Tour and Lunch

9. Full Day Marlborough Sounds Mail Boat Cruise

10. Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton

11. Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise

12. Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

13. The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

14. Day Cruise & Lunch at Punga Cove Resort

15. 2 hour Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton

16. Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge

17. Marlborough Icons Tour - Wine tasting + Cruise

18. Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton

19. Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton with Seafood

20. Private Yacht Cruise in the Marlborough Sounds New Zealand

21. 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk

22. Early Bird Eco Cruise

What travellers are saying.

• Day Cruises

Experience the stunning Marlborough Sounds with Cougar Line's day cruises to far-flung bays, islands and lodges in Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui.

Come on board and relax while we take you to some of the most beautiful places in the Marlborough Sounds. 

Spend a morning on a deserted island bird sanctuary, cruise to a relaxing lunch at a Marlborough Sounds resort, or join our fascinating delivery cruise to private jetties, homesteads and lodges. Enjoy the informative commentary from our friendly and experienced crew and spot the local wildlife.

For a longer getaway, cruise with us to a night at a secluded Marlborough Sounds lodge, surrounded by nature.

Whatever cruise option you choose, you’ll know you’re seeing the best of Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui, with us.

In this section...

Cruise and Lunch

Cruise to Motuara Island

Sounds Delivery Cruise

Cruise & Stay

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Pelorus Mail Boat

See the wildlife

The remote Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere features many bird, sea and wildlife creatures - see how many you can spot...

Meet the dogs of the the Pelorus

Many of the residents in the remote Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere have four-legged friends who are very excited to welcome the Mail Boat (and its treats)...

More than 100 years old

The mail boat has been a lifeline for people living in remote parts of the Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere for more than a century...

Our new Saturday Mailrun!

We will be out and about on a Saturday delivering mail. This is bookable now! Come and enjoy a day with us on a Saturday!

Welcome to the Pelorus Mail Boat

Join New Zealand's original mail boat

The Pelorus Mail Boat has been delivering mail by water to the residents of the Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere in the Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, since 1918.

For over 100 years The Mail Run – carrying mail, along with groceries, farming supplies and tourists – has cruised the waters of the remote Sounds, creating a lifeline to the outside world for those living in areas without road access.

Join a day cruise on the mail run and meet local residents, learn the history of Pelorus Sound, spot plentiful wildlife and enjoy our beautiful and unique part of the world.

Explore Pelorus/Te Hoiere with us

The Mail Run Cruise

Our Mail Run day cruises – year-round – include stunning scenery, spectacular wildlife, and an adventure you will never forget. Choose from three scenic routes, each as unique as the other.

The Saturday Mail Run

Our Saturday Mailrun offers a little bit of everything. Enjoy beautiful scenery, spectacular wildlife and peace like never before as our postie takes a relaxing cruise around the scenic Pelorus Sound, whilst delivering mail.

Transfers - Pelorus Sounds

We can transfer you and your gear around the Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere from one point to another. Or get to the Nydia Track with your bike or to walk.

Plan your trip

Plan your Mail Run cruise, water transfer or charter experience on the Pelorus Mail Boat.

Explorers and settlers

As the most remote area of the Marlborough Sounds, Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere is a vast maze of bays, inlets and coves stretching from Havelock to D’Urville Island.

Book exclusive charter of our vessel, the Pelorus Express, for your private tour, club day out, school camp, special celebration, work function or group travel to a Marlborough Sounds location.

Contact us by email or phone for bookings and any enquiries including information about our mail run cruises, transfer service and scenic cruise.

See what others are saying....

Check out   @themailboat  on  Instagram  and   Facebook and join in with #themailboat

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Tory Channel Current and Tide Model

The Tory Channel Current and Tide Model blends real-time data with hydrodynamic modelling to predict currents at any location within the channel.

An eye on the Sounds - webcams

If you are heading out into the marlborough sounds, check conditions before you go.

Ferry Precinct Redevelopment

Marine construction activities underway.

New Safer Boating Guides available

Maritime new zealand has released updated safer boating guides..

Waikawa Marina

Queen charlotte sound.

French Pass

Outer sounds.

The Marlborough Cruise Guide

The Cruise Guide to the Marlborough Sounds is an interactive app and website showing marinas, anchorages, boat ramps, moorings, facilities, and other local information and images. Information is presented in map format, and includes satellite images and nautical charts.

The Cruise Guide stands out from traditional guide books because of its ability to incorporate user feedback, which is moderated by local experts and added to the knowledge base. This means the Cruise Guide's information will remain current, offering the type of information cruisers want, and can trust.

As you explore the bays of the Cruise Guide you will see the feedback form is available for you to provide location-based information. We welcome this feedback - reviews by cruisers help fellow boaties determine when to pull in, when to pass by, and when to use an anchorage.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING NAVIGATIONAL USE:

The Cruise Guide is intended to be a general guide providing helpful information for boaties and visitors to the Marlborough Sounds. It is not intended for navigational use. Always navigate by reference to a current navigational chart or map.

(Refer also to the Terms and Conditions page for further information about the use of The Cruise Guide and this website.)

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The Marlborough Sounds

Queen Charlotte Sound (Tōtaranui in Māori) is the easternmost sound of the Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand’s South Island. It is a drowned river valley (or ria) just like its neighbours and also runs south-west to north-east before joining up...

Keneperu Sound is the shallowest and smallest of the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island of New Zealand. In Māori, one of the meanings of ‘keneperu’ is silt and which can be seen two thirds of the way out of shore. Renowned for its aqua...

With a shoreline of 380km, Pelorus Sound is the largest of the sounds which make up the Marlborough Sounds at the northern area of the South Island, New Zealand. It was so named after the nautical instrument used on sailing...

This stretch of water is naturally exposed to all winds and can represent quite a hurdle to boat users due to its proximity to the Cook Strait, which is infamous for its strong currents and rough waters, especially when the...