Beyond the Vines - Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour
Enjoy a relaxing day out around some of the beautiful wineries in Marlborough. Learn about the regions great wines and sample at least 4 wines at each cellar door. We usually visit 5 tasting rooms so you will get plenty of wine and different experiences. Our tour is door to door so you don't have to worry about driving, just relax and enjoy your tour. Outside of peak times we don't have preset cellar doors so if you have somewhere you would like to go please message us before the tour and we will do our best to schedule your visit. There are around 20 cellar doors to choose from on a daily basis so plenty of variety. Please choose the correct tour location and time. We have central Picton 9.30am and central Blenheim 10am. If you are outside of central areas please check with us before booking Do NOT book this if you are on a cruise ship as it is unlikely to meet your ships times, please choose our shore excursion tours.
With a winemaker or local legend as your guide; your tour starts with an informative vineyard stroll. You can ask all those curly questions, and capture some great vineyard photos. During your full day tour you visit 4-6 wineries which could include a local brewery (depending on the preferences of the group), with over 40 cellar doors to choose from, if you’ve got a favorite we’ll do our best to get you there. We generally focus on a new Zealand family owned vineyards and wineries but can also visit the small boutique and organic vineyards. This tour does not include a visit to Cloudy Bay, Fromm and Hans Herzog. If Cloudy Bay is a must see then please book our Gourmet Gold Tour or a Private Wine tour Lunch at a vineyard restaurant is always a highlight and is at your own cost. There is opportunity to visit the Makana Chocolate Shop. Visit 4-6 wineries.
The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we are the only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service by water in the Queen Charlotte Sound making this a truly unique tour! Come along on the Mail Boat Cruise and share the excitement of Mail Day as the skipper delivers the Rural post bags, groceries and freight to the residents that call the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways home. If time allows the Mail Boat Cruise will take a short stop at one of the brilliant locations within the Queen Charlotte waterways, you route will shown upon check in. Available to purchase for $6 in the office before you depart are Beachcomber Cruises keep cups, we no longer use single use cups on board our vessels due the huge environmental impact. Upon purchase of a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup guests can enjoy tea and coffee onboard for the duration of the tour.
Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour
Join the team from 'the original Marlborough Wine Tours and Discover New Zealand's premier wine region on this half-day tour with pick up options from Picton and Blenheim ( subject to availability on the day). Visit four different wineries in the Marlborough wine region and be guided by our experienced wine tour guides. Stroll through the vineyards, and sample wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. This small-group tour is limited to 11 people and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. With approximately 20 tasting rooms to visit on a daily basis there is plenty of choice. If you have somewhere you really want to go let us know at booking time. There is no lunch stop - small eats or cheese platter can be purchased on the tour. NOTE: please do not book this tour if you are on a cruise ship as we won't guarrantee return to ship in time. Please pick the right pick up location, time and price, central Picton or central Blenheim, if outside those locations please check with us first.
Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton
The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular wildlife. Visit Motuara Island and cruise the majestic Queen Charlotte sound. Water, wilderness and wildlife. You will have the opportunity to see multiple species of wildlife, including rare sea birds, marine mammals and endangered land birds. Led by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, you will be given the possibility of viewing five different species of dolphins. Enjoy a fully-guided walk on Motuara Island, seeing and hearing the amazing bird life where Captain Cook planted the first flag and claimed New Zealand.
Picton Cruise Ship Shore Excursion: Marlborough Wine Tour
Explore and enjoy Marlborough wine country, famous for Sauvignon Blanc. the cater for small groups (maximum of 10), guided by a knowledgeable local, touring at a gentle pace. Departing from the Picton I-Site, you travel in an air-conditioned minibus to the Wairau Valley for a personalised tasting experience. Visit 4 locally owned and family-run wineries to sample the region's distinctive Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals, learn about different wine styles, and enjoy the scenic vineyard landscapes (with time to take photos). Each tour is planned around the specific arrival and departure times of your cruise ship, allowing for a flexible itinerary that makes the most of your time ashore while ensuring a comfortable return to port. The tour includes a stop for lunch at a vineyard restaurant (own cost) and, time permitting, a visit to a boutique chocolate factory for tastings and purchases.
Enjoy an afternoon among the vines on this half-day wine tour from Picton. You will be collected and taken on a tour through the Marlborough wine region visiting approximately three to four wineries. A lunch stop is not included in this tour so it is advised that you have something to eat prior to joining the tour so you can enjoy tasting a range of stunning Marlborough wines. Flexibility is the key, and we will always do our best to include any requests you may have or let the experts select some fabulous wineries for you to visit for the afternoon.
Depart Picton at 9:00am and cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound to historic Ship Cove. Along the way enjoy the sights and scenery and keep your eye out for any chance wildlife encounters. Enjoy a site visit at Ship Cove, take the chance to get onshore where Captain Cook laned in the 1770’s where his ship the Endeavour was anchored to replenish supplies. See the monument, comb the beach and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings. Upon re-joining your vessel we will cruise through the Endeavour Inlet completing drop offs and deliveries of passengers and freight before returning to Picton.
The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery and wildlife. Visit Motuara Island and cruise the calm waters of the majestic Queen Charlotte Sound. Water, wilderness and wildlife. You will have the opportunity to see multiple species of wildlife, including rare sea birds, marine mammals and endangered land birds. Led by enthusiastic and fun Guides, you will be given the possibility of viewing five different species of dolphins, little blue penguins, seals, seabirds and land birds. Enjoy the only daily service fully-guided walk on Motuara Island, seeing and hearing the amazing bird life where Captain Cook planted the first flag and claimed New Zealand. The view is spectacular from the lookout all the way to the North Island. On the return enjoy complimentarily hot drinks and chocolate biscuits and in the afternoon tour local award-winning wine.
Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton
Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island on this cruise. With a complimentary tasting of local wine as you step aboard our luxury vessel. You will cruise through the natural beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound sampling local seafood such as salmon and try Greenshell mussels three different ways, along with a non-seafood option platter. Walk at Kaipupu Wildlife Reserve* Comprehensive Mussel Farm Tour and Blue Cod feeding experience. Enjoy an optional swim* (towels provided) *weather dependent
CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours
THIS IS A CRUISE SHIP ONLY TICKET. TRAVELERS WHO ARE NOT CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS, PLEASE RING US DIRECTLY FOR BOOKINGS! - Hop on and off at 25 popular Marlborough locations without having to drive yourself - Knowledgeable drivers provide all information, easy to use map and timetable - Enjoy the freedom of hopping on and hop off at as many destinations as you please - stay as long as you like! - See some of the best wineries, breweries, museums and much more! - An awesome idea for groups of friends, couples or singles alike Please note a child ticket is 12years and under.
Sea kayak from the picturesque Picton foreshore, across the harbour and into the Grove Arm of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Stop on a sandy beach in this beautiful remote location for morning tea and lunch. Your guide will enjoy sharing their knowledge of the Marlborough Sounds and it's native flora and fauna as you paddle along.
Marlborough Wine Region Tour from the Port of Picton
Enjoy a 4-5 hour fun tour with a local chauffeur/guide departing from the Port of Picton with a scenic journey to the Marlborough Wine region. Taste award winning local wines, delicious gourmet treats and view stunning landscapes as you travel from place to place. Each cellar door offers unique styles and of course some famous Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. There is time to visit 3-4 wineries on your tour. Savour local cuisine in a winery garden café or enjoy a wine with a cheese, meat, seafood platter overlooking the stunning Wairau Valley. Returning to Picton in plenty of time for your ships scheduled departure you might like to include a short return drive to see spectacular views from a great look out of Picton Port, your ship and the sparkling Queen Charlotte Sound.
Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Region Tour from Picton
This tour is for Cruise Ship passengers arriving in Picton, New Zealand Explore New Zealand's premier wine region on this 5-6 hr tour from Picton. Visit four different wineries in the Marlborough wine region and visit the boutique Chocolate Factory, stroll through the vineyards, and sample wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. This small-group tour is limited to 11 people and it is tailored to the needs of people coming off the Cruise Ships who may have different timing requirements to our standard daily tours. please Note : There is no Cruise Terminal in Picton so all passengers must disembark the ship onto shuttle buses to the Picton I Site where we meet all tour particpants
Take a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at daily life in the unique and isolated Marlborough Sounds as we deliver goods and passengers to far-flung jetties and corners of Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui. This 3-hour cruise is a great opportunity to see the Marlborough Sounds through the eyes of those who live and work here. Discover places far from the nearest road, and maybe meet some of the locals who call this isolated and beautiful place home. Relax onboard our comfortable vessel as we deliver passengers and supplies to homes, secluded resorts and the Queen Charlotte Track, keeping an eye out for seals, penguins, dolphins, stingrays and rare sea birds. Learn about the Marlborough Sounds’ history and natural world from your friendly skipper and crew, and enjoy free tea and coffee. This cruise will take you to corners of the Sounds rarely seen by visitors – no cruise is ever the same.
Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour
Tour participants see the full grandeur of the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds in one experience that can only be done by air. And get to stop by a remote beach to soak up the wilderness.
Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour to Blumine Island
This Wildlife and Dolphin tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! You will have the opportunity to see rare seas birds, marine mammals, and endangered land birds. Led by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, WCA certified Guides .Drop off at Blumine Island the only place in New Zeland to see the rarest New Zeland Busbird - Orange Fronted Kakariki ( 98% succes rate ) King Shag ( 99 %Sucess rate ) Search for Dolphins in calm sheltered waters before traveling to BlumineIsland DOC Predator Free Bird Sanctuary Island. Bio-securtiy applies - No BAGS ON ISLAND unless DOC checked
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island, with this indulgent Greenshell Mussel Cruise. On the cruise you'll sample local seafood such as salmon, and Greenshell mussels. Relax and unwind while you cruise the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound aboard our luxury vessel on this half-day tour, departing Picton. Learn about local history, pass by a mussel farm and take in the stunning scenery. This tour requires a minimum of 6 guests to proceed. In the event the minimum is not reached, travelers will be offered an alternative cruise date.
Discover the full diversity of wine varieties this stunning Marlborough region has to offer and learn the secrets behind fine wine appreciation on this full-day tour from Picton. You will visit approximately five or six wineries during the day and any special requests you may have can usually be accommodated. A winery lunch stop is included (at your own cost). A complimentary pick up from your central Picton accommodation is included and will return you thereafter or to a suitable drop off point.
Swim with Wild Dolphins from Picton – Small-Group Eco Tour
Swim with wild dolphins in the calm sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds on a small-group eco adventure designed around both guest comfort and dolphin welfare. Guided by experienced World Cetacean Alliance-trained guides, learn about dolphin behaviour, marine conservation, and the unique wildlife of this remarkable region while respectfully interacting with dolphins in their natural environment. Unlike many open-ocean dolphin tours in New Zealand, E-Ko operates in the protected waters of the Sounds and is the only operator to offer a No Seasickness Guarantee. Complimentary wetsuits, masks, binoculars, species identification cards, hot drinks, and expert wildlife interpretation are all included to create a relaxed, educational, and unforgettable marine wildlife experience.