Activities
There is so much to fill in your time when you visit Picton here are some of the many fantastic options which we know you will enjoy
Half day to One Day options
QUEEN CHARLOTTE SOUND BOAT CRUISES
Plan your personalised itinerary.
Option 1a
Take a lazy ride over to Lochmara Bay, where you could enjoy a coffee and cake at Lochmara Lodge, followed by feeding the fishes in the marine reserve at Double Bay, and then have a go at fun family fishing.
Maybe you would like to go further afield? Why not look at the bird life on Motuara Island, where you can photograph the native NZ robins, fantails and tuis at the waterhole. This island is a safe haven for young kiwis, or those recovering from injury before being placed back in the wild – so be careful to walk quietly and you never know what you may see!
From there you could go ashore and stand in the footsteps of Captain Cook himself at Ship’s Cove. Be sure to take your camera and get your photo taken next to Captain Cook’s monument, and watch out for the friendly Wekas who will come up close. Eat your picnic there or onboard ‘Stormdancer’, or if you would prefer, go ashore at one of the restaurants and resorts and have a meal there.
On the way you will get opportunities to see marine wildlife such as seals, dolphins and blue penguins. If you are lucky you may get the chance to see a pod of rare Hectors dolphins. And at any time you want to stop and anchor up in a secluded bay to swim or take in the sun and sights, you only have to ask your skipper.
www.queencharlotteboatcharters.com
Option one
Mail Run
Beachcomber Cruises
Joining the magic mail boat is the way to see the best of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. The only licensed NZ Post Rural delivery service by water in the Queen Charlotte Sounds. Deliver the mail and groceries to families that live in these beautiful remote places. Also say 'Hi' to the kids waiting on the wharf for their schoolwork to be delivered by correspondence.
Upon arrival at Ship cove step back in time. Observe Captain Cook's memorial, walk along the beach or dabble in the creek. Imagine where Captain Cooks ship the Endeavour was anchored and observe the resident Oyster Catchers, Weka & Paradise Ducks.
Tour highlights (Approximately 4½ hours)
Learn the history of the Marlborough Sounds.
View Marine Life along the way, such as Dolphins and New Zealand Fur Seals.
See and hear native birds including Bellbirds & Tuis.
Travel to the remote ends of the Queen Charlotte Sound.
Learn the history of the Queen Charlotte Sound from your friendly skipper.
Sit back and relax with complimentary tea & coffee.
Tour departs daily at 1.30pm
Please note the mail route alters daily in order to cover the many different areas within the Queen Charlotte Sounds.
Option Two
Cruise 'n' Walk options Queen Charlotte Track
Walking the whole track is a popular challenge however, for those with limited time, Cougar Line offers a range of options to capture the natural and historic world of the Queen Charlotte Track, for those with limited time, in one just day.
Select a walk, and cruise the rest with Cougar Line. From one hour to eight hour walks, there are walks designed to suit all fitness levels and ages.
Option Three
Natures Best Walk from Ships Cove to Furneaux lodge on the Queen Charlotte Track.
Fourteen kilometres, approximately five hours walking time.
Venture into the great outdoors and get away for the day. Cruise the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to the beautiful and serene Ship Cove. Step into nature and spend a few minutes exploring the beach where Captain Cook spent much of his time. Observe the resident Oyster Catchers and Weka.
Then walk through approximately 14 kilometres of native forest en route to Furneaux Lodge catching fantastic views of the outer sounds. For a variety of scenery from rugged grand to placidly beautiful there is nothing that compares.
On arrival at Furneaux Lodge a warm welcome awaits you where you can partake in refreshments before boarding your cruise vessel at 4.00pm for your return to Picton.
Tour highlights (Allow all Day)
Experience the Queen Charlotte Track in just one day.
Capture the beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound.
Walk through native virgin bush.
Step ashore at historical Ship Cove.
Sit back and relax with complimentary tea & coffee.
Learn the history of the Queen Charlotte Sound from your friendly skipper.
Departs All Year Round - 9.30 am
Departs October – April - 8am (On this departure we can allow you to go ashore on Motuara Island bird sanctuary and be collected at 10.30am and transferred to your walking destination)
Option Four
Dolphin watch Eco Tours
A scenic wildlife cruise combined with a visit to both Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and historic Ship Cove! No other morning cruise gives you so much making this the perfect half-day Marlborough Sounds adventure.
Cruise the majestic Marlborough Sounds on a scenic journey to both Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and legendary Ship Cove. Spot playful dolphins while our crew provides friendly commentary about the region. Enjoy a 45-minute self-guided walk on Motuara Island where the birds on this predator-free island are fearless, plentiful and very vocal and the view from the Cook Strait lookout is pure magic! As you walk amongst lush native bush, you may experience close encounters with blue penguins, rare saddleback, melodic bellbirds, cheeky robins, native pigeons and NZ falcons. Next, explore historic Ship Cove of Captain Cook fame where you'll step ashore for 30 minutes and be transported back in time to the 1770s. Ship Cove was recently included in the Lonely Planet's 'Bluelist'. From the peaceful clear waters to the untouched native forests, fascinating history and breathtaking scenery....Ship Cove is pure New Zealand at its best! Return to the boat, sit back and relax with a complimentary hot drink and cookies before making your way back to Picton via a working salmon fish farm to visit the fur seals. Return to Picton approximately 12:30-1:00pm.
Tour Highlights
Scenic wildlife cruise to see dolphins (95% encounter rate)
45 minute walk on Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary
30 minutes ashore at historic Ship Cove
Visit a salmon fish farm to see fur seals
Informative commentary by knowledgeable crew
Free tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies
Tourism Award-Winning Service
Daily departures: 9:00 am (December - March
Option Five
Swim with dolphins
Swimming with dolphins and viewing them in their underwater world is the adventure experience of a lifetime and one that you'll never forget!!!
Join our highly qualified staff on a dolphin swimming or viewing cruise in the sheltered calm waters of the scenic Marlborough Sounds. Help search for dusky dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and even rare Hector's dolphins that frequent this amazing area. Whether it's watching a group quietly cruising along or marvelling at their high leaps, back-flips, somersaults and side-slaps during social bouts, dolphins are sure to please all. Our Dept. of Conservation permit allows us to seek out and interact with all species of marine mammals that live in the Sounds. During the cruise, we're likely to see NZ fur seals, a variety of seabirds (like gannets, shearwaters and penguins) and may even be fortunate enough to encounter orca as they occasionally pass through the area.
Once spotted, we’ll cruise with the dolphins and get the swimmers ready if conditions allow. As a permitted operator, we abide by the rules and regulations established for dolphin swimming and viewing activities. If conditions are good, then we’ll place swimmers in the water for the adventure of a lifetime! Unlike other dolphin swimming operations around New Zealand where several boats are on the same group of dolphins, we are Picton's only Dolphin Swimming operator - that means we're the only boat with swimmers in the water with a group of dolphins - THAT'S IT....NO OTHER SWIMMERS.....NOBODY ELSE!!! We primarily operate in an area of little to no sea swell - meaning seasickness is rarely an issue for our guests. Wetsuits, fins, masks and snorkels are provided free of charge. If you're not keen on swimming with the dolphins, then join this tour for some fantastic dolphin viewing from above.
Swimming with Dolphins Tour Highlights
The opportunity to interact with wild dolphins!
Fantastic photo opportunities
A scenic cruise in the sheltered Queen Charlotte Sound
Expert knowledge of the wildlife that lives here
High-quality gear for swimming
Dolphin viewing success rate is 98%
Dolphin swimming success rate is 80%
Dolphin swimming Guarantee - see below
Free tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies
Departs 9:00 am (April, October & November)
Departs 8:00 am (December, January, February & March)
Option Six
Sound Connections Wine Tours
Pick up and drop off from our door
Full Day Wine Tour:
Departs 10.30am and returns 5.00pm - daily - all year round.
Discover the diversity of Marlborough's famous wine valley. You will
visit approximately 6 - 7 venues. A winery lunch stop is included at
your own cost. All tasting costs are included in the price.
Half Day Wine Tour:
Departs 1.30pm and returns 5.30pm - daily - all year round.
Immerse yourself in the heart of the vineyards. You will be collected
and taken on a tour through Marlborough wine country. Visit
approximately 4 - 5 venues. Flexibility is the key, and we can usually
accommodate your preference.
Option Seven
Self Drive Option
Drive the Queen Charlotte drive from Picton to Havelock stopping in Havelock for lunch at the Mussel Pot then head back via Rapaura Road stopping at the Makana chocolate factory.
Option Eight
Sea Kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds
The intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds create a wonderland for sea kayakers. The Marlborough Sounds consists of 1500km of New Zealand's coastline, so finding a corner to call your own in a sea kayak is not difficult. The water displays a thousand shades of colour ranging from the brightest turquoise to the deepest green. The backdrop is a myriad of shades of green from the overhanging native tree ferns, rata vines and beech trees. The wildlife is testimony to this magnificent environment with seals, dolphins and penguins a common sight. It is just waiting to be explored - there is no better way than by sea kayak.
Safety
We are founding members of SKOANZ (Sea Kayak Operators Association of New Zealand) and abide by a strict code of practice which ensures that your sea kayaking experience is enjoyed with the utmost safety and comfort in mind. We are the oldest sea kayaking company in the country (20 years) and we know the Sounds intimately. Our commitment to safety and outstanding service has been recognized by many awards, most recently the New Zealand Tourism Award for Leisure Activity.
Guided Trips
Guided Sea kayaking
Just as our kayaks were designed for journeying, so we try to create a sense of journey on our guided trips. These trips are purposely designed to maximise your experience in the Sounds, whether it be 3 hours or 3 days we make sure that you visit the most scenic areas of the sound in the timeframe that you have. We pay particular attention to the small things, such as; delicious meals, fun informative guides, quality equipment and itineraries that try to maximise your time on the water. If your time is limited, then a guided trip is the best option.
Independent Rental
Picton Kayak Hire
If you have more time to spare and really want to explore the Sounds on your own (always with another paddling buddy, however, as we don't rent to solo paddlers), then independent rental is the ideal option for you. Our large, stable, purpose-built fibreglass doubles and plastic single kayaks are ideal for a multi-day kayak rental. They have large storage capacity and it is not a problem to pack a boat for 3 or 4 days and really get out into the Sounds to explore the maze of inlets, bays and coves.
With all our kayak rental, we provide a full safety briefing which takes up to 2 hours, and during that time we discuss with you itinerary planning, weather, paddling techniques, capsize and re-entry etc. If you are unsure whether your paddling experience is enough to take a rental for a few days, then we may suggest that you take our Beginners Package - which includes the guided day trip and then follows on with your multi-day rental.
Option Nine
Mountain Biking Queen Charlotte Track
The Queen Charlotte Track is a 71km dual purpose (walking and mountain biking) track stretching from Ship Cove to Anakiwa. The Queen Charlotte Track is renowned for its stunning scenery, comfortable lodge accommodation and best of all the pack carrying service that everyone can enjoy. The track surface has been purposely built to cater to mountain bikers and walkers and apart from a few hill climbs, any biker of average fitness can enjoy this ride. The track can be biked in its entirety in 2 days or a more leisurely 3 days if preferred. If you don't wish to bike the entire track due to time or fitness, then sections of the track can be enjoyed in one day.
The track surface is 1 to 1.5 metres wide and predominantly clay based with sections containing tree roots, rocky surfaces and some bluffs.
Care is required at all times.
PLEASE NOTE:
The section from Ship Cove to Punga Cove is closed from 1 December to 28 February each year.
The rest of the track is open all year.
Two or Three day Options
Combine any combination of the above
If your a keen tramper then the Queen Charlotte track offers to get you moving.
From full day to four day tramps, its a wonderful experince.
