Marlborough Sound Cruises from Picton
Last Updated: 16th April 2026
Reviewed by the Must Do New Zealand team, based on local operator information and current Marlborough Sounds cruise options.
Marlborough Sound Cruises from Picton
Explore the best Marlborough Sounds cruises from Picton, including scenic boat trips through Queen Charlotte Sound, wildlife cruises, and historic journeys to Ship Cove (Meretoto).
These cruises offer a relaxing way to experience one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal regions, with opportunities to spot wildlife, visit remote bays, and learn about the area’s rich history.
Whether you’re looking for a short scenic cruise or a longer nature experience, you’ll find a range of options below to suit your time and interests.
Compare Marlborough Sounds Cruises & Scenic Boat Tours
Queen Charlotte Sound Nature Cruises to Ship Cove & Bird Watching
Explore the best Marlborough Sounds cruises from Picton, including scenic boat trips through Queen Charlotte Sound, wildlife cruises, and historic visits to Ship Cove (Meretoto).
With multiple cruise options available, this page helps you compare tours and choose the best Marlborough Sounds experience based on your time, interests, and budget.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a full day, there’s a cruise option to suit every traveller.
Which Marlborough Sounds Cruise Should You Choose?
- Short scenic cruises (2–3 hrs) → best for quick visits
- Ship Cove cruises → best for history and iconic locations
- Wildlife & island tours → best for birdlife and nature
- Full-day cruises → best for a relaxed, immersive experience
Marlborough Sounds – Ship Cove Cruise.
Price: $120 per person – Child $77 pp
Departs: 9-00 am returns approx 12-30 pm
Duration: Three hours
👉 Best for: Relaxed sightseeing
Cruise through the sheltered waterways of Queen Charlotte Sound, taking in stunning coastal scenery and learning about the region’s history and local industries.
Wildlife sightings are common, with chances to see dolphins, fur seals, little blue penguins, and seabirds along the way.
Routes vary depending on the day, with your skipper selecting a scenic stop or point of interest — making each cruise a slightly different experience.
👉 Perfect for a relaxed afternoon exploring the Marlborough Sounds.
Motuara Island Bird Watchers Cruise.
Price: $120 per person – Child $77 pp
Departs: 8-30 am returns approx 12-30 pm
Season: 01 October to 30 April
👉 Best for: Full-day experience + relaxing lunch
Enjoy a full-day cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, including a stop at historic Ship Cove and extended time at Punga Cove Resort.
Relax with lunch overlooking Endeavour Inlet, explore the surroundings, or unwind by the water before your scenic return to Picton.
👉 Ideal if you want to slow down and experience the Sounds at a more relaxed pace.
Sunday Afternoon cruise
Price: $120 per person – Child $77 pp
Departs: 1-30 am returns approx 5-30 pm
Duration: Three hours
Discover the Beauty and Wildlife of Queen Charlotte Sound
👉 Best for: Relaxed sightseeing
Cruise through the sheltered waterways of Queen Charlotte Sound, taking in stunning coastal scenery and learning about the region’s history and local industries.
Wildlife sightings are common, with chances to see dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins, and a variety of seabirds along the way.
Routes vary depending on the day, with your skipper selecting a scenic stop or point of interest — making each cruise a slightly different experience.
Day in the Sounds Punga Cove Resort
Price: $111 per person – Child $75 pp
Departs: 9-00 am returns approx 5-30 pm
Duration: Nine hours approx
Relaxing Lunch in the Stunning Marlborough Sounds
👉 Best for: Relaxed full-day experience
Cruise to Punga Cove Resort for lunch and free time. Includes a stop at Ship Cove and scenic cruising through the Marlborough Sounds.
Perfect for those wanting a slower, more immersive day.
Please note that all food and beverages at Punga Cove Resort are payable directly to the resort and are not included in the cruise cost.
Join us at Beachcomber Cruises for an unforgettable cruise experience.
Marlborough Sounds Cruises FAQs
From Picton you can choose from scenic Marlborough Sounds cruises, Ship Cove cruises, wildlife and birdwatching tours to Motuara Island, and full-day cruises to places like Punga Cove Resort.
The Ship Cove Cruise is the best option for history, visiting one of New Zealand’s most significant historic sites where Captain James Cook anchored during his voyages.
The Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary Cruise is best for wildlife and birdwatching, with opportunities to see rare native bird species in a predator-free sanctuary.
Yes, there are shorter 3-hour cruises from Picton, including the Ship Cove Cruise and the Queen Charlotte Sound Scenic Cruise.
Yes, wildlife sightings are common on Marlborough Sounds cruises and may include seabirds, weka, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and sometimes dolphins.
Yes, the Day in the Sounds cruise to Punga Cove Resort is a full-day experience that includes scenic cruising, a stop at Ship Cove, and free time at the resort.
Nature and Wildlife in the Marlborough sounds
Native Birdlife of Motuara Island
Motuara Island is a safe haven for many of New Zealand’s native and endangered bird species, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts. Here’s a list of the notable birds you can expect to see while on the island:
Kākā (New Zealand Forest Parrot)
The Kākā is a large, highly intelligent forest parrot known for its striking green and red plumage. This charismatic bird is famous for its loud, distinctive call and has been successfully reintroduced to Motuara Island after being nearly driven to extinction due to predation.
South Island Saddleback
A rare flightless bird with a striking combination of red and black plumage, the South Island Saddleback has made a successful comeback on Motuara Island. These resilient birds are a symbol of New Zealand’s commitment to preserving its native species in predator-free areas.
South Island Robin (Petroica australis)
The South Island Robin is a small, friendly bird that is known for being approachable and curious. Often seen hopping around on the forest floor, these robins are easy to spot and are a favorite among visitors to the island. Their lack of fear of humans makes them unique in New Zealand’s birdwatching scene.
Tui
The Tūī is a medium-sized bird known for its melodious song and striking white throat tufts. It is often heard singing its distinctive call from the trees. The Tūī plays an important role in pollination, feeding on nectar from the island’s flowers.
Bellbird (Korimako)
The Bellbird, or Korimako, is another melodious songbird found on the island. Their bell-like calls resonate throughout the native bush, creating a magical soundscape. These birds are vital to the island’s ecosystem, as they feed on nectar and help pollinate the plants.
Fantail (Pīwakawaka)
The small and energetic Fantail is often seen flitting through the forest, catching insects in mid-flight. Known for its distinctive fanned tail, the Fantail is an inquisitive bird and may even approach visitors. Its playful nature makes it one of the most beloved birds on the island.
Silvereye (Tauhou)
The Silvereye is a small, olive-green songbird, easily recognized by the distinctive white ring around its eye. These birds are often seen in small flocks, foraging for food among the island’s native trees. The Silvereye is a social species, contributing to the island’s rich biodiversity.
Parakeets (Kākāriki)
The Yellow-crowned Parakeet is found on Motuara Island, where it thrives in the predator-free environment. These vibrant green birds are highly active and often spotted flitting among the trees. Kākāriki are known for their playful personalities and energetic behaviour.
Encounter Bird and Marine Species on a Scenic Marlborough Sounds Cruise
King Shag
The King Shag is a large seabird with striking black and white feathers. This critically endangered species is often found along the coastlines of the Marlborough Sounds, diving for fish in the clear waters. Spotting a King Shag is a rare and special experience for birdwatchers.
Little Blue Penguin
The Little Blue Penguin, the world’s smallest penguin species, is commonly seen around Motuara Island. These small, blue birds are often spotted swimming in the waters or nesting in burrows. Their playful nature and small size make them a favorite among visitors.
Australasian Gannet – Majestic Seabird
The Australasian Gannet is a large, striking seabird known for its dramatic diving ability. With its mostly white plumage and bright yellow head, it’s a stunning sight to see soaring through the skies or diving into the waters of the Marlborough Sounds in search of fish. Often spotted during cruises around Motuara Island, the Australasian Gannet adds a sense of awe to the experience, especially when it performs its spectacular plunge dives.
New Zealand Fur Seal – Playful Marine Mammal
The New Zealand Fur Seal is a common sight along the coastlines of the Marlborough Sounds. These playful and curious creatures are often seen basking on rocks or swimming in the clear waters around Motuara Island. Known for their acrobatic abilities, the New Zealand Fur Seals add a fun and lively element to your cruise experience. Their inquisitive nature means they may even approach the boat, offering passengers an up-close view of their playful antics.
Hector’s Dolphin
Although not a bird, the Hector’s Dolphin is a notable species to mention. These small, endangered dolphins are frequently spotted in the waters surrounding Motuara Island. Their friendly and curious behavior adds to the excitement of the tour for guests.
Summary:
Motuara Island is a sanctuary for some of New Zealand’s most iconic and endangered bird species. The island’s predator-free status allows these birds to thrive, offering birdwatchers a unique opportunity to observe rare species such as the Kākā, South Island Saddleback, South Island Robin, and many more. Whether you’re a casual observer or a serious birdwatcher, the variety of species found on Motuara Island makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.