Wilderness Guides – Kayak, Walking & Bike Trips in the Marlborough Sounds
Guided Sea Kayaking Tours in Marlborough Sounds – Wilderness Guides
From half-day paddles to multi-day journeys — experience the magic of Marlborough Sounds by kayak
Explore the Marlborough Sounds with Wilderness Guides
Guided Sea Kayaking Tours from Picton
Paddle the calm, sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound with Wilderness Guides—experts in guided sea kayaking adventures in the Marlborough Sounds. Departing from Picton, our tours offer the chance to explore hidden coves, tranquil inlets, and bush-lined bays while encountering marine life such as seals, penguins, stingrays, and dolphins.
Whether you’re looking for a short paddle or a multi-day expedition, our sea kayaking tours are suitable for all fitness levels and designed to immerse you in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal environments.
Why Choose Wilderness Guides Kayaking Tours
✅ Small Groups, Big Experiences
Enjoy a personalised adventure with no more than 8 paddlers per guide, allowing for a relaxed pace, individual attention, and a deeper connection with nature.
✅ Local Wildlife Encounters
Spot dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins, and native birdlife as you glide across the water in stable, double sea kayaks.
✅ Half-Day, Full-Day & Multi-Day Options
From short excursions to fully supported overnight trips with scenic campsite or lodge accommodation—there’s a kayaking option for everyone.
Explore More: Walking and Mountain Biking Tours
Queen Charlotte Track Hikes
Wilderness Guides also offers multi-day and day walks along the world-renowned Queen Charlotte Track. Walk through lush native bush, take in panoramic views, and learn about the area’s rich Māori and European history.
Mountain Biking Adventures
Tackle New Zealand’s premier multi-day mountain biking trail. The Queen Charlotte Track offers a thrilling mix of terrain and scenery, suitable for riders of varying skill levels.
Locally Owned & Eco-Focused
As a locally owned operator based in Picton, Wilderness Guides is committed to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. Our guides are passionate about the Marlborough Sounds and deliver each tour with expert knowledge, care, and a genuine love for the region.
Book Your Wilderness Adventure Today
Discover the best of Marlborough Sounds by kayak, foot, or bike with Wilderness Guides. Whether you’re after a relaxing paddle, an active hike, or a challenging ride, we’ll help you experience the wild beauty of this unforgettable New Zealand destination.
Our Kayak & Walking Tour Options on the Marlborough Sounds:
Half Day Queen Charlotte Sound Guided Kayak
One Day Queen Charlotte Sound Guided Kayak
Price: $120 per person
Departs: 8:15 am to 12:15 pm
Duration: 4 Hours
Meet us at the Picton Waterfront at either 8:15am or 12:15pm, where we’ll take care of a bit of paperwork before heading to our launch point at Ngakuta Bay, a scenic 20-minute drive from Picton.
We aim to take you to the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound, away from the busier harbour, where you’ll explore stunning bays and coves, while encountering wildlife in their natural habitat. On calmer days, we may start directly from Picton Harbour to maximize your time on the water.
After a thorough safety briefing, we’ll embark on a memorable half-day kayak adventure. Our experienced guide will ensure your comfort and share local knowledge as you paddle through the crystal-clear waters. The route will vary depending on conditions, allowing us to cater to all abilities and make the most of the sea breezes.
During your tour, you’ll likely spot stingrays, eagle rays, sea birds like cormorants, and possibly even little blue penguins, seals, or dolphins.
Return times are approximately 12:30pm for the morning tour or 4:30pm for the afternoon tour.
Book your half-day kayaking adventure with us and explore the natural beauty of Marlborough Sounds!
Price: $170 per person
Departs: 8:15 am to 15:45
Duration: 7 Hours approx
Start your day at the Picton Waterfront at 8:15am before we head to Ngakuta Bay, a scenic 20-minute drive away.
This trip takes you away from Picton Harbour to the truly spectacular western end of the Sound where there is less boat traffic and many beautiful bays and coves to explore as well as wildlife to encounter.
After a detailed safety briefing, it is time to set off on a great day’s adventure. Your combo begins with a guided morning sea kayak tour in the picturesque western arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. Within a short time you are exploring the shoreline, spotting rays and sea birds and learning about the lush native bush near the water’s edge.
Your kayak tour concludes a few hours later back at Ngakuta Bay. Here you will get your instruction for the walk ahead, before departing for your independent adventure on The Link Pathway back to Picton.
This section of the track passes through lovely bush with spectacular views of Queen Charlotte Sound and is a walk of 3-4 hours including a stop for enjoying lunch.
The Link Pathway includes several sections of a historic bridle path, built by early settlers and miners in the 1860s, and also WWII signal station remnants. This new track, built by volunteers, is a jewel waiting to be experienced.
Return time to Picton approx. 4:00pm.
One Day Freedom Kayak & Walk (Link Pathway)
1 Day Guided Walk and Wildlife Experience
Price: $85 per person
Departs: 8:30 am
Duration: 7 Hours
Start your day at the Picton Waterfront at 8:30am>
After a detailed safety briefing, it is time to set off on a great day’s adventure. Your combo begins with a sea kayak rental in what is truly some of the best paddling in the Marlborough Sounds, which finishes at western arm of Queen Charlotte Sound in Ngakuta Bay. This kayak section should take you 2½ hours
From Ngakuta Bay, you will be walking the Linked Pathway back into Picton, which will take approx 4 hours
Price: $550 per person
Departs: 8:15 am
Duration: 7 Hours
Start your day at the Picton Waterfront at 8:15am before we head to Ngakuta Bay, a scenic 20-minute drive away.
This trip takes you away from Picton Harbour to the truly spectacular western end of the Sound where there is less boat traffic and many beautiful bays and coves to explore as well as wildlife to encounter.
After a detailed safety briefing, it is time to set off on a great day’s adventure. Your combo begins with a guided morning sea kayak tour in the picturesque western arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. Within a short time you are exploring the shoreline, spotting rays and sea birds and learning about the lush native bush near the water’s edge.
Your kayak tour concludes a few hours later back at Ngakuta Bay. Here you will get your instruction for the walk ahead, before departing for your independent adventure on The Link Pathway back to Picton.
This section of the track passes through lovely bush with spectacular views of Queen Charlotte Sound and is a walk of 3-4 hours including a stop for enjoying lunch.
The Link Pathway includes several sections of a historic bridle path, built by early settlers and miners in the 1860s, and also WWII signal station remnants. This new track, built by volunteers, is a jewel waiting to be experienced.
Return time to Picton approx. 4:00pm.
Full Day Guided Walk in the Marlborough Sounds
Three Day Hike, Bike & Kayak Combo Adventure
Price: $550 per person
Departs: 7:30 am
Duration: 9 hours
Meet Your Guide
Arrive at our waterfront office to meet your guides at 7:30am.
After a short briefing, and packing you freshly packed lunch, we join our morning boat ride to the outer sounds.
Birds!
Start your adventure with a visit to Motuara Island, a protected historic and scenic reserve. This island is a sanctuary for native birds and wildlife thanks to the pest protection work carried out by DoC and their friends.
Look out for New Zealand Falcons, Kereru woodpigeons, kakariki parakeets and more darting amongst the trees.
Walking up to the islands high point, you can ascend through the canopy to a treetop look out with views over to Kapiti Island and on, looking over the Cook Strait.
A look into the past
After we depart this special spot, a short boat ride takes us to the historic location of Meretoto – Ship Cove.
One of the most significant locations in both local Māori and early European history, your guide will help you to immerse yourself in this stunning site.
Into the trees
Experience the first section of the famous Queen Charlotte Track.
Starting in native original rainforest, you are climbing gently through ancient giants, stopping occasionally to enjoy the views back down to the water.
Our high point today at 200m is marked by seating and an opening in the canopy with views back over Motuara Island, and onward to the Kapiti Coast.
The downward section of track contrast with native but regenerating forest, a sign of early European farming – now returning naturally to native woodland.
Ending the walk following down near the coast, we arrive at Resolution Bay for our water taxi collection.
Sit back and relax.
Bring the day to a close with a relaxing cruise around the Endeavour Inlet and back into Picton. This 2-hour boat ride passes the track lodges as your return to town. Keep your eyes on the water for visiting marine guests including seals and dolphins – tip from the experts: look for diving birds!
Price: $1095 per person
Departs: 7:30 am
Duration: 3 Days Ensuite style Standard accommodation.
Day 1: Hike from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge
After a pre-tour briefing at the Wilderness Guides office, you’ll take a water taxi to historic Ship Cove, where your Queen Charlotte Track hike begins.
Explore the lush native bush and significant sites of Captain Cook and early Maori settlement.
Your hike ends at Furneaux Lodge, followed by a water taxi across Endeavour Inlet to Punga Cove.
Day 2: Mountain Bike from Punga Cove to Torea Saddle
Start the day with a mountain bike ride along the Queen Charlotte Track, enjoying breathtaking views of both Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds.
The track features ridgeline paths, undulating terrain, and scenic stops like Bay of Many Coves. For a less challenging ride, the Kenepuru Road is a scenic alternative. Finish at Torea Saddle and descend to Portage Bay.
Day 3: Kayak from Torea Bay to Ngakuta Bay or Picton
Today, you’ll embark on a kayaking adventure around the Queen Charlotte Sound, paddling through tranquil bays and coves. Spot wildlife like dolphins, little blue penguins, and fur seals.
Enjoy a beachside lunch at a secluded spot before concluding your trip at either Ngakuta Bay or Picton Harbour, depending on the weather.
Book this three-day hike, bike, and kayak adventure for the ultimate outdoor experience in the stunning Marlborough Sounds!
