Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton
4.5
Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton
By Beachcomber Cruises
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 70 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Commentary on board
- Restroom on board
What's not included- Food
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Beachcomber Cruises keep cup ($6 available for purchase)
- Start:
- 1 London Quay, Picton 7220, New ZealandPlease meet us at the Beachcomber Cruises Office on the waterfront - the Corner of Wellington Street and London Quay, we are a black building with Blue Signage.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6607SCENIC- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to consume on board
- Closed-toe walking shoes suitable for walking are recommended
- Not accessible for motorized wheelchairs
- We are not able to pick up / drop off at the Cruise Ship Terminal - you must make your way to our booking office
- Please note that this tour departs sharply on schedule at 9:00am
- This tour has a minimum number requirement and may be cancelled if we do not reach this capacity
- The boat used for the tour can vary from a smaller 9 seater to a 99 seater catamaran and is not guaranteed
- Not recommended for travelers with serious mobility issues or confinements
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 70 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6607SCENIC
From
$106.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
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Itinerary
- 1 London Quay, Picton 7220, New ZealandPlease meet us at the Beachcomber Cruises Office on the waterfront - the Corner of Wellington Street and London Quay, we are a black building with Blue Signage.
- Pass byQueen Charlotte Sound
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- waikatoboy0 contributionsA must do.A fantastic way to explore the sounds and see bays that are off the besten track. Great commentary along the way from the Skipper. A must do.Written 17 February 2025
- hilaryt6130 contributionsA great way to spend an afternoonHad a lovely afternoon out on the Sound, nearing a bit about the history of the place and visiting remote homes to deliver and pick up mail and people. Such an interesting experience and so scenic. I highly recommend.Written 5 February 2025
- G1312QXsheilad0 contributionsArapawa Tour BeachcombersWe took the Arapawa Blue Pearl Farm excursion with Beachcombers. This tour provided a great trip through the sound to a fabulous experience at the Radon family’s pearl farm. A wonderful adventure and great service. I highly recommend BeachcombersWritten 4 February 2025
- Trail608481849530 contributionsMailboat cruise Amazing!!A very enjoyable and fun way to see the Queen Charlotte Sound on the Tiri Cat. Was great to be able to be a part of this tour and help out. Loved how we had treats on board for all the doggies. staff at the counter were very friendly and willing to help with any thing that was needed. Greg was an amazing Tour Captain/Guide and a wealth of knowledge and humour, and very accomadating. would definately recommend everyone to do this. Rochelle, Perth Western AustraliaWritten 26 January 2025
- travellovers4life0 contributionsIncredibly fun and informative cruiseWhat a wonderful cruise. Loved seeing all the people that live in the sound waiting for a delivery. Incredibly unique place in the world. We loved the commentary from the skipper. We learned a lot.Written 20 January 2025
- pipwill20120 contributionsA pleasant relaxing professional experience The captain very knowledgeable and went out of his way to show special oVery professional and knowledgeable Well run and very enjoyable and when back in Picton go on another cruise to another venue.Written 12 January 2025
- dianez3340 contributionsAwesome cruiseGreat way to see the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. Friendly service. Ian our Captain was awesome. Morning cruise time was great for us and nobody else seemed to offerWritten 8 January 2025
- Adventure361922556490 contributionsAn a amazing afternoon amongst the SoundsLoved the trip, was a truly amazing afternoon, our guide the pilot/ captain ( if that's what he is called !! ) made the trip interesting, with his knowledge of the area ,with a couple of amusing stories, thrown in. Obviously loves his job!! I would of liked to of gone to Ships Cove, but never mind still a great afternoon, very relaxing!Written 3 January 2025
- LeepyLisa0 contributionsAn interesting way to see the Sounds. Stopping at remote locations delivering mail and goods to very small communities.An enjoyable afternoon. Be prepared and take warm clothes and a jacket in case the weather turns and you want to stay seated on upper deck. There is coffee on board and you can purchase a reusable cup for just a few $ and it’s a great keepsake. It was fun to see the kids and locals (and their dogs) at each stop, keen to meet the boat and exchange mail. The commentary from the pilot was interesting as he was native to this area and knew a little of the history. Take some snacks and you’ll have a great trip!Written 30 December 2024
- Byrdwrites0 contributionsPaying for Beachcomber Cruises' MistakeWe booked an excursion. Showed up about 15 minutes early only to find the excursion had been rescheduled and Beachcomber Cruises had failed to notify the company we booked it through. We were an hour late. Beachcomber Cruises acknowledged their error, offered us the option of a private excursion. And charged us the difference between what we paid for the excursion their mistake caused us to miss and the private excursion. The excursion was a good one, we enjoyed it, but, since this was Beachcomber Cruises mistake, we should NOT have had to pay extra. Needless to say, we'll never book another excursion with Beachcomber Cruises.Written 30 December 2024
- 905carinh0 contributionsGreat tourWe had such a great time on this 2.5 hour tour We booked it from our cruise ship and had a thoroughly enjoyable time The commentary was just right - to too much talking but very informative I would suggest this tour - 5 star!Written 28 December 2024
- markrN7582ML0 contributionsAn excellent way to explore the Queen Charlotte Sound.Despite the weather being a bit overcast, we had a very enjoyable trip and the staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw dusky and common dolphins and learnt a lot about the Queen Charlotte Sound.Written 21 December 2024
- Cdawd0 contributionsDisappointing tripWe did the Motoura Island stop before going onto the Ships Cove to Furneaux Lodge walk. We'd thought it would be one of the highlights of our trip but it was disappointing. Complimentary coffee on board is advertised but there was none during the 1 hr trip to Motoura Island on the motorboat. We couldn't hear the explanation too well because of the noise of the boat. We had thought there would be more commentary - the people on the mailboat cruise (they picked us up) seemed to have had better commentary. The return boat had issues so we had to wait for a replacement to come, which is fine, but instead of keeping us waiting at the Lodge, where we had warmth and drinks, we were told to get to the boat around 3:45. It was a miserable day but we had to wait on the boat for close to 45 minutes. Poor service. I'd say this is more like a water taxi and less of a cruise.Written 2 December 2024
- craigsF8688LX0 contributionsA must do trip in PictonGreat trip had good weather great photos. Mailboat is modern and comfortable family firm. They look after you well. A must do if you are in PictonWritten 1 December 2024
- Donald Munroe E0 contributionsFun and informative tour of remote bays and covesThis was a fun and interesting way to spend an afternoon in the beautiful waterway Queen Charlotte Sound. The weather was perfect and that enabled us to enjoy the fresh air along with the gorgeous scenery. The skipper's commentary was interesting and informative. He had spent his entire working life on the water here and his skill in manouvering the boat into a position to drop and pick up mail bags was impressive.Written 18 November 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
74 reviews
Excellent
51
Very good
14
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
4
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Rolf H
Stockholm, Sverige15 contributions
We were tempted to follow the mail boat on its regular tour and were happy that this time we would come all the way to James Cook's Ships Cove, where we got to go ashore and see monuments and other things. The day was not perfect from a weather point of view but the experience was well worth our participation. The captain guided throughout the trip about the history and places and when dolphins took the opportunity to follow us he adapted the speed of the boat to theirs.
Automatically translated
Written 2 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Rolf, thankyou for your lovely words! We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your time on the mailboat cruise with us, even more special that you got to see some wildlife too!
Written 18 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
peterbmst
Maryborough, Australia104 contributions
After our Ship Cove cruise was cancelled, Beachcomber Cruises offered my wife and I passage on the afternoon Magic Mail Run cruise instead at no extra cost. And what a fortunate change in plans that turned out to be. The planned itinerary involved mail deliveries to Otanerau Bay and Endeavour Inlet in Queen Charlotte Sound but the cruise delivered much more than that. Boat captain Jason provided a running commentary on the historical, economic and ecological background to the area. Not only did we drop mail at the planned locations, but Jason also took diversions to show us significant aspects of the Sound, including Ship Cove, the hiking lodges, Salmon and Mussel farms and allowed us to get up close to wildlife, including dolphins, seals and rare seabirds. The 3.5 hour cruise was great value and exceeded all expectations.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi peterbmst
Thank you for your review, we are really pleased that we could still take you out on this day and are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your mailboat cruise.
Written 20 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tweetie B
Edmonton, Canada49 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Excellent boat tour of the Queen Charlotte Sound from Picton. Beautiful day, calm water and gorgeous scenery. The narration by the captain was interesting. the 2 short stops to get ashore were nice. Overall a very enjoyable tour. A very relaxing way to see this area.
The staff at Beachcomber was all very friendly, flexible and helpful. We've a tight schedule to make the last shuttle bus back to the cruise ship terminal. Becky at the Beachcomber office offered to ask the shuttle bus to come closer to the boat dock for us to get on in case the tour boat sometimes come back a little late. When we informed the captain of our tight schedule he made sure that we arrived back to the dock even a few minutes ahead of schedule time. Now that's great customer service.
The staff at Beachcomber was all very friendly, flexible and helpful. We've a tight schedule to make the last shuttle bus back to the cruise ship terminal. Becky at the Beachcomber office offered to ask the shuttle bus to come closer to the boat dock for us to get on in case the tour boat sometimes come back a little late. When we informed the captain of our tight schedule he made sure that we arrived back to the dock even a few minutes ahead of schedule time. Now that's great customer service.
Written 12 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi 896Tweetie
Thank you for your review, we are really pleased that your group enjoyed the tour with us that afternoon. We are always happy to help make sure guests get back to the ship on time with confidence :)
Written 21 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
judieroberts
Kerikeri, New Zealand9 contributions
Dec 2021
Something went wrong!!
We had booked for 3 adults for a beachcomber cruise price $273. Instead we found we ended up on the Picton Taxi service.
It states - "Along the way your skipper will provide a commentary on the surrounds, history and the wildlife be it bird, fish or mammal!
"Yes he slowed down and showed us 2 dolphins for a minute, otherwise it was silent no commentary!! He was too busy texting!!
But Hey... Then at the ship bay we broke down for an hour the taxi gears were not working. Not long enough to really do anything but wait.
I was cheeky enough to ask for a free coffee, and was told to ask the owners at Furneaux Lodge. We had booked not a taxi but a cruise that would tell us about the Islands.
Also had to wait while picking up and dropping off other people.
Sorry to say it was a total waste of a day and money.
To make is worst we did it for my husband birthday
We had booked for 3 adults for a beachcomber cruise price $273. Instead we found we ended up on the Picton Taxi service.
It states - "Along the way your skipper will provide a commentary on the surrounds, history and the wildlife be it bird, fish or mammal!
"Yes he slowed down and showed us 2 dolphins for a minute, otherwise it was silent no commentary!! He was too busy texting!!
But Hey... Then at the ship bay we broke down for an hour the taxi gears were not working. Not long enough to really do anything but wait.
I was cheeky enough to ask for a free coffee, and was told to ask the owners at Furneaux Lodge. We had booked not a taxi but a cruise that would tell us about the Islands.
Also had to wait while picking up and dropping off other people.
Sorry to say it was a total waste of a day and money.
To make is worst we did it for my husband birthday
Written 5 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good Morning
Thank you for your review, its really unfortunate for us to hear that you did not enjoy your day trip out with us. We strive to deliver a fantastic experience for all of our guests and endeavor to always provide the very best service, we are sorry that you feel we have let you down.
On days when we do have limited numbers we do take a smaller vessel out for our cruises, on this day it was just your family so instead of the disappointment of cancelling the trip we pulled a smaller boat off another tour in order to accommodate you. Unfortunately we did also experience a break down on this day however a replacement vessel was dispatched from Picton immediately so as not to interrupt your days plans to much, we do apologize that you were kept waiting at Ship Cove.
We have also corresponded by email regarding your comments and hopefully we can achieve a resolution.
Written 6 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andy and Cheryl Cordier
Christchurch, New Zealand20 contributions
We chose this cruise after researching all the available cruises offered from Havelock and Picton. It was a real disappointment. All the advertising refers to the commentary and knowledge of the area. We were really looking forward to learning the local information, learning about the birds and hopefully seeing some sea life. Our tour operator was totally disinterested. He made 4 short comments on a 4 hour cruise. My children, husband and I watched the beautiful scenery go by with not a single bit of information. When I asked he was rude saying surely I did not expect him to speak for 4 hours! We brought keep cups for the “free tea and coffee” - not even offered once. 15 minute stop at Ships Cove - is not enough time to even read all the information at the site. This trip should actually be refunded to us as what we paid for and what we received what not at all acceptable!
Written 1 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi CherylCordier22
Thank you for your review, we are really disappointed that you did not enjoy your time on the cruise with us. Its really rare for us to receive such negative reviews about our tours and our drivers, we think they do an excellent job at keeping everyone entertained.
Tea and coffee is available throughout the tour from the front bar, you would have been able to go up at any time to make your hot drink.
We had lots of other guests on this same tour on this day and this is the only negative feedback we have received, our skippers do try and make sure that every experience is memorable and enjoyable so we are sorry to hear that we let you down on this day.
Written 4 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David B
Norwich, UK65 contributions
A great experience getting to see places on Marlborough Sound that we wouldn’t have got to any other way. The skipper was really friendly and informative. Given the length of the trip (some 4 hours) the cost seemed very reasonable. Would thoroughly recommend.
Written 24 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi David B
Thank you for your review, we are really pleased to hear that you enjoyed your cruise with us. It sounds like you had a great time!
Written 3 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matthew G
Brisbane, Australia56 contributions
This was the mailboat cruise. It left at 9am and we were back around 12.
Our skipper was very informative about the sounds and the area including history and environment. We stopped to watch dolphins work with gannets to feed. Saw fish schools and a salmon farm in addition to the visit to Ship Cove.
A great way to learn something of the area.
Our skipper was very informative about the sounds and the area including history and environment. We stopped to watch dolphins work with gannets to feed. Saw fish schools and a salmon farm in addition to the visit to Ship Cove.
A great way to learn something of the area.
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi matthewglynn
Thank you for your review, we are really pleased to hear that you enjoyed your time on the cruise with us. It sounds like you saw lots of local friend's on the tour too which is always an added bonus.
Enjoy the rest of your travels
Written 19 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carien B
Orewa, New Zealand37 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Loved it. Great skipper with lots of knowledge on the area and history. It's fascinating to see how many people live in The Marlborough Sounds which is only accessible by boat. Delivering the post by boat had us seeing way more than we thought, in the way back we saw a pod of dolphins which completed the trip for us.
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi 175carienb
Thank you for your review, we are really pleased to hear that you enjoyed your time on the cruise with us!
Written 4 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
olivemilburn
Christchurch, New Zealand4 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Just being in the Marlborough Sounds & hearing some real stories from a local family, delivered with humour.
The weather wasn't helpful, being very cloudy and cool, however, we all still thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and hope to return to do a different cruise. Learning more about mussel farming & King salmon was most interesting..
The weather wasn't helpful, being very cloudy and cool, however, we all still thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and hope to return to do a different cruise. Learning more about mussel farming & King salmon was most interesting..
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi olivemilburn
Thank you for your review, we are really pleased to hear that you enjoyed your time on the cruise even if the weather wasn't at its finest. We find that the ever changing Marlborough weather always adds an extra special uniqueness to each and every day we cruise - its true that no two days are the same! Its great that you were able to learn about our local aquaculture, we do hope to see you on board again some other time.
Written 7 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda W
Tokyo, Japan10 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Great views throughout, informative and amusing commentary. Despite the inclement weather we were warm inside the cabin. The three grandchildren enjoyed delivering the mailbags to the folks waiting on the jetties.
Written 15 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are coming into Picton on a cruise ship- Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Sea. We dock at 8am. Where do we pick up this Marlborough Sounds Cruise and how far away is it from the cruise port? Is it walking distance?
Written 5 August 2018
If you docking in Picton, which is a very small harbour, then it’s minutes away.
Beachcomer Cruises reception is located on the wharf
Written 6 August 2018
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