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56 Available Tour Excursions in Picton
Let our winemaker tailor a Marlborough wine tour especially for you or your group’s needs… or let us surprise you with something special! You decide the start and finish time of the tour. Visit your favourite wineries without having to compromise with others in the group. You can get behind the scenes for a private tasting, or take a drive through the Awatere Valley and soak up Marlborough’s stunning scenery. We can focus on boutique, or organic wineries, breweries, combine fine wine and food… anything is possible with a private tour. This option is recommended for larger groups or families with children under the age of 12. We can visit wineries more suited to young families to keep everyone happy. If you are arriving on a cruise ship into Picton we can arrange a tour that works around your ship’s schedule. For larger groups, or to find out more about our Private Tour options please check out our website and contact us for a quote on 021 157 4094.
Price: $519.04
Duration: 6 hours
This air tour is the best way to see and experience the grandeur of the inner Marlborough Sounds, with views beyond to the Outer Sounds.
Price: $97.09
Duration: 0 hours
Discover the essence of Marlborough with a premier experience designed for discerning wine lovers. This exclusive tour offers a deep dive into Cloudy Bay’s prestigious wine portfolio, including their celebrated Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Guests will enjoy a series of meticulously curated wine tastings at different vineyards. They will also enjoy a gourmet lunch crafted by top Marlborough chefs. Wine tastings at 4 different vineyards exploring organic, boutique and famous Marlborough wineries each with a completely different terroirs. The tour also features immersive wine information providing insights into the Marlborough's terroir and winemaking process. With something new at every turn, the Gourmet Gold Wine Tour promises a memorable journey through the Marlborough region, showcasing the exceptional quality and diversity or the Marlborough region.
Price: $359.05
Duration: 6 hours
Travel in a comfortable van, relax and watch the countryside out the window as we go from location to location. Guide lives locally and will tell you all about the region. Family friendly tour. Can take groups of up to 9 people. Tours can be altered to suit you.
Price: $79.38
Duration: 4 hours
Join one of our experienced wine tour guides for a day out in the Marlborough region. You can choose to visit all wineries or you might want to add a gin or beer tasting to experience the full varitety of what marlborough has to offer. Spend a bit of time relaxing with lunch overlooking a vineyard and take in the ambience that is Marlborough. These tours cater for 2-6 pax ( pricing is tiered) Be chauffeur driven in style in our luxury Mercedes SUV or small Mercedes Van Let us know if you have anywhere you want to visit and we will do our best to make it happen or let us pick an interesting variety of places to visit. If you are coming off a cruise ship we will ensure that you are returned from your tour in plenty of time to reboard your ship. ( start finish time may be altered to meet your timings) We have been operating Wine Tours for more than 25 years and Shore Excursion Tours so let us show you the best of our brilliant Marlborough region.
Price: $1,007.55
Duration: 5-6 hours
This full-day Marlborough experience takes you across the Wairau Plains into the picturesque sea port of Havelock, where you can stop to explore and enjoy morning tea. Voyage through the stunning vistas of the Queen Charlotte Drive back into the charming town of Picton. Here you'll stop to browse and have lunch, before doing a half-day wine tour. Travel through the beautiful Marlborough wine region visiting four or five wineries. Learn about the wines and wineries from the experts and taste the array of incredible wines on offer. (Morning tea and lunch are at your own cost).
Price: $201.51
Duration: 7 hours
A private winter wine and scenic tour departing Picton at 10:20am and returning at 4:30pm is the perfect option for discovering Marlborough which has the record for the longest sunshine hours in New Zealand. There are plenty of sensational wines, gourmet delights and stunning scenic landscapes all year round for you to enjoy. Indoor and outdoor itineraries are custom made to suit your day. Travel in comfort with your tour guide, a local owner with experience and knowledge to share. Relax and enjoy the sunshine with views of the snowy mountain tops in the distance. Your tour is custom-made to include any of your requests and your chauffeur/guide can recommend the very best highlights of Marlborough. Our local cuisine at our winery cafes and restaurants is a total experience where you could taste our local mussels and salmon. Lunch is at your cost, however all wine tasting fees are included.
Price: $607.58
Duration: 5 hours
Experience the adventure of a lifetime as we take you on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Escape to a world of breathtaking beauty and tranquillity. Our boat tour promises an extraordinary blend of luxury, nature, and adventure that you won't want to miss. Cruise around the beautiful bays, enjoy sightseeing tours, thrilling fishing charters and discover hidden treasures beneath the surface while snorkeling. Explore private beaches, bask in the company of abundant wildlife and explore everything the area has to offer. Whether it's a celebration, cherished occasion, business function, or family getaway, let the tranquil waters and breathtaking landscapes set the stage for unforgettable memories
Price: $5,801.03
Duration: 8-9 hours
This late afternoon cruise is a perfect way to spend a few hours if you have limited time. Go for a short walk, enjoy the views from the cafe. Trip departs throughout December, January, February and March.
Price: $36.64
Duration: 2 hours
Take a water taxi from Picton to Kaipupu Sanctuary, a peaceful predator-free island. Enjoy a 2.8km loop track through native bush, perfect for a leisurely walk and spotting native birds in their natural habitat.
Price: $15.27
Duration: 2 hours
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.
Price: $182.58
Duration: 1 hours
This adventure combo is without a doubt, one of the best ways to experience the Marlborough Sounds. On your full day kayak and walking tour you will experience some of the iconic activities of the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound. Spot rays and sea birds while learning about the lush native bush. You will encounter amazing beaches and spectacular views. After the guided kayak tour concludes at Ngakuta Bay, its time to don you tramping boots and hike to Picton on the iconic Link Pathway. This is an independent hike and covers a variety of native bush with breathtaking scenic views along the route. The track is a purpose built walkway connecting up local communities and is dual use for walkers and bikers. The tour concludes when you arrive back into Picton making it a round trip at approximately 4pm.
Price: $91.60
Duration: 8 hours
Travel in a comfortable van, watch the beautiful countryside go by as we drive from location to location. Sample 4 different local wines at either 3 or 4 different cellar doors. Everything is all arranged and booked for you. Do you have a sweet tooth? We can also call into the Chocolate Factory as a free extra if you like. ARRIVING ON A CRUISE SHIP, PLEASE NOTE: -Shuttle buses will bring you from the cruise ship to the Picton Information Centre, and this is where I will be waiting for you. Start times/meeting time may change, so please do keep in contact. This is due to evey cruise ships arrival time is different.
Price: $103.81
Duration: 4 hours
The half day guided sea kayak trip is an ideal opportunity to fit a little kayaking adventure into a busy day – or for those just wanting a taste of sea kayaking. Our priority is to get you out on the water, allowing maximum time to enjoy the tranquil waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Your guide will enjoy sharing their knowledge of the Marlborough Sounds and it's native flora and fauna as you paddle along. The area is surrounded by bush-clad shorelines and sandy beaches. We’ll stop for a light refreshment break along the way before returning to Picton.
Price: $73.28
Duration: 4 hours
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.
Price: $134.34
Duration: 6 hours
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.
Price: $103.81
Duration: 7 hours
Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds on this 4 hour half day guided sea kayak tour. Your tour takes in the western end of the Queen Charlotte Sound with its sheltered coves, beautiful beaches, azure blue waters and lush native bush. Learn about the history of the area from your knowledgeable, relaxed and friendly guides. On any given day, you have a good chance of seeing sting rays and eagle rays, a huge variety of sea birds including cormorants and sometimes little blue penguins, seals, huge starfish and if we are really lucky, even dolphins. We have small groups with 1 Guide per 8 people kayaking.
Price: $73.28
Duration: 4 hours
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.
Price: $116.02
Duration: 4-5 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: NZD
- Languages: English, Maori
- Climate: Oceanic
- Timezone: Pacific/Auckland
- Population: Approximately 4,500 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit Picton is during the summer months (December to February) for warm weather and outdoor activities.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most European Union nations do not require a visa for short stays (usually up to 90 days) in New Zealand, including Picton. Others may need to apply for a visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before arrival. Visa on arrival is generally not available. It is recommended to check the latest New Zealand immigration policies before travel.
About Picton
Picton is a charming small town located at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound in New Zealand’s Marlborough Region. Known as the gateway to the South Island, it is famous for its stunning natural harbor, vibrant marine life, and proximity to the Marlborough Sounds, a network of sea-drowned valleys offering spectacular scenery. Picton’s unique appeal lies in its blend of outdoor adventure and relaxed coastal village atmosphere. Visitors come to explore the pristine waterways by boat, kayak, or ferry, and to enjoy hiking trails such as the Queen Charlotte Track. The town also serves as a hub for wine tours in the nearby Marlborough wine region, renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc. With its picturesque waterfront, boutique shops, cafes, and friendly community, Picton offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of opportunities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Picton Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of South Island
- Duration Range: 2 to 10 hours
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit Picton is during the summer months (December to February) for warm weather and outdoor activities. Pack layers as weather can be changeable, including rain gear. Respect local customs and the environment, especially in natural reserves. Carry some cash, but cards are widely accepted. Safety is generally good, but always follow water safety guidelines when boating or swimming. Booking ferry tickets and accommodations in advance during peak season is advisable.
Average Tour Price: $65
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $250
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. Queen Charlotte Sound - A breathtaking natural harbor perfect for boating, fishing, and wildlife spotting. 2. Queen Charlotte Track - A famous walking and mountain biking trail offering panoramic views of the sounds and native forest. 3. Picton Foreshore - A scenic waterfront area with parks, playgrounds, and cafes ideal for leisurely strolls. 4. Edwin Fox Maritime Museum - Home to the world’s oldest surviving merchant sailing ship, showcasing maritime history. 5. Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park - A protected marine area great for snorkeling, diving, and exploring marine biodiversity.
Popular Activities
Visitors to Picton can enjoy kayaking through sheltered bays, sailing, fishing, and dolphin watching cruises. Hiking and mountain biking on the Queen Charlotte Track provide immersive nature experiences. Wine tasting tours in nearby vineyards offer cultural and culinary delights. Picton also offers opportunities for scuba diving, bird watching, and exploring local art galleries. The town’s relaxed pace makes it perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying local markets and festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Picton’s food scene features fresh seafood, including green-lipped mussels, whitebait, and locally caught fish. The town embraces New Zealand’s farm-to-table ethos with dishes showcasing local produce and Marlborough wines. Signature dishes include seafood chowder and lamb. Dining options range from casual waterfront cafes to fine dining restaurants such as the Gusto and The Vines Village Kitchen. Visitors should try local wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc, which pairs well with the seafood.
Getting Around
Picton is accessible by ferry from Wellington and by road via State Highway 1. The town has a small bus service and taxis for local travel. Walking and cycling are popular ways to explore the compact town and surrounding areas. Ferry services connect Picton to the North Island, and the Coastal Pacific train links it to Christchurch. Car rentals are available for exploring the wider Marlborough region. Transport costs vary, with ferry tickets being a significant expense for island crossings.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit Picton is during the summer months (December to February) for warm weather and outdoor activities. Pack layers as weather can be changeable, including rain gear. Respect local customs and the environment, especially in natural reserves. Carry some cash, but cards are widely accepted. Safety is generally good, but always follow water safety guidelines when boating or swimming. Booking ferry tickets and accommodations in advance during peak season is advisable.
Culture & Customs
Picton’s culture reflects New Zealand’s Maori heritage and European settler history. Visitors should show respect for Maori sites and traditions. Social customs include friendly greetings and informal interactions. Local festivals such as the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival celebrate regional culture. It is customary to remove shoes when entering some homes and to be punctual for tours and appointments. Environmental stewardship is important, with strong community focus on preserving natural beauty.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
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Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
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Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..