Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise
4.4
52 Ratings
Picton

Experience the isolated and beautiful Marlborough Sounds on a 3-hour delivery cruise. Discover hidden corners, meet locals, and spot wildlife while learning about the area’s history and natural world.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Queen Charlotte Sound - This 3.5 hour cruise is a great opportunity to see the Marlborough Sounds through the eyes of those who live and work here.
    Discover places far from the nearest road, and maybe meet some of the locals who call this isolated and beautiful place home. Relax onboard our comfortable vessel as we deliver passengers and supplies…
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What's Included
  • All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST) covered
  • Enjoy live commentary on board
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks (available for purchase on some cruises)
Additional Information

Embark on a captivating journey that offers a look into everyday life in the distinctive and secluded Marlborough Sounds, delivering supplies and individuals to distant docks and areas of Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui.
Our 3-hour voyage is an excellent chance to witness the Marlborough Sounds as the locals do, who inhabit and work in this region….

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Location
1 London Quay
London Quay
Departure Point: Cougar Line office, Picton Town Wharf Address: 1 London Quay, Picton 7250 Directions: Look for the 3 purple flags Dates: See Availability Return point: Cougar Line office, Picton Town Wharf
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(52 Ratings)
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Jenny_c
Jun 5, 2025
Do it! Great experience,... - Do it! Great experience, commentary and chatter with local operators and residents of remote locations around the Sound. Huge pod of bottle nose dolphins playing with the boat was a real treat 😄
Review provided by Viator
Wendy_b
May 16, 2025
Great Trip - Great trip, very knowledgeable captain and trainee captain Very friendly atmosphere Helped me as I was walking with a cane
Review provided by Viator
Kaylener2019
Apr 16, 2025
The best experience - Was a wonderful experience. Captain and crew were great. Scenery amazing. The whole booking to trip was easy. Thank you all.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul_l
Apr 13, 2025
So many dolphins. - Hold on to your hats. I lost mine when the boat got going. First hour was point to point and then multiple stops coming back to the wharf. Skipper was great to chat to and the highlight was coming across a huge pod of dolphins. We stopped for about 10 minutes with the dolphins playing all around us and then they followed us for quite a while when we started moving again. Thanks for a great day.
Review provided by Viator
Jehrler
Mar 20, 2025
Front row seats to the coming and goings. - The tour was punctual and well run. The boat was delivering and picking up people, packages, and luggage to the resorts and trail heads. The day started out threatening weather but cleared up beautifully. We saw so many unique inlets and heard a nice narrative about the surroundings and points of interest. At times we were the only ones on the boat and at other times it was quite full. The logistics were fascinating to watch and the scenery was beautiful. We sat outside in the back enjoying the sun, clouds, and breeze - drinking it all in.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
112gilliang
Mar 19, 2025
Great afternoon. - We knew this was a delivery service ride around the different coves. We saw some wonderful scenery. Did the round trip, dropping off passengers and supplies and picking up passengers. Got a bit choppy on the way back but a fantastic afternoon for us. Lots of photos.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris_h
May 15, 2025
Worth doing...But... - Highlight was visiting Ships Cove for its historical significance. But if you can get a trip where you can get off there and check it out would be better. That said I was greatfull for the chance to visit the Cove! Otherwise and interesting few hours with no other highlights. Commentary was informed but no PA on the boat made it hard to hear skipper so had to go upfront and chat with him to get the detail.
Review provided by Viator
Knottyk3
May 9, 2025
Fun boat ride - We enjoyed seeing the sounds and the resorts/little towns the boat stopped in. The sea was relatively calm this day, but I wouldn't recommend this trip when the seas are rough. We sat up top next to the captain and got more information about the area than was shared on the intercom just by listening to him talk with others.
Review provided by Viator
Kim_k
Feb 18, 2025
A Kiwi's First time to the South Island. Marlborough Sounds - Amazing opportunity to see the sounds from a different perspective. The different gives and inlets where people have built houses. Stunning water ways. No dolphins, but the crew were very informative and funny. Would definitely recommen this to everyone, not just visiting overseas people.
Review provided by Viator
Diane_l
Feb 21, 2025
Disappointed in what was advertised - Good boat ride but not what I expected. They basically just take you on a boat ride and drop or pick up people from different areas. I thought we'd see how deliveries were made in remote areas that don't have stores or roads.
Review provided by Viator
Check Availability
From $65
From $65
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).