Picton, New Zealand Shore Excursions

Picton may be small, but it leaves a big impression. Tucked into the Marlborough Sounds, the town is a gateway to quiet bays, rolling vineyards and some of New Zealand’s best food and wine. It’s the kind of place where you can kayak past native bush in the morning, sip Sauvignon Blanc by lunch and finish the day with fresh mussels straight from the sea.

Excursions in Picton, New Zealand include wine tours in Marlborough, cruises through Queen Charlotte Sound, cycling vineyard trails, Māori cultural visits and heritage stops like the Edwin Fox Museum. However you choose to spend your day, Picton makes it easy to sample the best of New Zealand’s South Island.

Wine & Food Tours in Marlborough

Marlborough isn’t just famous for its Sauvignon Blanc — it’s also a region that loves good food. Just a short drive from Picton, you’ll find vineyard cellar doors, boutique chocolate shops and orchards that showcase the flavors of the South Island.

A Taste of Marlborough

This tour is all about indulgence. You’ll sample fruit brandies and small-batch liquors at the Vines Village, taste different styles of Sauvignon Blanc with local winemakers and cap it off with handmade chocolates at the Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory. It’s a delicious way to experience Marlborough’s gourmet side.

Explore Marlborough Wineries by Bike

If you’d rather balance your tastings with a little fresh air, cycling between vineyards is a fun option. The roads are flat, the scenery is gorgeous and at each stop you’ll enjoy a guided tasting. A leisurely lunch paired with local wines rounds out the ride — a perfect way to explore the countryside at a slower pace.

Greenshell Mussel Cruise

Marlborough’s mussels are famous across New Zealand, and this cruise lets you enjoy them right where they’re harvested. As you sail through Queen Charlotte Sound, a steaming pot of mussels paired with crisp Sauvignon Blanc makes for an unforgettable lunch with a view.

Picton Coastal Scenery & Outdoor Adventures

The Marlborough Sounds are a maze of coves, bays and forested hills that are best explored by boat or kayak. For travelers who love the outdoors, these excursions showcase Picton’s natural beauty.

Queen Charlotte Cruise

This relaxed cruise glides past sheltered coves and bush-covered headlands once explored by Captain James Cook. Along the way, you might feed fish at Double Cove or spot seabirds circling overhead. It’s peaceful, scenic and a gentle way to see the Sounds.

Marlborough Sounds Kayaking Adventure

For a closer look, paddle along the sheltered Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. You’ll glide past sandy beaches, native bush and quiet bays, with chances to spot seabirds along the way. It’s peaceful, scenic and suitable for most fitness levels.

Queen Charlotte Track Hike

If you’d rather stretch your legs, combine a boat ride with a guided walk along the Queen Charlotte Track. The trail winds through ferns, manuka trees and beech forest, with coastal views peeking through the canopy. It’s a great option for anyone who wants a taste of New Zealand’s hiking culture without committing to a full-day trek.

Picton Culture & Heritage Excursions

Beyond the scenery and wine, Picton is also rich in history and cultural experiences. From Māori traditions to heritage ships and aviation museums, these excursions connect you with the stories of Marlborough.

Omaka Māori Marae Experience

Visiting a marae is one of the most meaningful ways to experience Māori culture. At Omaka, you’ll be welcomed with traditional customs, hear stories passed down for generations and take part in music and ceremony. It’s a powerful reminder of New Zealand’s living traditions.

Edwin Fox Museum

On Picton’s waterfront, the Edwin Fox tells a very different story. Built in 1853, it’s one of the oldest ships in the world still intact. Walking through its restored hull feels like stepping back in time — from carrying convicts to Western Australia to transporting immigrants across the seas, this ship has seen it all.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

History buffs will love this excursion, which includes one of the best World War II aircraft collections in the world. Paired with a ride on a miniature railway and a stop at the Marlborough Museum, it’s a mix of nostalgia, heritage and storytelling.

Unique Encounters in Picton

Some experiences in Picton are one-of-a-kind, offering glimpses of New Zealand you won’t find anywhere else.

Paua Pearl Farm Tour

Take a boat out through Queen Charlotte Sound to Arapawa Island, where you’ll visit a family-run farm that produces the world’s only blue paua pearls. You’ll see how the pearls are cultivated, meet the owners and maybe even bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Lochmara Wildlife & Underwater Observatory

Lochmara is a quirky blend of art, conservation and nature. Walk through native bush, admire outdoor art installations and step into an underwater observatory for a glimpse of the marine life that thrives in the Sounds.

Picton, New Zealand Shore Excursions

Excursions in Picton, New Zealand include wine tours through the Marlborough vineyards, gourmet tastings of mussels and chocolates, scenic cruises in Queen Charlotte Sound, kayaking and hiking adventures, cultural visits to Māori marae and heritage tours at museums and historic ships. The variety makes Picton one of the most rewarding ports in New Zealand — a place where you can sip, savor, paddle and explore, all in the same day.