Half-Day Marlborough Sounds Cruise: Visit Ship Cove and Explore New Zealand's Coastline
4.4
110 Ratings
Picton
Embark on a half-day cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand. Visit Ship Cove, admire the breathtaking scenery, and learn about the region's marine life and cultural history.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Queen Charlotte Sound - Cruise through the tranquil waterways of the Queen Charlotte Sound, see wildlife and native flora and fauna along the way
What's Included
- On-board restrooms
- Live commentary on board
What's Not Included
- Food
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Beachcomber Cruises keep cup ($6 available for purchase)
Additional Information
Embark on a morning boat excursion to Ship Cove, as you traverse the vast waterway network of Marlborough Sounds, accounting for one-fifth of New Zealand’s coastal line. At Ship Cove, you’ll have the opportunity to see Captain Cook’s memorial, Maori wooden sculptures, and a secluded beach. As you navigate through these stunning landscapes, listen to enlightening narratives from your well-informed captain about the regional marine wildlife, indigenous history, and the splendid natural features of this attractive area.
Bear in mind that this tour leaves precisely at 9:00am.
Before setting out on your journey, you have the option to buy Beachcomber Cruises’ reusable cups for $6 in our office. We have decided to stop using disposable cups on our vessels due to their destructive impact on the environment. The purchase of a Beachcomber Cruises’ cup allows guests to have unlimited access to tea and coffee throughout the tour.
- 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
- Not recommended for travelers with serious mobility issues or confinements
Location
1 London Quay
London Quay
Please 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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(110 Ratings)
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Coastal17683145500
Apr 27, 2024
Wonderful trip Outstanding service - Wonderful trip with great commentary. Outstanding scenery. Captain of the boat provided kind and Outstanding service with assisting my elderly mother....many thanks
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gina_c
Mar 20, 2024
Great way to see the Marlborough Sounds on a tight time scale - Great trip, just as advertised! Well organized and no complaints. Saw seals close by and opportunity to walk a section if wanted
Review provided by Viator
896tweetie
Mar 12, 2024
Wonderful Boat Tour, Great Company! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gillianashtonsmeaton
Feb 27, 2024
Cruise guest - Well worth doing, excellent value for money. The guide/captain was very informative. What a great trip to get walkers from place to place. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
55fergusg
Feb 21, 2024
Excellent trip - Excellent tip, knowledgeable pilot, wonderful views and stops
Worth every cent
Highly recommend this if you are thinking of going
Great staff
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leslie_h
Feb 15, 2024
Loved the cruise.... - Fabulous cruise, very scenic. Learned about the history of the sound, the ongoing program to remove the trees poisoning the earth and water, and how the sea life is coming back now.
If you love being on the water, this is a great way to spend the morning seeing beauty.
Review provided by Viator
Michael_a
Dec 31, 2023
Natural beauty - Awesome experience, beautiful scenery, tour guide knowledge was an amazing insight. Really enjoyable despite the weather not being the best!
Review provided by Viator
Mjh976
Apr 8, 2024
Beautiful half day trip - Loved the half day trip to Ship Cove. Very lucky with the beautiful weather. Saw a penguin but no dolphins due to the time of year. Could easily hear the commentary from the top deck but was harder to hear inside the boat. Would have loved to stay a little longer at Ship Cove.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachel_b
Mar 16, 2024
I had a decent time - It was okay. I had a decent time, it was just getting on a boat and sitting for 45 minutes then wondering around an island for about 20 then back in the boat. After the island we got back on the boat and made luggage stops. It was cool to see the different islands from the water but it wasn’t spectacular.
Review provided by Viator
Max
Feb 23, 2024
The best option is to take the mail boat at 1:15 p.m. You can book this directly at the port. - Unfortunately we missed the boat because we got off the cruise ship too late. Thankfully we were able to rebook onto a later ship.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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