Water activity

Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

4.4 / 5

62 reviews

Activity provider: Beachcomber Cruises
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    Water activity

    Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

    Activity provider: Beachcomber Cruises

    4.4

    62 reviews

    From US$ 60.22 per person

    Take in the sights of Queen Charlotte Sound and visit Ship Cove on a morning boat tour from Picton. Enjoy some free time while anchored at Ship Cove. Discover Maori wood carvings, a Captain Cook memorial and a sheltered beach.

    About this ticket

    Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
    Reserve now & pay later
    Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
    Covid-19 precautions
    Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
    Duration 3 hours
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Audio guide included
    English
    Wheelchair accessible

    Experience

    Highlights
    • Set sail on a 3.5-hour cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Ship Cove
    • Step ashore at Ship Cove for 30 minutes to explore a favourite anchorage of Captain Cook's
    • Admire wildlife and marine mammals like New Zealand Fur Seals and visiting dolphins
    • Learn the history of the region and its residents from your friendly skipper
    Full description
    Navigate the magnficent waterways of Marlborough Sounds on a morning boat tour, departing from the Picton waterfront. Cruise up through the Queen Charlotte Sound to historical Ship Cove. Warm up with tea and coffee and listen to live commentary on regional historical and natural landmarks. Keep a lookout for marine life such as little blue penguins and Hector’s dolphins — considered the rarest marine dolphin in the world. After about an hour’s journey, your boat drops anchor at Ship Cove. Step ashore for 30 minutes and discover the inlet named by Captain James Cook on 15 January 1770. The Endeavour was anchored here to replenish supplies and the spot became a favourite anchorage of Captain Cook. Dabble in the creek where Captain Cook made home brew for his crew and share the beach with the resident wildlife. Have your photo taken beside the Captain Cook Monument commemorating his visits to this area. Or, just relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds.
    Includes
    • Scenic cruise
    • Live commentary in English
    • 30-minute stopover at Ship Cove
      Not suitable for
      • People with mobility impairments
      • Wheelchair users

      Select participants and date

      Participants

      Date

      Meeting point

      Please meet at the Beachcomber Cruises Office. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to your tour departure time.

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      Important information

      What to bring

      • Cash
      • Closed-toe shoes

      Know before you go

      • You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to consume on board
      • Please advise at time of booking if you have a connection or are a cruise ship passenger
      • Closed-toe walking shoes suitable for walking are recommended
      • Not accessible for motorized wheelchairs
      • Tea and coffee is available to purchase prior to your departure for $6, which includes a complimentary "Keep Cup" to take away with you
      Customer reviews

      Overall rating

      4.4 /5

      based on 62 reviews

      Review summary

      • Transportation
        4.2/5
      • Value for money
        4.3/5
      • Safety
        4.7/5
      • Service
        4.3/5

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      If you are interested in castles and gardens, it is definitely worth seeing. Unfortunately only 3 of the many fountains in the gardens were in operation. The other fountains were turned off. The way to the large and small Trianon is an additional feature, so you really think twice about doing this (bicycles can be hired or you can take the mini train). The garden behind the little Trianon was very pretty.

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      February 24, 2023

      G
      GetYourGuide traveler – France Verified booking

      Helpful?

      A informative and interesting and fun cruise. Well worth the cash.

      Beach Comber Cruises. Julian was our skipper, what he doesn't know regarding this cruse is really not worth knowing. He made the trip lots of fun right from the start, and we felt like we have known him forever. This cruise is very well thought out, and informative. A MUST DO IN PICTON.

      June 14, 2019

      S
      Sharon – New Zealand Verified booking

      Helpful?

      Was a beautiful trip, lovely picnic lunch. The drive did take less than 4 hrs to get there from Queenstown though, they told us in email definitely allow 5.

      March 2, 2023

      G
      GetYourGuide traveler – Australia Verified booking

      Helpful?

      Product ID: 179885

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