Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise
Overview
The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery and wildlife. Visit Motuara Island and cruise the calm waters of the majestic Queen Charlotte Sound. Water, wilderness and wildlife.
You will have the opportunity to see multiple species of wildlife, including rare sea birds, marine mammals and endangered land birds. Led by enthusiastic and fun Guides, you will be given the possibility of viewing five different species of dolphins, little blue penguins, seals, seabirds and land birds.
Enjoy the only daily service fully-guided walk on Motuara Island, seeing and hearing the amazing bird life where Captain Cook planted the first flag and claimed New Zealand.
The view is spectacular from the lookout all the way to the North Island. On the return enjoy complimentarily hot drinks and chocolate biscuits and in the afternoon tour local award-winning wine.
What's Included
- Alcoholic beverages Complimentary Local Award winning Wine on PM tour
- FREE Binoculars to help you spot wildlife and Species ID cards
- National Park fees
- Live commentary on board
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and chocolate biscuits on the return journey
- Professional guide
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting Location
1 Wellington Street
Picton 7220, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Marlborough Sounds
4 hours Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Morning tour departs at 08:30 on cruise ship days
- FREE use of binoculars on-board and Species Identification cards
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Family friendly with plenty of children's activities onboard
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Check-In 15 minutes prior to departure time
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-29441P7
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.65 out of 5 stars based on 140 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Alcoholic beverages. Complimentary Local Award winning Wine on PM tour.
- FREE Binoculars to help you spot wildlife and Species ID cards.
- National Park fees.
- Live commentary on board.
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and chocolate biscuits on the return journey.
- Professional guide.
- Gratuities.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Alcoholic beveragesComplimentary Local Award winning Wine on PM tour
- FREE Binoculars to help you spot wildlife and Species ID cards
- National Park fees
- Live commentary on board
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and chocolate biscuits on the return journey
- Professional guide
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Morning tour departs at 08:30 on cruise ship days
- FREE use of binoculars on-board and Species Identification cards
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Family friendly with plenty of children's activities onboard
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Check-In 15 minutes prior to departure time
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
