2-Hour Shore Excursion Cruise

Picton Shore Excursion: Queen Charlotte Sounds Cruise

★ 4.5 71 reviews

from $59 per person

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Duration: 2 hours
Meeting point: London Quay
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Beachcomber Cruises

Overview

This is the original Round the Bays Cruise from Beachcomber Cruises, a company that has been running trips on these waters for more than 30 years. The boat leaves from London Quay in Picton and heads out into Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui, the largest of the Marlborough Sounds. The whole outing runs for 2 hours.

The route crosses the main reach of the Sound and works its way past sheltered bays and hills covered in regenerating native forest. The skipper provides commentary on the history of the area, including its naming by Captain Cook after Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. Passengers can look for seabirds along the shores and dolphins in the water, and the trip includes a chance to feed the local fish.

The tour is built for people with limited time, especially cruise ship passengers stopping in Picton. Getting to the departure point is your own responsibility: there is no transport from the port or from hotels, so you make your own way to the booking office on London Quay. Travellers who have taken the trip describe a relaxed pace, informative guides and calm water.

From$59 per person

Duration2 hours

Rating4.5 from 71 reviews

What's Included

Included

Sightseeing cruise

Not Included

Hotel/cruise ship pickup and drop-off
Food and drink
Tips

Run byBeachcomber Cruises

Itinerary

Meet at London QuayMake your own way to the Beachcomber Cruises office on London Quay, Picton. Transport from the Cruise Ship Terminal and the port is not included.
Board the cruise boatCheck in at the booking office and board the vessel.
Cruise Queen Charlotte SoundThe boat cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui lasts 1.5 hours. You pass sheltered bays and forested hills while the skipper gives commentary, with chances to spot bird and marine life and feed the fish.
Return to London QuayThe boat arrives back at the Beachcomber Cruises office on London Quay, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this short cruise.

Foot passengers walking from the Picton ferry terminal along the foreshore toward the quay

Getting there. There is no pickup from the port, hotels or cruise ships. Passengers need to make their own way between the Cruise Ship Terminal and the Beachcomber Cruises booking office on London Quay, so allow time for this before departure.
Seating and comfort. Reviewers mention inside, outside and upstairs seating, so you can pick a spot to suit the weather. One traveller noted the boat was full but still had a seat and a good view. Comfortable shoes are on the suggested packing list.
Commentary style. The skipper talks about the Sound, its history and the wildlife. Several reviewers praised the commentary as informative, and one appreciated that the PA was not overused.
Wildlife watching. The cruise offers fish feeding from the boat and the chance to spot seabirds and dolphins in the water, though sightings are never guaranteed. Reviewers saw a fair bit of wildlife, though one reported only small fish, so sightings vary and nothing is promised.
Food and drink. Food and drink are not included in the ticket. Tips are also not included.
What not to bring. High heels, bare feet, smoking, vaping and drones are all not allowed on board. Mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and walking frames are also listed as not permitted, which matters for anyone with limited mobility.

From$59 per person

Rating4.5 from 71 reviews

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Common issues. The main limitation is that there is no transport from the port, so cruise passengers must make their own way to London Quay. Mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and walking frames are not permitted, which restricts access for some travellers. One reviewer found the boat was full but still had a seat and a good view. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and one visitor saw only small fish. Food, drink and tips are all extra.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Cruise And What Is Included?

The trip lasts 2 hours and includes the sightseeing cruise itself with skipper commentary. Food, drink and tips are not included, and the tour is run in English.

Is Pickup From The Cruise Ship Or My Hotel Included?

No. There is no hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off, so passengers must make their own way between the Cruise Ship Terminal and the booking office. The meeting point is the Beachcomber Cruises office on London Quay in Picton.

Where Does The Tour Start And Finish?

Both the start and end point are the Beachcomber Cruises office on London Quay, Picton. You board there, cruise the Sound for 1.5 hours, and return to the same spot.

Is The Cruise Suitable For People With Limited Mobility?

Mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and walking frames are not allowed on board, which limits access. Unaccompanied minors are also not permitted. Anyone with specific mobility concerns should check with the operator through the booking page before reserving.

What Should I Bring And Wear?

Comfortable shoes are recommended, and high heels and bare feet are not permitted. Food and drink are not included, so plan for anything you want to have with you.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund. Check the booking page for the full cancellation terms before you reserve.