Endeavour Inlet, Lunch Included

Queen Charlotte Sound: Cruise to Endeavour Inlet with Lunch

18 reviews

from $91 per person

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Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: London Quay
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Marlborough Tour Company

Overview

A morning water taxi out of Picton carries you through Queen Charlotte Sound, also known by its Māori name Tōtaranui, to Endeavour Inlet. The ride doubles as a scenic cruise with commentary, so there is time to take in the views and look for local marine wildlife on the way. Once at the inlet, the day centres on a Marlborough Sounds resort, where a one-course set-menu lunch is served.

Where you eat is up to you and the weather. On a fine day you can take your plate out to the sweeping lawn or veranda overlooking the water, and if it turns cool there is a historic homestead restaurant with a fire going. Reviewers who made the trip single out Furneaux Lodge again and again, praising both the setting and the food, and several mention wandering the grounds or taking a short walk before departure.

The water taxi collects everyone from the jetty at 3pm for the ride back to Picton, arriving around 5pm. The full day runs 7.5 hours. It suits travellers who want a slow, scenery-first day with a proper lunch stop rather than a packed activity schedule. One thing to plan for: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you make your own way to the meeting point at London Quay.

From$91 per person

Duration7 hours 30 minutes

Reviews18 reviews

What's Included

Included

Marlborough Sounds cruise with commentary
1-course lunch from the set menu

Not Included

Drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Run byMarlborough Tour Company

Itinerary

Meet at London QuayMake your own way to Cougar Line, Queen Charlotte Track Cruises, London Quay in Picton. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Morning water taxiBoard the boat for a scenic water taxi ride through Queen Charlotte Sound, with commentary and chances to spot local marine wildlife.
Arrive at Endeavour InletThe boat reaches Endeavour Inlet in time for lunch at a Marlborough Sounds resort.
Lunch at the lodgeA one-course lunch from the set menu is included. Eat on the veranda, on the lawn overlooking the sound, or inside the historic homestead restaurant. Drinks are not included.
Free time on the groundsTake a short walk around the grounds or settle in and enjoy the views until pickup.
Afternoon water taxiMeet the water taxi at the jetty by 3pm for the scenic ride back to Picton, arriving at approximately 5pm.

CommentaryIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help the day run smoothly, from what to wear to how the boats differ.

Dress for weather. One reviewer started the day in rain and still found the boat comfortable, with the sun arriving later. Bring a layer and a rain jacket so a wet morning does not spoil the cruise out.
Budget for drinks. Drinks are not included with lunch, so pay for those separately. Anything beyond the one-course set menu is at your own expense.
Two boats possible. One traveller noted the outbound and return legs used different vessels, preferring the larger boat on the return trip to Picton. Do not judge the day by the ride out.
Slow, easy pace. Beyond the boat rides and lunch, the only activity is a short optional walk around the lodge grounds. This is a relaxing day rather than an active one.
Wildlife is chance. Keep an eye out for local marine wildlife on the crossing, as animals may appear, though sightings are never guaranteed. Treat any sighting as a bonus.
Commentary varies. Cruise commentary is included, though one traveller reported receiving none on their trip. If commentary matters to you, it may be worth managing expectations.

From$91 per person

Reviews18 reviews

Ready To RideCheck Price & Availability →

Common issues. Drinks and hotel transfers are not included, so beverages must be purchased separately and you will need to make your own way to London Quay in Picton. Weather shapes the day: reviews range from rainy starts to perfect sun, and the lawn-versus-fireplace lunch choice depends on it. One reviewer was disappointed by the absence of commentary during the cruise, even though commentary is listed as included. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so late changes come at a cost.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The tour includes the Marlborough Sounds cruise with commentary and a one-course lunch from the set menu at the lodge in Endeavour Inlet. Drinks are not included, and neither is hotel pickup and drop-off. Anything extra you order at the resort is at your own cost.

How Long Is The Tour?

The full experience runs 7.5 hours. You leave Picton in the morning, meet the return water taxi at the jetty at 3pm, and arrive back in Picton at approximately 5pm.

Where Does The Tour Start?

The meeting point is Cougar Line, Queen Charlotte Track Cruises, at London Quay in Picton. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way there.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Full terms and conditions apply, so check with the operator before booking if your plans might shift.

Is The Tour Suitable For People With Limited Mobility?

Accessibility details are not stated. The day involves boarding a water taxi, walking on to a jetty, and moving around the lodge grounds, so contact the operator through the booking page if you have specific mobility needs.

What Should I Bring?

Bring payment for drinks, which are not included.