Marlborough Sounds, Family Activities

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  • Beachcomber Cruises: Ship Cove

    Explore a section of New Zealand's famous Marlborough Sounds on a half day Queen Charlotte Sound cruise to Ship Cove. Sailing with Beachcomber Cruises from Picton, this is a remarkable opportunity to visit one of the historic landing sites of Captain Cook in the 1770s. This four-hour experience includes informative commentary from your skipper, a short stopover at Ship Cove and views of Queen Charlotte Sound and its abundant wildlife.

    Departing from Picton, your skipper will navigate up through the pristine waters of Queen Charlotte Sound for the first portion of this cruise. Part of the Marlborough Sounds, this area is renowned for its turquoise waters, lush native forests and resident marine life. As you sail along on your Picton cruise, prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring landscapes that surround you at every turn.

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  • Ages 4+

    Pelorus Eco Adventures - Family Kayak Tour

    Tour some of the most famous scenes from the Hobbit movies in a fun and energetic way with these kayaking tours on the lovely Pelorus River! Join the friendly and experienced guides as they take you on an aquatic journey through the "real" Middle Earth, exploring some iconic spots from the trilogy in the picturesque Marlborough region of NZ; travel down one of the most amazing wild rivers in New Zealand along the same route followed in the Desolation of Smaug Hobbit film; stand on the same rocks as Bilbo and his pint-sized friends, pass by wonderful waterfalls and much more. Along the way, you'll be given all the insider information about both the region and filming process and become involved in the spirit of the films in person - all while getting a dose of fresh air and wonderful NZ scenery.

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  • Marlborough Sounds Mail Boat Cruise

    Hop aboard a genuine licensed mailboat and cruise through the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound of Marlborough, learning about the region and delivering mail! On this cruise through an incredibly scenic part of New Zealand, you'll depart from the port of Picton at 1:30pm on a journey to not only take in all the wonderful fiord-style greenery, but to join the skipper in delivering the mail to the families that live at areas dotted throughout the Sound. Relax and enjoy the detailed onboard commentary documenting the history and geography of the Queen Charlotte Sound and the Marlborough region as a whole, while taking in local sights such as the Perano Whaling Station, the historic Ship Cove - a favourite stop of Captain James Cook - and various other vessels plying their trade amongst the waters.

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  • Explore Marlborough - half day bike tour

    Discover the full beauty and magic of the Marlborough region with this full day tour. Famous for its large number of vineyards and cellar doors, travellers will enjoy a half day of guided bike tours, as well as a half day of unguided tours in the afternoon. Combing both the assistance of one of the talented tour guides, as well as the freedom to explore at your own accord, you are sure to have a day full of picturesque scenery, informative commentary and best of all a sampling of some very impressive drops of wine.

    Beginning with the guided tour in the morning, the tour ventures to three of Marlborough's premium wineries travelling along country roads, river stop-banks and through vineyards providing riders with some very stunning views. Providing commentary throughout, you'll discover why this region is so famed for its wine making abilities. With an easy 6km loop, riders merely need basic fitness levels to partake. This part of the day will take approximately 3 hours to complete.

    In the unguided part of this day, riders have the freedom to see and do as little or as much as they like! Equipped with a map labelling some of the best wineries close by, and your bike you're free to set your own itinerary for your afternoon of discovery!

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  • Cruise and Walk on the Queen Charlotte Track

    Embark on an unforgettable day out from Picton with the Queen Charlotte Track Day Walk and Cruise offered by Beachcomber Cruises. This full day experience allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Marlborough Sounds while exploring New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track. Enjoy a boat transfer from Picton to the historic Ship Cove, where you'll begin your 15-kilometre self-guided walk to Furneaux Lodge for your return cruise.

    Starting from Picton, enjoy a boat tour of Queen Charlotte Sound with Beachcomber Cruises, stopping at Ship Cove. This was the historic landing site of Captain Cook in the 1770s, so there is plenty to see before you set off on a scenic walk along the renowned Queen Charlotte Track. As you traverse through lush native forests, you'll be captivated by the stunning vistas of the Marlborough Sounds that unfold before you. This 15-kilometre section of the track is well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable hike for everyone with a moderate fitness level.

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  • Beachcomber Cruises: birdwatchers

    Discover the predator-free Motuara Island on a half day cruise with Beachcomber Cruises from Picton. Located just over an hour's boat ride from Picton, Motuara Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher's paradise nestled within the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound in Marlborough Sounds. The Motuara Island Bird Watchers Cruise includes your return boat transfers with Beachcomber Cruises Picton, as well as one-hour of free time to explore the island.

    Embark on a scenic cruise of Marlborough Sounds, known for its picturesque bays, secluded beaches, and abundant marine life. As you sail with Beachcomber Cruises from Picton, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals and penguins that often grace these waters with their presence.

    The highlight of this cruise is a one-hour stopover at Motuara Island, a haven for native bird species. Step ashore and explore the Motuara Bird Sanctuary, home to rare and endangered birds such as the South Island Saddleback, King Shag and Bellbird. Immerse yourself in the symphony of bird calls as you wander through the lush forest trails, taking in the sights and sounds of these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.

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  • Kiwi Guardian Outdoor Adventures

    Get the kids outside to have some FREE family fun connecting with nature at Toyota Kiwi Guardians sites nationwide.

    Toyota Kiwi Guardians highlights family-friendly, treasure hunt style activities at specific Department of Conservation sites that encourage kids to engage with the outdoors and, ultimately, earn themselves a medal for their efforts.

    The goal of the conservation programme is to turn Kiwi kids into guardians of the land and sea.

    A total of 50 sites are operational nationwide. Families can get started on their adventure by downloading the appropriate “treasure hunt” map from: www.kiwiguardians.co.nz

    Click on the area of New Zealand nearest to where you are to find the choices available closest to home.

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  • Foxy Lady Cruises - Havelock, Marlborough Sounds

    With room for 40 day passengers, nine berths and heaps of kayaks, Foxy Lady offers a great day out for the family.  You can choose from the cruises they offer - the Pelorus Loop Cruise & Walk, Kayak Cruise, Mussel Cruise or their Fishing Charters for either a half and full day.

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    • Phone: 03 574 2151
    • Location: Jetty 1A Havelock Marina, Havelock
  • Picton Foreshore

    Picton's waterfront area has loads to entertain the family - a great spot for a picnic or run around, or just to watch the ferries and boats come and go. Activities include family-... read more

  • Edwin Fox Ship and Visitor Centre - Picton

    A child-friendly and all-weather activity. Here at the Edwin Fox and Visitor Centre you will discover the fascinating history of the Edwin Fox (the worlds 9th oldest ship). A permanent display in Picton, where you can learn all about her fascinating round the world adventures and her checkered history from troop carrier to immigrant ship, even convict transporter. Open everyday except Christmas.

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  • EcoWorld Picton Aquarium

    Meet the Locals at EcoWorld Picton Aquarium. Touch a Living Fossil (Tuatara). Get close to a Penguin. Have fun discovering amazing animals that live on Middle-earth, New Zealand, “the youngest land in the world”.  Nature - Wildlife - Heritage - Explore & Learn - Family – friendly - Affordable - FUN. At EcoWorld we give you outstanding, intimate experiences. Our knowledgeable staff help you discover and have fun, sharing with you some of New Zealand's amazing native animals that live in our beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

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    • Location: 1 Dunbar Wharf, Picton Foreshore, Picton
  • Ages 5+

    High Country Horse Trek - Blenheim

    Eleven kilometres from Blenheim, nestled in Marlborough's high country is Rod and Sarah Westenra's 52 hectares of farmland. Home to a herd of 28 horses, five spoilt sheepdogs, and three cats. We offer a choice of rides, suitable for novice to experienced riders. We recommend the North Bank (1 hour) or Branch River (1-1/2 hrs) for family groups. However, rides are restricted to those 12 years and over. We offer short, led pony rides for under 12s.

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    • Phone: 03 577 9424
    • Location: 961 Taylor's Pass Road, Blenheim
  • Shipwrecks Kidsworld – Indoor Playground Picton

    Our supersized indoor childrens’ playground in the centre of Picton offers an action packed, fun filled experience for both children and parents. There’s lots to do and space to play regardless of the weather. Shipwrecks offers fully catered kids parties, after school and holiday programmes.

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Map of New Zealand
  • Central Otago
  • Auckland
  • Bay of Plenty
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Coromandel
  • Gisborne
  • Fiordland
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Manawatu
  • Northland
  • North Canterbury
  • Queenstown
  • South Canterbury
  • Taranaki
  • Southland
  • Taupo
  • Wanaka
  • Waikato
  • Wellington
  • West Coast
  • Whangarei
  • Bay of Islands
  • Tauranga
  • Gisborne
  • Hamilton
  • Napier
  • Kapiti
  • Palmerston North
  • Whanganui
  • New Plymouth
  • Arrowtown
  • Te Anau
  • Akaroa
  • Ashburton
  • Hanmer
  • Kaikoura
  • Methven
  • Mt Cook
  • Oamaru
  • Tekapo
  • Timaru
  • Abel Tasman
  • Motueka
  • Nelson Lakes
  • Blenheim
  • Picton
  • Catlins
  • Gore
  • Stewart Island
  • Central Plateau
  • Invercargill
  • Cromwell
  • Greymouth
  • Hokitika
  • Westport
  • Glenorchy

Our favourite destinations…

Auckland

New Zealand’s economic heart and biggest city is also an exciting family visitor destination, situated on a sunny harbour with city beaches just minutes away from the CBD. Orientate yourself by heading down to Viaduct Harbour, wandering the waterfront, checking out the super yachts or enjoying the waterfront restaurants. Nearby is the must-visit Sky Tower along with excellent and kid-friendly museums and tons of exciting activities!

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Here you will find New Zealand's parliament buildings, including the 'Executive Wing', more well-known as 'The Beehive' due to its distinctive shape. Another icon to look out for is the Wellington Tram, which was the main means of public transport between 1878 and 1964.

Christchurch

With a population of around 400,000 Christchurch, in Canterbury, is the South Island ’s largest city, yet much of it has the feel of a small town. Perhaps that’s why it’s known as the Garden City but with the expansive Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, Port Hills, River Avon and numerous beaches the city certainly has an open, relaxed feel that’s hard to beat.

Queenstown

With its well-deserved reputation as New Zealand’s activity adventure capital you’ll never run out of activities and things to do in Queenstown, but you may run out of time! With breathtaking scenery, activities and festivals, cafes and restaurants, skiing and snowboarding, shopping and wineries, this lakeside alpine resort rates as one of the world’s top vacation destinations for all ages and seasons.

Rotorua

Rotorua sits on the shore of Lake Rotorua, one of sixteen lakes in the area formed by hundreds of thousands of years of eruptions from the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The area is renowned for its geothermal activity and top of any activity list is to see the bubbling mud pools that are around the region for yourself. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers a first hand insight into the devastation caused by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera and is a great place to discover steaming volcanic craters and bubbling, spitting  pools of mud!

Nelson and Golden Bay

The Nelson and Golden Bay regions, at the top of the South Island, boast enviable sunshine hours, glorious sandy beaches, safe swimming spots, lots of wildlife to look out for, and Abel Tasman National Park - an absolute must to explore, on foot, by kayak, your own craft or watertaxi.  Nelson is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community with a fabulous Saturday market, and is close to award-winning wineries and family-friendly bike tracks to take you around the coast.

Hawkes Bay

Napier was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake and is now known as NZ's Art Deco City.  The Art Deco influence has created a unique city – nowhere else can you see such a varied concentration of art deco style. With over 2,200 sunshine hours a year, Napier is a year-round holiday destination with countless activities to entertain the kids – there's days of entertainment on Marine Parade alone, plus numerous other family-friendly trips and activities.  Add to that the beaches, walks and flat cycle paths, outdoor cafes and entertainment, and you have a perfect holiday destination!

Northland

Beautiful, unspoiled beaches, fishing, historic gum fields, kauri forests – the Far North has it all. With subtropical temperatures, it's often known as ‘the Winterless north', with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a pretty, lively beachside town and a perfect base for your family holiday. It’s your start point for Bay of Island adventures including day cruises, sailing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and reef or wreck diving.