Head to the waterfront in Picton to meet your boat. Your captain welcomes you aboard and provides a safety briefing, before you set off on your cruise through the magnificent waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Along the way, your captain talks about the landmarks you pass, notes the inter-island ferry routes, and points out wildlife such as birds, seals and dolphins. After about an hour of traveling through Queen Charlotte Sound, you reach Ship Cove where your boat docks. Enjoy at least 30 minutes on your own to explore this island, where Captain James Cook anchored to re-supply his ship, The Endeavor, visiting several times in the late 1700s. Interactions between Cook’s crew and the local Maori people were some of the earliest contact between Maori and Europeans in New Zealand. Learn more about the natural and cultural history of the island from informative displays along the trails. You can also find a monument to Cook, a number of tall carved Maori statues, and a sheltered beach.

Enjoy a scenic afternoon boat cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound on a working mail boat that visits Ship Cove and several remote communities. You'll share the excitement of mail day as you travel on board the New Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service boat, which takes different routes through Marlborough Sounds to reach isolated hamlets. Hear stories about the people and history of the region from your captain as you experience the rhythm of life along the waterways of the South Island, including Ship Cove giving you a chance to disembark at the inlet, where Captain Cook anchored his ship - The Endeavor, in 1770. Explore the beach and see a memorial to Captain Cook, several large Maori statues carved from wood, and informative displays about the island. Birds such as oyster catchers, weka, and paradise ducks can be spotted here as well.

Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove, learn from your expert captain about wildlife and cultural history, and take in the gorgeous scenery of Queen Charlotte Sound. Look for endangered native birds including the South Island saddleback, king shag, little blue penguin and kiwi as well as seals and rare native Hector’s dolphins - considered the rarest marine dolphin in the world that make the Sound their home. When you arrive at Motuara Island, set off on your own to explore the Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary. Once cleared for farming, the forest has regenerated and all predators on the island were removed in 1991. A series of informative panels along the trail provide details about the area and you can walk up to a lookout point on the top of the island.

Taste the gourmet delights New Zealand is famous for on a wine and chocolate shore excursion to the South Island's renowned Marlborough wine region! While your cruise ship is docked at the Picton port, sip award-winning New Zealand wines at boutique wineries, sample delicious chocolates, and enjoy a personalized experience on this small-group tour, limited to 11 people. You have the option of a 5-hour tour or a 6.5-hour tour that includes a lunch stop.  Both options include a visit to the Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory, where you’ll see delicious chocolates being made by hand. Enjoy a sample of the many varieties made here, from succulent truffles to fruit-filled chocolates and nutty bites

Explore the Marlborough Sounds on foot with one of the popular self-guided walks on the Queen Charlotte Track. Choose from three walks of varying length and challenge, with options that may include Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet or Torea Bay. Round-trip boat service takes you to the start of your route and picks you up at the end. The day hikes offer a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Queen Charlotte Track within a shorter time frame. The entire Queen Charlotte Track runs 44 miles (70 km) and is renowned for great views of the Queen Charlotte Sound, lush native plant life and historic landmarks. To hike the entire track takes a few days, but you can enjoy a spectacular day out walking a section of the track. A round-trip boat service from Picton drops you off in the morning at one end of your hike and picks you up at the other end in the late afternoon.