Picton Cruise Ship Tours
Choose from three Marlborough Sounds experiences designed for cruise ship visitors, including a flexible two-hour nature cruise, historic Ship Cove/Meretoto and the Motuara Island wildlife sanctuary.
Check your ship’s arrival and departure times before booking.
2-Hour Kumutoto Bay Wildlife, Beach & Wine Cruise
Our recommended option for most cruise passengers. Cruise the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, search for wildlife, then enjoy time ashore at Kumutoto Bay, a beautiful DOC Scenic Reserve for native bush, beach and coastal scenery.
Hourly departures on cruise-ship days- Book Direct at the E-ko Shop on Waterfront and Save 70%
4- hour Captain Cook Cruise – Ship Cove/Meretoto
Enjoy a scenic wildlife cruise to historic Ship Cove/Meretoto, with Māori and Captain Cook history, native forest and time to explore ashore. This DOC historic reserve offers easy walking on flat terrain, informative interpretation panels and public toilets. Cook stayed 170 days - 3 voyages from here.
Departures: 8:30 am and 1:30 pm
Returns 12:00 pm and 5:30 PM
4-Hour Motuara Island Sanctuary & Dolphin Cruise
Cruise in search of dolphins, seals and seabirds, then enjoy a guided visit to a DOC predator-free Motuara Island. Discover endangered native birds and choose either the 30-minute walk to the observation tower or the five-minute walk to the bird-viewing area. Active Walking area .
Departures: 8:30 am and 1:30 pm
Returns: 12:00 pm and 5:30 pm
Important Information for Cruise Ship Passengers
Important for cruise ship passengers
For an 8:30 am tour, ask your ship’s onboard staff to place you on the first shuttle ashore. Allow approximately 10 minutes to travel from the shuttle drop-off point to E-Ko’s departure location.
If your ship is scheduled to arrive in Picton by 7:00 am, the morning four-hour tour may be suitable. If your ship is scheduled to depart Picton at 7:00 pm or later, the 1:30 pm tour—returning at 5:30 pm—may be suitable.
Always check your ship’s latest arrival time, shuttle arrangements and all-aboard time with onboard staff before confirming your tour.
If you miss your four-hour cruise departure, contact E-Ko immediately. Where availability allows, we may transfer you to a two-hour cruise and credit any applicable price difference.
How to Find E-Ko Tours
We are only a 4-minute walk from the Picton i-SITE and main cruise-shuttle drop-off. Follow the painted blue line to the E-Ko Shop, then look for the dolphin and seal.
OPEN E-KO SHOP IN GOOGLE MAPS
Picton Shore Excursion FAQ
- What should I enter when booking? In Special Circumstances, under Booking Details, enter CRUISE SHIP PASSENGER, your ship’s name and your expected Picton arrival time (ETA).
- Should I provide a mobile number? If possible, provide a mobile phone number that will work in New Zealand so E-Ko can contact you on the day.
- What should I confirm onboard? Ask your ship’s staff for the latest Picton ETA, shuttle or tender arrangements and your required all-aboard time. You MUST confirm with ships staff you will be on the First Shuttle to town if your on the 0830 departure.
- What if my ship is delayed? Call E-Ko before assuming you have missed your tour. We may be able to transfer a missed four-hour booking to a two-hour cruise where availability allows.
- What if the Picton visit changes or is cancelled? Contact E-Ko as soon as possible if your ship changes its arrival time, departure time or Picton port call.
- What is the cruise-passenger cancellation period? Cancel at least 12 hours before the tour departure time to receive a full refund.
- What should I check before arrival? Read your booking confirmation carefully and check the departure location, check-in time and tour departure time.