Marlborough Activities

Marlborough activities lean on walking, wildlife and history: the Queen Charlotte Track on foot, a bird sanctuary by boat and World War 1 era aircraft in Blenheim. Most start on Picton's waterfront, and they sit alongside the wine tours and Sounds cruises that fill out the things to do in Marlborough.

Walking the Queen Charlotte Track

The Queen Charlotte Track is a 70km walk through the Marlborough Sounds, usually done as a 3 to 5-day trip. A boat from Picton lands walkers at Ship Cove, one of the historic landing sites of Captain Cook in the 1770s, where the track begins.

The Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge cruise and day walk is the short version: a self-guided 15km, 5-hour walk with the boat out from Picton and a return cruise from Furneaux Lodge. Bike and kayak add-ons are offered when booking.

Hikers planning the full track can use the Queen Charlotte Track and transport package, which books the boat from Picton to Ship Cove, the pick-up from Anakiwa at the finish and luggage transfers of up to 20kg per person, for walkers and bikers alike.

Wildlife and bird sanctuaries in the Sounds

The Motuara Island bird watchers cruise is a half-day trip from Picton to a predator-free island sanctuary in Queen Charlotte Sound, with a 1-hour visit to look for native wildlife and views of Ship Cove on the way.

Elsewhere on the water, cruises through Queen Charlotte Sound pass seals, dolphins and penguins, and the Queen Charlotte Sound cruise from Picton to Ship Cove adds skipper commentary and a 30-minute stop ashore beside the Captain Cook monument. For more close encounters with native wildlife, try animal experiences in Marlborough.

History and aviation in Blenheim

Blenheim's Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre tells the story of aerial combat through lovingly recreated World War 1 era planes, most of them owned by Sir Peter Jackson. Admission options cover the Knights of the Sky and Dangerous Skies exhibitions together or on their own, and a guided highlights tour can be added.

Full-day outings on Queen Charlotte Sound

The Marlborough Day in the Sounds experience is a full-day trip on the Sound, with a 30-minute stop at Ship Cove and free time at either Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove Resort.

The cruise and wine package swaps the lodge for wine: a morning cruise to Ship Cove, lunch at Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen with a glass of wine, tastings at 2 to 3 wineries and a boutique chocolate factory.

Choosing the right Marlborough activity

A day walk and a multi-day hike ask very different things of you, so decide how many days you have for the Queen Charlotte Track before anything else. The wildlife and history options fit a half-day or a few hours and slot in around other plans.

Paddling is a different kind of day: Marlborough water sports start with kayaking on the Pelorus River, while Marlborough tours and Marlborough cruises cover the winery days and the mail boat runs.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Queen Charlotte Track?

The Queen Charlotte Track is a 70km walk through the Marlborough Sounds, usually done as a 3 to 5-day trip. A day-walk option covers a 15km, 5-hour stretch from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, with a return cruise to Picton.

How do you get to Ship Cove?

Ship Cove is reached by boat from Picton, on cruises that leave from the waterfront at the corner of London Quay and Wellington Street. The Ship Cove cruise includes a 30-minute stop ashore, and the walk and transport options use the same boat to start the Queen Charlotte Track.

What can you do on Motuara Island?

Motuara Island is a predator-free bird sanctuary in Queen Charlotte Sound, and the bird watchers cruise from Picton gives guests a 1-hour visit to look for native wildlife. The cruise is seasonal and runs as a 4-hour trip from Picton.

Is the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre open every day?

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim is open 7 days a week, and guided highlights tours for each exhibition run daily.

What do I need for the Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge day walk?

The Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge day walk asks guests to bring a camera, snacks, water, sturdy walking shoes, warm layers, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and money for refreshments.

Are Marlborough activities suitable for kids?

Marlborough activities on the water and at Omaka sell child tickets for ages 5 to 14, and infants travel free on the Sounds cruises. At the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Most Marlborough activities start on Picton's waterfront, and Blenheim's Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is the one to plan around inland.