Day 1: Arrive in Picton & Explore Queen Charlotte Sound
Where to Go & What to Do:
- Arrive at Blenheim Airport (BHE) or take the ferry to Picton from Wellington.
- Stroll along Picton Marina and soak in the waterfront views.
- Take a scenic cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound, with stops at historic bays and marine wildlife spotting.
- Visit the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, home to one of the world’s oldest preserved wooden ships.
- Enjoy a sunset walk up to Tirohanga Track Lookout for panoramic views over Picton.
Tour Operators & Activity Providers:
- Marlborough Tour Company – www.marlboroughtourcompany.co.nz
- Beachcomber Cruises – www.beachcombercruises.co.nz
Where to Eat:
- Oxley’s Bar & Kitchen – Great seafood and casual dining on the waterfront.
- Seabreeze Café & Bar – A relaxed café with coffee, breakfast, and harbor views.
Where to Stay:
- Picton Yacht Club Hotel – Modern waterfront accommodation with a pool.
- Bay of Many Coves Resort – Luxury eco-retreat accessible by boat.
Day 2: Queen Charlotte Track Hiking & Wildlife Encounters
Where to Go & What to Do:
- Take a morning water taxi to Ship Cove, a historic site where Captain Cook anchored in the 1770s.
- Hike the Queen Charlotte Track (Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge section, 4-5 hours), offering spectacular coastal and native bush scenery.
- Stop for a relaxing lunch at Furneaux Lodge, a beautiful waterfront retreat.
- Continue hiking to Endeavour Inlet, where you can take another water taxi back to Picton.
- Optional: Join a dolphin watching tour in the afternoon for a chance to see bottlenose dolphins and orcas.
Tour Operators & Activity Providers:
- Cougar Line Water Taxis – www.cougarline.co.nz
- E-ko Tours (Dolphin Watching) – www.e-ko.nz
Where to Eat:
- Furneaux Lodge Restaurant – Waterfront dining with fresh seafood and local wines.
- Gusto Café (Picton) – A great spot for coffee and brunch.
Where to Stay:
- Furneaux Lodge – A stunning lodge with luxury and budget-friendly accommodation.
- Punga Cove Resort – A beautiful retreat nestled in the Sounds.
Day 3: Kayaking & Secluded Bays Adventure
Where to Go & What to Do:
- Rent a kayak and explore Lochmara Bay and Anakiwa, paddling through pristine waters.
- Visit Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery Centre, a conservation-focused lodge where you can hand-feed stingrays.
- Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on Mistletoe Bay, one of the most tranquil spots in Queen Charlotte Sound.
- Return to Picton in the late afternoon and explore local shops and art galleries.
Tour Operators & Activity Providers:
- Marlborough Sounds Adventure Co. (Kayak Rentals & Guided Tours) – www.marlboroughsounds.co.nz
- Lochmara Lodge – www.lochmara.co.nz
Where to Eat:
- Lochmara Lodge Café – Great for lunch with a view of the Sounds.
- The Thirsty Pig (Picton) – A lively pub with craft beer and casual meals.
Where to Stay:
- Lochmara Lodge – A unique eco-lodge with wildlife experiences.
- Punga Cove Resort – Private chalets with waterfront views.
Day 4: Marlborough Wine Tasting & Scenic Drives
Where to Go & What to Do:
- Drive to Blenheim, the heart of the Marlborough wine region (30 minutes from Picton).
- Visit award-winning wineries and cellar doors, sampling famous Sauvignon Blanc.
- Enjoy a vineyard lunch at Wither Hills or Cloudy Bay Winery.
- Stop at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, showcasing World War I and II aircraft.
- Return to Picton for a relaxing evening.
Tour Operators & Activity Providers:
- Marlborough Wine Tours – www.marlboroughwinetours.co.nz
- Bubbly Grape Wine Tours – www.bubblygrape.co.nz
Where to Eat:
- Cloudy Bay Vineyards – Gourmet vineyard lunch with exceptional wine.
- Saint Clair Family Estate – A beautiful winery with a delicious tasting menu.
Where to Stay:
- Chateau Marlborough (Blenheim) – A boutique luxury hotel in Blenheim.
- Scenic Hotel Marlborough – Comfortable accommodation in the heart of wine country.
Day 5: Dolphin Swimming & Farewell to Marlborough Sounds
Where to Go & What to Do:
- Take an early morning dolphin swimming tour for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with wild dolphins.
- Visit Karaka Point, a hidden gem offering panoramic views of the Sounds.
- If time allows, stop by Pollard Park & Gardens in Blenheim before heading to the airport.
- Depart from Blenheim Airport or take the ferry back to Wellington.
Tour Operators & Activity Providers:
- E-Ko Tours (Dolphin Swimming & Wildlife Tours) – www.e-ko.nz
- Sounds Connection (Custom Tours & Wine Experiences) – www.soundsconnection.co.nz
Where to Eat:
- Picton Village Bakkerij – A local favorite for fresh pastries and coffee.
- Mills Bay Mussels – The best place for freshly harvested green-lipped mussels.
Where to Stay (If Extending Your Trip):
- Sounds Retreat – A luxury retreat with stunning views and private decks.
- The Portage Hotel – A waterfront resort with modern amenities.