Short Walks and Cruises
The Marlborough Sounds is a place where time stands still, where endlessly green rainforests meet crystal blue waters and there is a surprise around every corner.
Discover the Best Trails and Walks in the Marlborough Sounds
Walking in Marlborough Sounds means that you are surrounded by an extensive network of sea-drowned valleys made up of sounds, islands and peninsulas. Lying at the South Island's north-easternmost point, the steep, wooded hills and small quiet bays make this a sparsely populated area, and much of it is only accessible by boat.
9.5 hours
Daily Departures:
8.00 AM
Picton Walks in Marlborough Sounds, NZ
The picturesque seaside town of Picton trails is the perfect place to base yourself to explore the delights that the Marlborough Sounds has to offer. The town itself is built around a very sheltered harbour, and is home to some great cafes, restaurants, galleries and speciality shops.However, if you are looking to do various walks in the Marlborough Sounds then you have certainly picked a spectacular area. The Queen Charlotte Day Track is considered one of the best coastal tracks in New Zealand, with most people choosing to start at Ship Cove, or Meretoto, where Captain Cook spent over 6 months and wrote that it was the most beautiful place in the Pacific.
The Best Walks in Picton Don't Come Without An Adventure
There are no roads or trails in Picton that lead to Ship Cove, so you will need to take a boat, but don't worry if you don't trust your sea legs - here at E-Ko Tours we offer a 100% No Sickness guarantee or we will give you your money back! We are so confident in our purpose-built boats, experienced skippers and the eternally calm waters of the well-protected sounds, that in the 10 years we've operated here this guarantee has never been challenged!
The calm, well-protected waters and pristine natural forests make this area a hive of biodiversity and some of its unique inhabitants are found nowhere else on Earth. Many endangered native birds thrive on the predator-free islands of the sounds, whilst marine mammals such as dolphins, orcas, seals and migrating whales can easily be spotted in the crystal blue waterways as you start your adventure with walks from Picton. Read More
How To Access Marlborough Walks
Here at E-Ko Tours, we are passionate about our environment, and we are committed to actively encouraging local and international guests that come to visit to care for our country as much as we do. That's why we have taken the Tiaki promise (meaning to care and protect), and why we believe in providing responsible and sustainable tourism, all our tours including the endangered species tour and new zealand walking tours have contributed greatly in increasing the country's threatened species.
Wondering Where the Best Walks from Picton in Marlborough Sounds Are?
Education is the best way to understand and appreciate the areas you visit, and we have expert guides and marine biologists who are full of knowledge to help you discover more on your journey. To access many of the Marlborough walking tracks you need to take a boat, and our marine guides and experienced skippers will help seek out respectful interactions with the marine mammals and sea and land birds you will encounter on the way. We are partnered with the World Cetacean Alliance and have obtained the highest environmental certification endorsements both nationally and internationally, and that is why we are the only company in Marlborough permitted to actively search and interact with dolphins and whales, and the only tour operator in Picton with permission for our guests to swim with wild dolphins.
Picton Walks Have Never Been Better
Whether you decide to choose our Captain Cook Cruise which makes landfall at the historic Ship Cove, or you wish to explore Motuara Island bird sanctuary on our picton walks, you will be amazed by the fearless and plentiful birds that will greet you. Meet the resident blue penguins, listen to the melodic sound of the bellbirds and spot the rare saddleback and yellow-crowned parakeets as you walk through the amazing beauty and tranquillity of this fertile location.
Share our goal to create a world where mammals are free, oceans thrive and communities care. All our tours leave from Picton, our sturdy boats are purpose-built, and we offer a 100% No Seasickness Guarantee, and we provide all the equipment needed, including the all-essential binoculars.
Don't just take a walk in the Marlborough Sounds, come with us and take a walk on the wild side! Read less