Activities in Marlborough Region
-
Waterways Boating Safaris
It’s a boat tour Cap’n, but not as we know it. Buzz around majestic Keneperu Sound in your own craft, while learning about the area’s ecology and history. A unique and fun way to see the Sounds. Two people per boat and a maximum of five boats per guide. BYO lunch.
reviewed
-
Pelorus Mail Run
Popular full-day boat cruise through the far reaches of Pelorus Sound on a genuine NZ Post delivery run. Bookings essential; BYO lunch. Picton pick-up and drop-off available.
reviewed
-
A
Dolphin Encounter
Here’s your chance to rub shoulders with pods of dusky dolphins on three-hour tours; wet suits, masks and snorkels are provided. Limited numbers, so book in advance.
reviewed
-
B
Whale Watch Kaikoura
With knowledgeable guides and fascinating ‘world of whales’ onboard animation, Kaikoura’s biggest operator heads out (with admirable frequency) in boats equipped with hydrophones (underwater microphones) to pick up whale soundings. It’ll refund 80% of your fare if no whales are sighted (success rate: 98%). Sailings may be cancelled if the weather turns to custard, so if this trip is a must for you, allow a few days flexibility.
reviewed
-
Wither Hills Farm Park
For grand views across the Wairau Valley and out to Cloudy Bay, you can tour the 1100-hectare Wither Hills Farm Park which could take from 30 minutes to all day. The two main entrances are at the top of Redwood St and the Taylor Pass Rd; pick up a map from the i-SITE or check the information panels at the gates. Ask about fire bans in high summer. You can hire bikes from the Spokesman to tour this park.
reviewed
-
C
Floatplane
Floatplane offers transfers and scenic tours (minimum two people) to Ship Cove (track transfer $125; 20-minute tour $140) and into the outer Sounds (40 minute/one hour $210/325). It also runs Cook Strait crossings from Porirua (near Wellington) to Nelson and the Abel Tasman (from $275).
reviewed
-
Board Silly Surf Adventures
Mangamaunu Beach, 15km north of Kaikoura, has wicked surf (a 500m point break when it’s working). Board Silly Surf Adventures here, can teach you to surf, or if you already can, it’ll hire you a wetsuit and board ($40).
reviewed
-
D
Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company
Bike-kayak-walk trips, with options to suit every inclination. The ‘1-day multi’ guided kayak trip followed by QC Track hike ($135) or bike ($155) is a brilliant Sounds sampler. Gear rental (bikes, kayaks, camping gear) also available.
reviewed
-
E
Beachcomber Fun Cruises
Two- to four-hour cruises, some with resort lunches. Cruise/walk, cruise/bike, full-day kayaking and Queen Charlotte Track options also available. Also operates the Queen Charlotte Sound mail run, a genuine NZ Post delivery service.
reviewed
-
Kaikoura Winery
If you haven’t yet exceeded your annual wine intake around Blenheim, sip a few local drops at Kaikoura Winery, 2km south of town off SH1. The building and views more than make up for the unremarkable wines (our pick is the bubbly).
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park
Farmy Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park offers horse treks including a sunset trek. Bone-shaking mountain kart luge, farm-animal feeding and woodshed archery are also available.
reviewed
-
F
Albatross Encounter
Bird-nerds fly at the opportunity for a close encounter with pelagic species: albatross, shearwaters, shags, mollymawks and petrels. Albatross Encounter is run by the same folks as Dolphin Encounter.
reviewed
-
Skydive Kaikoura
Based at Kaikoura Airport, Skydive Kaikoura, otherwise known as Sarah and Henk, will bring you down to earth in its own personal style. Handicam ($129) and photo packages ($39) are available.
reviewed
-
Sea Kayak Adventure Tours
Guided and independent kayaking trips around Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. Also one-day paddle and walk ($85) or paddle and bike ($120) freedom options. Kayak and mountain-bike hire from $50 per day.
reviewed
-
Myths & Legends Eco-Tours
A Sounds day on the water with a local Maori family – longtime locals, storytellers and environmentalists. There are five different trips to choose from, including birdwatching and visiting Ship Cove.
reviewed
-
G
Dive Kaikoura
The whole coastline, with its rocky formations and abundant marine life, offers fabulous snorkelling and diving. Dive Kaikoura runs small-group trips and diver training.
reviewed
-
Cougar Line
QC Track transport, plus various half- and full-day cruise/walk deals including the rather special (and flexible) ecocruise trip to Motuara Island bird sanctuary.
reviewed
-
Dolphin Watch Ecotours
Half-day ‘swim with dolphins’ and wildlife tours around Queen Charlotte Sound and Motuara Island bird sanctuary. QC Track cruise/walk options also available.
reviewed
-
Green Shell Mussel Cruise
Half-day cruise on a luxury catamaran to mussel in on Kenepuru’s aquaculture. Includes a feed of steamed mussels and a glass of wine. Bookings essential.
reviewed
-
H
Kaikoura Helicopters
Reliable whale-spotting flights (standard tour 30 minutes $195 for three or more people), plus jaunts around the peninsula, Mt Fyffe, and peaks beyond.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Fish Kaikoura
Short-and-sweet fishing (sea perch and blue cod) and crayfishing trips, launching from Kaikoura Beach. Ask about longer trips. No fish: no charge!
reviewed
-
Kaikoura Kayaks
Guided sea-kayak tours to view fur seals and explore the peninsula’s coastline. Kayaking lessons, freedom hire and kayak fishing also available.
reviewed
-
Kaikoura Fishing Charters
Dangle a line from the good ship Takapu, then take your filleted, bagged catch home to eat. Trips depart from South Bay Wharf.
reviewed
-
I
Dolphin Watch Ecotours
Ecotours around Queen Charlotte Sound and Motuara Island bird sanctuary. Also cruise/walk options, plus swim-with-dusky-dolphins trips.
reviewed
-
High Country Horse Treks
High Country Horse Treks runs equine exploration from its base 11km south-west of town (call for directions).
reviewed
