Overview
Available languages
7 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds on a full day small group guided sea kayak tour. Your tour takes in the western end of the Queen Charlotte Sound with its sheltered coves, beautiful beaches, azure blue waters and lush native bush. You will stop at a secluded beach for a delicious lunch. Learn about the history of the area from your knowledgeable, relaxed and friendly guides.
Your guide will be with you for the day to answer questions, share pearls of wisdom and ensure your comfort and wellbeing. Depending on the weather, we will vary our route each day to take advantage of sea breezes at our back - we don't follow an enforced plan which enables us to cater for all abilities on the day.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult (minimum age of children to participate is 8 years old)
A minimum of 2 people per departure time is required. If you are a solo traveler, please contact our office for availability
What To Expect
After a detailed safety briefing, we set off on a great day's adventure. Your guide will be with you for the day to answer questions, share pearls of wisdom and ensure your comfort and wellbeing. Depending on the weather, we will vary our route each day to take advantage of sea breezes at our back - we don't follow an enforced plan which enables us to cater for all abilities on the day. On any given day, you have a good chance of seeing sting rays and eagle rays, a huge variety of sea birds including cormorants and sometimes little blue penguins, seals, huge starfish and if we are lucky, even dolphins. And, don't forget lunch - we love our food and you'll be impressed at what goodies we can produce from out of the kayaks! Without a doubt, the best kayaking lunch on offer in the Marlborough Sounds and what's more, it is all sourced and made locally so you are truly supporting the local economy. Our quality kayaks are stable, durable and designed and made in New Zealand for our unique conditions. As part of your trip, we supply you with buoyancy, aids, spray decks, paddle jackets, paddles, dry bags for your gear (including small camera dry bags)
Options
Full day Guided Sea Kayak Tour from Picton
What‘s Included
Local guide
Lunch
All necessary equipment provided inc. drybag for small camera or phone
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We highly recommend
TomAdora,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Although the wind was howling the night prior, our guide (Helen) knew where to bring us to paddle to either work with the wind or avoid the wind. Alas- you couldn't trick nature we had to power through strong winds and rain, but safely made it to bay with Helen's lead. Helen was very knowledgeable about the area, history and fun facts. We received safety instructions, lunch and equipment were provided.
Great day, great people!
jackiepO1661AD,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such an amazing time with Helen!! It was rather windy and not super warm out for this time of year but Helen went out of her way to make sure we were all comfortable and warm and feeling good about the trip. She really is such an expert not only in kayaking but also the local area and species IDing, it was really really cool to learn from her. She was very good at understanding the limits / preferences of the group and took us on a very nice tour, took pictures of us in the boats, and even brought us to see the stingrays (and IDed them for us which is crazy because they were rather blurry under the water most of the time). Super glad we went, would recommend. Lunch was super yummy too. The receptionist at the office was also super nice and friendly and knowledgable, really great people overall.
Great paddle!
Rita M,Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great paddle! Glenn was very informative about the trees, birds and sea life. The equipment was good. We had a lovely day!
Wonderful time in Queen Charlotte Sound
Cynthia P,Jan 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was amazing! Kayla was our guide but all the staff was great. Plenty of up front training (I'm not an experienced kayaker) and then wonderful time on the water. Great lunch, too! Loved seeing the smacks of jelly fish and all the sting rays. I'd recommend for everyone!
Awesome winter adventure
Catherine B,May 12, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Jamie was a highly knowledgeable and entertaining guide. We went in winter and got to see seals, hector dolphins, eagle rays, falcons and more it was incredible. Super easy, delicious lunch, he even had a kettle to warm us up with coffee. Highly recommend going in the quieter months, there is so much more to see.
4 day guided hike and kayak through Queen Charlotte Pass
resortgoer,Feb 15, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, what an amazing experience. Wilderness Guides were fabulous. Everything was organised.. Jake our guide was professional, knowledgeable and made sure all our needs we met.. we could not have had a better time thanks to him. The accommodation and food was great and we had the best weather to hike and kayak through the Queen Charlotte Pass. Thanks to the whole team at Wilderness Guides for a wonderful experience.
Disappointed
Rosina M,Feb 21, 2022
- Review from Viator
1.00We traveled from the north island for this experience. Our trip was cancelled at 9.30pm night before leaving us no time to find another operator. Poor service as far as we are concerned.
We had a stunning day with a really knowledgeable guide who was flexible and reassuring. Delicious lunch too!
Brigid W,Jan 19, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00The scenery and wildlife were amazing and the day was so much fun. Our guide really knew his stuff and was extremely knowledgeable of the area. The day was paced to suit needs with safety and enjoyment being paramount. This was a lovely experience all round and highly recommend.
Highlight of the holiday
heterophonies,Nov 29, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a fantastic day kayaking around the Sounds - Sean (Shaun?) was a brilliant guide with extensive knowledge of the local history and wildlife. Best way to explore the area, worth every cent
Amazing must do Activity
ASymister,Sep 2, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds was the absolute highlight of our weekend trip to Picton. Martyn was our amazing guide who knew alot about the history of the sounds, plant life and wildlife. He tailored the 1-day guided tour to suit how adventurous we wanted to make it and we couldn't have asked for anything or anyone better. We would recommend this experience to anyone who visits Picton, it definitely opened our eyes to how beautiful the area is and how lucky we are to see it from this perspective.
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Operated by Wilderness Guides