5 Of The Best Lunch Experiences In Picton

Picton is a small port town packed with maritime charm and stunning views of Marlborough Sounds. It’s also a fantastic place to enjoy a memorable lunch — especially if you love combining food with scenery and good wine. Our top picks include everything from relaxing cruises with onboard dining to vineyard visits and cozy lodge eateries. We especially like the Full-Day Marlborough Catamaran Cruise with Wine Tour and Lunch for its combination of sailing and tasting Marlborough’s renowned wines, making it a well-rounded day out. But whether you’re after a quick wine tasting or a scenic cruise with lunch, Picton offers options that suit different tastes and schedules.

To help you navigate these choices, here’s a quick overview: we’ve included a range of tours that combine scenic cruises, wine tastings, and delightful meals — all with unique twists. Each experience offers something special, whether it’s the sailing adventure, the vineyard visits, or a lakeside lodge meal. Now, let’s explore each option in detail.

1. Full-Day Marlborough Catamaran Cruise with Wine Tour and Lunch

At number 1 on our list, this full-day tour combines sailing on Queen Charlotte Sound with visits to some of Marlborough’s top wineries. It’s a fantastic pick if you want a well-rounded day that mixes outdoor adventure with wine tasting, all wrapped into one package. The tour kicks off with a morning cruise aboard a catamaran, providing stunning views of the Sound’s coves and forested hills. Afterward, you’ll step ashore for lunch and enjoy a glass of local wine at Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen, known for its seasonal produce and excellent food pairing.

In the afternoon, the tour continues with visits to three wineries, where you’ll sample Marlborough’s famous Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals. The combination of sailing, wine, and scenery makes this a popular choice — reflected in its 4.5/5 rating from 26 reviews. Guests love how seamless the experience is, praising the knowledgeable crew and beautiful views. The tour includes pickup and drop-off in both Picton and Blenheim, making logistics easy.

Bottom line: This is your best bet if you want a full-day, all-in-one experience that includes sailing, wine tasting, and a fantastic lunch in Marlborough’s beautiful landscape.

2. Shore Excursion Wine Tour including Lunch from Picton

At number 2, this half-day wine tour offers a more intimate taste of Marlborough’s wine country with visits to four renowned cellar doors. It’s especially suited for those who want to enjoy some quality wine without a full day commitment. Led by an experienced local guide, you’ll explore Marlborough’s most celebrated wineries with tastings and behind-the-scenes insights, along with a delicious lunch at Saint Clair Winery.

What sets this tour apart is the personalized experience and the fact that it’s tailored for cruise ship visitors, so timing aligns with your port schedule. The guide’s local knowledge shines through, making the day informative and relaxed. With a perfect 5.0/5 rating from five reviews, it’s clear that travelers find this tour offers excellent value and a friendly atmosphere. Guests particularly appreciate the opportunity to sample top wines and enjoy a memorable lunch paired with regional specialties.

Bottom line: Perfect for wine lovers eager for a shorter, personalized tour that combines Marlborough’s best wines with great scenery and local food.

3. Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge

Sitting at number 3, this scenic cruise combined with a lakeside lunch is ideal if you’re seeking a peaceful, nature-focused experience. The tour departs from Picton and cruises through Queen Charlotte Sound to Furneaux Lodge, a charming spot at the head of Endeavour Inlet. The lodge’s restaurant offers a set menu with local ingredients, perfect for a relaxed, high-quality meal.

After lunch, you’re free to explore the grounds or take a short walk before returning by boat. The entire experience lasts approximately 7.5 hours, making it a leisurely way to enjoy Marlborough Sounds without too many steps. The lodge’s location at Endeavour Inlet offers tranquility and spectacular water views, making it a favorite for those seeking serenity. The reviews, though limited, give it a solid 4.5/5, with visitors praising the peaceful setting and beautiful scenery.

Bottom line: Choose this option if you want a peaceful cruise with a good meal and plenty of time to relax amid Marlborough’s stunning waters.

4. Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise with Lunch

At number 4, this 7.5-hour cruise and lunch offers a classic way to experience the Sound with a water taxi ride followed by a meal at a scenic lodge. The water taxi takes you through the protected waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, passing lush coastlines and quiet coves. Once ashore, you’re treated to lunch on the veranda or lawn of a historic lodge overlooking the water.

The all-day casual sharing menu offers a relaxed dining experience, perfect for those who want good food and scenic views without fuss. The cozy lodge setting adds a charming touch, and the cruise offers a chance to see the Sound’s natural beauty from a different perspective. The reviews mention the scenery and the relaxed atmosphere, making it an appealing choice for a laid-back day.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a scenic water taxi experience with a comfortable, scenic lunch on the veranda.

5. Day Cruise & Lunch at Punga Cove Resort

Completing our list at number 5, this water taxi and lunch tour features a trip to Punga Cove Resort, a popular spot for its stunning setting and relaxed vibe. The tour departs early in the morning from Picton aboard a water taxi, arriving at the resort for a tasty lunch at the Punga Fern Restaurant. You can sit on the deck overlooking Endeavour Inlet or inside the cozy restaurant.

After lunch, there’s time to explore the grounds or relax on the beach before heading back around 3:15 pm. The experience lasts around 7 hours, with a focus on scenic cruising and laid-back dining. The single review rates it a 2.0/5, mainly due to inconsistency or specific preferences, so it’s better suited for those looking for a casual day with excellent scenery than a gourmet meal.

Bottom line: Best for those seeking a relaxed day with beautiful views and a simple, tasty lunch in a peaceful setting.

How to Choose the Right Lunch Experience in Picton

When selecting your perfect midday outing, consider your priorities: do you want a full-day adventure with sailing and wine, a short but rich wine tasting, or a tranquil cruise with a lakeside meal? If you love combining sailing with wine, the Full-Day Marlborough Catamaran Cruise with Wine Tour and Lunch offers the most comprehensive experience. For a shorter, wine-focused trip, the Shore Excursion Wine Tour is ideal. If you prefer scenery and relaxation, the Furneaux Lodge cruise or Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise provide peaceful alternatives, while the Punga Cove trip appeals to those after a laid-back, scenic day.

Remember to book early, especially during peak season, and think about your fitness level and preferred pace. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a nature lover, or just in need of a relaxing lunch with spectacular views, Picton has a perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

Picton offers a variety of lunch experiences that beautifully blend scenery, local flavors, and maritime adventure. For those wanting a full-day outing, the Full-Day Marlborough Catamaran Cruise with Wine Tour and Lunch stands out for its breadth and quality. If your time is limited but you still want to savor Marlborough’s wines, the Shore Excursion Wine Tour does the job well. For peaceful waterside meals, the Furneaux Lodge or Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise provides a relaxed, scenic setting.

No matter your style, booking in advance will ensure you secure a spot on these popular tours. Picton truly makes for a memorable midday experience, whether you’re after a scenic cruise, a wine tasting, or a leisurely lakeside lunch.