Picton’s 6 Top Full-Day Tours

Picton, with its charming harbor and gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, offers far more than just scenic views. It’s a hub for full-day adventures that cater to a variety of interests, from savoring world-class wines to paddling along secluded bays. We especially love how some tours, like the Beyond the Vines – Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour, combine intimate vineyard visits with regional scenery, making it ideal for wine lovers. Others, such as the Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton, allow you to immerse yourself directly into the Marlborough Sounds, perfect for those craving active outdoor experiences. Whether you prefer relaxing with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or paddling past cormorants and dolphins, Picton’s full-day tours are designed to deliver unforgettable memories.

Quick Overview

Our list includes wine-tasting adventures, such as Beyond the Vines, which offers visits to renowned vineyards, as well as active water-based experiences like sea kayaking, and scenic cruise and sailing tours such as the Marlborough Catamaran Cruise. Each of these provides a unique way to see and taste Marlborough’s best, tailored to different interests and fitness levels.

1. Beyond the Vines – Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour

At number one, this full-day wine tour shines for its small-group intimacy and diverse vineyard visits. For about $137, you’ll spend roughly six hours exploring Marlborough’s famous wine country, tasting varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. The tour’s highlight is the visit to Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen, where a relaxed wine tasting is paired with a beautiful lunch in the vines—an experience that many reviews call “outstanding.”

Tour guide Gavin’s friendly, knowledgeable approach makes the day especially enjoyable. He ensures you get enough time at each winery—fitting in five visits—and shares insightful details about wine production. The tour’s value lies in its curated stops and inclusion of tastings, which guests say offer “a good cross section of wines” with “excellent hosts.” Perfect for wine enthusiasts who want a relaxed yet comprehensive day, this tour strikes a fine balance between comfort and depth. A potential downside? It doesn’t include lunch, but the Saint Clair Vineyard stop makes for a memorable midday break.

Bottom Line: If you want a well-rounded, intimate wine adventure with expert guides and a focus on Marlborough’s top wineries, this tour offers excellent value.

2. Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton

For those craving an active, outdoor experience, the Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip is a standout. Priced at just over $105, this seven-hour outing takes you into the heart of Queen Charlotte Sound, paddling past bush-covered shorelines and exploring secluded coves. The tour’s natural appeal lies in the chance to spot marine life like dolphins, cormorants, and even eagle rays during your paddling.

What sets this trip apart is its combination of physical activity and educational commentary from an experienced guide. You’ll learn about the natural and cultural history of the Marlborough Sounds while enjoying a well-paced day on the water. The tour includes stops for morning tea and lunch on shore, making it convenient and comfortable. Guests mention how “easy paddling” and “beautiful location” make this tour suitable for beginners and seasoned kayakers alike. It’s perfect for active travelers who want a more immersive, hands-on experience of Marlborough’s stunning scenery.

Bottom Line: If you’re eager to combine outdoor adventure with wildlife watching and natural history, this guided kayak tour offers a rewarding, well-organized day.

3. Full-Day Wine Tour from Picton

Exploring Marlborough’s vineyards is effortless with the Full-Day Wine Tour from Picton. For around $155, this seven- to eight-hour trip includes round-trip transport, so you can relax and focus on tasting. The tour’s flexibility allows it to be tailored to your interests—perhaps focusing on your favorite varietals or discovering lesser-known wineries. The experience features visits to a curated selection of local wineries with guided tastings, ensuring you gain insights into the regional wine scene.

Guests particularly appreciate the convenience of having transportation handled, letting them indulge without worry. The tour’s highlight is the chance to sample exclusive wines you can’t find elsewhere and enjoy a leisurely day with knowledgeable guides. Reviews call it “informative” and “spectacular,” especially the lunch at Saint Clair. The only caveat is that the itinerary may vary, which keeps things fresh but less predictable if you prefer a fixed schedule.

Bottom Line: This tour suits those who want a flexible, hassle-free way to experience Marlborough’s premier wineries with the comfort of transportation included.

4. Full Day Guided Sea Kayak Tour from Picton

This full-day sea kayak adventure is ideal for wildlife lovers and active travelers. At around $106, it offers seven and a half hours exploring the Marlborough Sounds from the water. Led by expert guides, you’ll learn about the area’s natural environment while paddling past coves, spotting seals, and even dolphins—especially if you travel in the quieter months.

What makes this tour stand out is the focus on natural history and wildlife, along with a delicious seasonal lunch on a beach. Reviewers rave about how “knowledgeable” and “entertaining” guides enhance the experience and how the route is paced perfectly for all skill levels. It’s suited for those who love getting close to nature and want a full immersion into the Sounds’ scenery. The departure point on the Picton waterfront is also very convenient, making it easy to fit into a day of exploring.

Bottom Line: Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and active explorers, this kayak trip offers a memorable, educational, and scenic adventure.

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

At number five, this catamaran cruise combines sailing with wine tasting for a luxurious day on the water. For around $236, you’ll spend about eight hours cruising Queen Charlotte Sound, enjoying stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. The day starts with a shared platter lunch and a glass of local wine at Saint Clair Vineyard, followed by an afternoon visiting wineries and sampling different varieties.

What makes this tour special is the combination of sailing, scenic cruising, and wine tasting—it’s a full sensory experience. The reviews highlight how “knowledgeable and friendly” the crew and guides are, and many mention the “fabulous” lunch onboard. This is ideal for travelers seeking comfort, scenic beauty, and a touch of elegance. The only downside is the higher price, but many feel the experience is worth it for the combination of activities and the quality of the boat.

Bottom Line: For a relaxed, scenic day with a premium touch, this cruise offers a unique blend of sailing and wine tasting in Marlborough.

6. Marlborough Full Day Wine Tour from Picton

Rounding out our list, this full-day wine tour is a flexible, small-group option. For just $120, you visit five to six wineries, sampling premium wines, and enjoy a lunch at a local winery (cost not included). It’s ideal if you prefer a more relaxed pace, with experienced guides providing insights and transportation.

Guests note the “informative” and “flexible” nature of this tour, making it well-suited for those who want to customize their experience. The tasting fees are included, which adds to its value. This tour is best for travelers on a budget or those who want a straightforward wine tasting day without extra frills.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a relaxed, personalized wine tour with knowledgeable guides, this affordable option is a solid choice.

How to Choose Your Perfect Picton Full-Day Tour

When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and activity level. If you’re passionate about wine, the Beyond the Vines tour offers a deep dive into Marlborough’s top vineyards, while the full-day wine tour from Picton provides flexibility and comfort. For outdoor lovers, the sea kayaking experiences are unbeatable for wildlife sightings and physical activity, with the guided kayak trip being particularly popular.

If you want a luxurious mix of sailing and tasting, the catamaran cruise will meet your expectations. Remember to book early, especially during peak season, as these tours fill quickly.

Final Thoughts

Picton’s full-day tours cover the spectrum from relaxing vineyard visits to active adventures on the water. The Beyond the Vines and sea kayaking tours are especially popular for their balance of quality and experience. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, wildlife watcher, or outdoor enthusiast, Picton offers options that can make your visit truly memorable. Book early to ensure you get your preferred experience and enjoy all the beauty and flavor Marlborough has to offer.