Half-Day Marlborough Sounds Cruise: Visit Ship Cove and Explore New Zealand's Coastline

Embark on a half-day cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand. Visit Ship Cove, admire the breathtaking scenery, and learn about the region’s marine life and cultural history.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Queen Charlotte Sound - Cruise through the tranquil waterways of the Queen Charlotte Sound, see wildlife and native flora and fauna along the way
What's Included
  • Commentary on board
  • On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
  • Food
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Beachcomber Cruises keep cup ($6 available for purchase)
Additional Information

Embark on a morning boat excursion to Ship Cove, as you traverse the vast waterway network of Marlborough Sounds, accounting for one-fifth of New Zealand’s coastal line. At Ship Cove, you’ll have the opportunity to see Captain Cook’s memorial, Maori wooden sculptures, and a secluded beach. As you navigate through these stunning landscapes, listen to…

Location
1 London Quay
London Quay
Please meet us at the Beachcomber Cruises Office on the waterfront - the Corner of Wellington Street and London Quay, we are a black building with Blue Signage.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(136 Ratings)
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1 star
Loftyfrance
Mar 27, 2025
A must - Professional crew boat and cruise also very informative. You start with a briefing in the office with what to expect to hopefully see and do. Once aboard given a pair of binoculars and ID cards. There is a commentary from the captain at points of the trip and you can follow where you are on one of the ID cards. The trip is decided of weather conditions and what has been seen in the passed days. Its not rushed and although there is a time frame if wild life is spotted on the water they will not rush, and the complementary glass of wine on the return is always appreciated.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Keith_i
Mar 20, 2025
Cruise on Marlborough Sound - A great way to see Marlborough Sound and Ship Cove. The boat had seats inside and outside and was skippered superbly.
Review provided by Viator
Tracey_s
Mar 4, 2025
Ferry Crossing - Our crossing was delightful, perfect weather and great coffee and breakfast. Thought it was unnecessary to get moving at 5am, arrive at 6:30 for a 8:45 departure. We also caught an Uber who dropped us off at the station for platform 10 pickup when he could have dropped us off at the Interislander Terminal. Regardless we enjoyed the journey.
Review provided by Viator
Rolf
Feb 2, 2025
Educational trip in Marlborough Sound. - We were tempted to follow the mail boat on its regular tour and were happy that this time we would come all the way to James Cook's Ships Cove, where we got to go ashore and see monuments and other things. The day was not perfect from a weather point of view but the experience was well worth our participation. The captain guided throughout the trip about the history and places and when dolphins took the opportunity to follow us he adapted the speed of the boat to theirs.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jacqueline
Feb 2, 2025
Great day out in Marlborough Sounds - A fantastic trip with a great skipper, Dillan. Giving us a fabulous cruise and history of Marlborough Sounds. Stopped off at Cooks Cove and loved this little pice of paradise.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Extraordinary5869
Jan 28, 2025
A very nice way to spend a morning - We had so much fun. We were part of the luggage transfer for trail walkers. Was led a small part of the trail. Saw the world’s smallest dolphin the hector and the largest the orca. Good commentary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W5355iklouiseg
Feb 12, 2025
Queen Charlotte sound trip to Ship cove - Fabulous boat ride along Queen Charlotte sound on a beautiful sunny morning .. Interesting little stops on the way to pick up and drop off people... Ian the skipper was very informative and offered friendly chats on the bridge for us to to ask further questions ..and get more information Only disappointment was only having 15mins at Ship cove...such a stunningly beautiful place ...it was spoilt a lot by having to watch the clock and not having enough time to soak up this beautiful place....appreciate things need to run to time..but would have enjoyed it much more with more time..even 30mins would have greatly improved this experience and I would have given you had given you 5 Stars ,!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Babethmarcel
Feb 11, 2025
Awesome cruise - It was a great day and the cruise was perfect. Condietable biat with good comments beautiful scenery. I recommend this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lindapa8518hd
Feb 15, 2025
Wrong cruise but nice - The boat was nice and so was the ride but we didn’t have much time to walk around. My mistake to have gone on this tour. The staff was very professional.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tana_c
Jan 26, 2025
Commuter - Disappointing. Expected more of a cruise tour versus a commuter ferry. Scenery was great but we also saw the same thing from our ship. Limited time at Captain Cook stop was very interesting.
Review provided by Viator
From $64
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).