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Abel Tasman & Nelson Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
Experience the very best of what the stunning Queen Charlotte Sounds has to offer with this magical half day cruise exploring the historic Ship Cove.
Highlights
- Take in the natural beauty of the sounds and its vast array of wildlife aboard the luxury custom built cruise ship as you make your way to Ship Cove
- Experience the beauty and surrounds of Ship Cove, a favourite anchorage point for Captain Cook's Endeavour!
Departing from the beautiful coastal town of Picton, take in the natural beauty of the sounds and its vast array of wildlife aboard the luxury custom built cruise ship as you make your way to Ship Cove.
The beautiful Ship Cove is steeped in history and was named by Captain James Cook when his ship anchored there and made it his favourite New Zealand base. Your friendly guides will be happy to share their knowledge of this historical area with you and can even show you where Captain Cook made home brew for his crew!
Once you have enjoyed the serenity of Ship Cove your journey will continue on to where is required. We often drop bags to day walkers or have additotnal stops in Bays including the Endeavour Inlet. Experience the very best in cruising with outstanding scenery, abundant wildlife, rich history and friendly personable hosts.
Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme
Showing all 62 authenticated Bookme reviews
melindan from New Zealand wrote on 12 September 2023
Enjoyable cruise
Jason was a passionate skipper and was a local with a wealth of knowledge dating back to his ancestors. He reminded us the importance of conservation explaining decades of history to us. Was well worth going despite the unpredictable NZ weather .
Paul Bargh from New Zealand wrote on 19 May 2023
A few hours well spent
Warm friendly welcome on arrival at the office. JC, our skipper, was very informative and has a good sense of humour. He clearly loves his job. We highly recommend doing this when you are in Picton.
Cheryl Cordier from New Zealand wrote on 01 May 2023
Poor experience- not worth even discounted rate!
We chose this cruise after researching all the available cruises offered from Havelock and Picton. It was a real disappointment. All the advertising refers to the commentary and knowledge of the area. We were really looking forward to learning the local information, learning about the birds and hopefully seeing some sea life. Our tour operator was totally disinterested. He made 4 short comments on a 4 hour cruise. My children, husband and I watched the beautiful scenery go by with not a single bit of information. When I asked he was rude saying surely I did not expect him to speak for 4 hours! We brought keep cups for the “free tea and coffee” - not even offered once. 15 minute stop at Ships Cove - is not enough time to even read all the information at the site. This trip should actually be refunded to us as what we paid for and what we received what not at all acceptable!
camilleh from New Zealand wrote on 03 July 2024
Awesome day out!
We had the best time out at Ships Cove. The boat captain was super knowledgeable, the weather was stunning, and the monument was quite cool. There is a nice little beach and tables to picnic. We will definitely go out again.
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tilsone from Nauru wrote on 16 December 2021
Awesome cruise
Considering the grey weather on the day. It was an awesome experience see the Marlborough Sounds. At one point, I was the only one on the cruise as we dropped off the first passengers at their destination which was an added bonus! Awesome wildlife sightings of birds and even dolphins! Excellent local skipper sharing some interesting stories about the area especially in a covid-world! Go check it out!