Original Greenshell Mussel Cruise in Picton
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Set sail through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds on the Greenshell Mussel Cruise from Picton, where you can savour the region’s finest wine and freshest mussels. Just a 20-minute drive from Blenheim, this half-day wine and food tour with Marlborough Tour Company is a quintessential Marlborough experience. Enjoy a 3-hour cruise through the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, visit a Greenshell mussel farm, and indulge in the flavours of freshly steamed mussels paired perfectly with local Marlborough wine.
The Greenshell Mussel Cruise is the original and most established tour of its kind in the region. Departing from the charming seaside town of Picton, located just north of Blenheim at the top of the South Island, this cruise is ideal for a day trip or a leisurely overnight stay. Aboard our well-appointed catamaran, the friendly local crew will regale you with fascinating stories and historical insights as you soak in the breathtaking views of the Marlborough Sounds.
As you cruise through the serene waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, you’ll not only enjoy the beautiful scenery but also get an up-close look at how Greenshell mussels are cultivated. The highlight of the experience is tasting these delicious mussels fresh from the source. This unique combination of local seafood, wine available to purchase, set against the backdrop of the Marlborough Sounds, makes the Greenshell Mussel Cruise a must-do for any visitor to the region.
Location
What you need to know
- 3 hour cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound
- Cruise past a mussel farm
- Sample Greenshell Mussels
- Glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
- Knowledgeable local guides
- Allow 3.5 hours
- 1:30pm in summer (Oct-Apr) & 1:00pm in winter (May-Sept)
- Winter departures operate on request
- Departs from Picton Town Wharf #6 (30 minutes drive from Blenheim)
- Operates daily all year
- Picton is a 30 minute drive from Blenheim & 2 hours from Nelson
- Child rates apply (5-15yrs)
- Infants (0-4yrs) travel free of charge
- Lunch is not included in this tour, we recommend having lunch beforehand
- Minimum numbers required for tour to go ahead
- Maximum of 20 people on the tour
- Paid car park available at Picton Marina car park, off Wellington Street
- Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 48 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of purchase
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking, however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control. We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
- Once you have received your voucher, please call the operator to confirm your departure details (Tour operator details will be printed on your voucher)
