Full-Day Sea Kayak Adventure from Picton into Grove Arm, Queen Charlotte Sound
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; able to paddle intermittently for several hours and follow basic safety instructions.
Overview
Cut across Picton’s harbour and into the sheltered Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound on a guided full-day sea kayak trip. Expect easy paddling, a sandy beach lunch, and local guides who weave ecology and Māori history into the route.
Full-Day Sea Kayak Adventure from Picton into Grove Arm, Queen Charlotte Sound
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The morning fog over Picton lifts like a curtain and the water—glassy and cool—reflects the first lines of the sound. Guides unload double kayaks along the foreshore, adjust skirts, and hand out dry bags as the town’s ferries murmur in the background. Within minutes you’re slicing away from the waterfront, paddles whispering against water that seems to pull you toward the bush-lined inlets of the Queen Charlotte Sound.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for variable weather
Bring a windproof outer layer and wool or synthetic mid-layer—temperatures on the water shift quickly even on sunny days.
Waterproof your camera
Use the supplied dry bags for electronics and bring a small quick-dry towel to wipe lenses between shots.
Shoes that can get wet
Wear reef shoes or sandals with good grip for beach landings and rocky put-ins—boots can be slippery when damp.
Hydrate and snack
Carry a full 1–2 liters of water and bring salt snacks; a guided lunch is provided but you’ll want energy on the crossings.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Common and bottlenose dolphins
- New Zealand fur seals
History
The waterways have long been used by local Māori iwi such as Ngāti Kuia and Ngāti Koata for food-gathering and travel; later European sealers and settlers used the same channels.
Conservation
The Marlborough Sounds face pressure from predators and runoff; follow Leave No Trace, avoid disturbing wildlife, and use established landing spots to protect fragile shorelines.
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Adventure Hotspots in Picton
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Lightweight windproof jacket
Shields you from spray and wind on open-water crossings.
Reef shoes or sandals
Protects feet during beach landings and on rocky shorelines.
summer specific
Dry bag for electronics
Keeps camera, phone, and extra layers dry during paddling.
Sunscreen and wide-brim hat
Essential for sun protection on reflective water surfaces.
summer specific