FAQs

All passengers need to check in 30 minutes before their departure time. This is to allow enough time for boarding.

Cougar Line’s office is located at Picton’s Town Wharf – look for the purple flags. Please see our location map for directions.

Yes we do. Please advise us in advance of any mobility requirements when booking your trip so we can assist you in the best possible way.

Yes. Let us know when you book that you are bringing your bike and we will safely transport it, and you, to your chosen starting point on the track. 
Bikes are transferred at an additional charge of $10 each way for standard mountain bikes, and $20 each way for e-bikes.

Yes. Let us know when you book that you are bringing your kayak and we will transport it, and you, to your chosen starting point. If you don’t plan on paddling back to Picton, we’ll pick you up again when you’re done.

Yes. We deliver to almost any point within Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui on our twice-daily delivery cruises, or on our scheduled passenger cruises. Please contact us to discuss your delivery needs.

The inner Marlborough Sounds is very sheltered and does not experience the large rolling sea swells seen in Cook Strait. While often the Queen Charlotte Sound/Totaranui is extremely calm, the sea can become choppy, particularly in the afternoon. Normally these conditions last only a short time as we move between sheltered bays and inlets.

The maze of  bays and inlets that makes up the Marlborough Sounds can be a confusing place for first-time visitors. However we do need the property name, jetty number and the bay it's located for booking so we can drop you at the right place. In the first instance ask the person renting you the house to provide you with these details. Alternatively, talk to us and we’ll try to help you find it. 

Definitely. All our vessels are safe for all ages – passengers are advised to always follow the instructions of the skipper and crew.

We have a number of scenic cruises and Queen Charlotte Track experiences that are great for a range of ages and abilities.

Yes we can to many accommodation points along the track. Ask about our luggage transfer service when booking your trip with us.
Our Round Trip Track Pass includes daily bag transfers.

Yes. The luggage limit is 23kg (2 items per person). There is a $30 charge per item applied for extra freight, thereafter.

We strongly recommend that all luggage should have a waterproof liner and contents in plastic bags, so that in the event of a heavy rainfall when bags are being transferred from boat to jetties your belongings are protected.

If you wish to travel outside our scheduled cruise times, or want to go directly to your destination without other stops along the way, contact us about our on-demand private water taxi service.

We are open daily, except Christmas Day.


 Monday - Sunday 8am to 5pm


Yes, when space is available. 
We always welcome visitors to come in for a chat about what they’d like to see and do in the Marlborough Sounds, and to find the best way to get you there and back again.

Please note : Around boarding times we can be very busy so it’s best to pop in prior and book or give us a call, particularly in the summer. Check in for boats is 30 minutes prior and when our boats are very full we can leave earlier if all booked clients are boarded. This helps ensure our schedule boat runs smoothly.

We have a fleet of five boats which are all comfortable and maintained to the highest safety standards. See more information about our fleet. We can't guarantee which vessel you’ll travel on as this depends on passenger numbers.

Definitely. Check out our Cruise & Walk options to spend a day on the track, or stay one or more nights along the track and tell us where you want to be dropped off and picked up when you book.
In the summer there are up to four daily departures to choose from.

Absolutely – and be sure to stay for lunch. Our lunch cruises to our sister lodges, Punga Cove or Furneaux Lodge, include transfers there and back from Picton.

The most popular way to walk the Queen Charlotte Track is north to south, from Ship Cove/Meretoto to Anakiwa.

And this is the direction our scheduled boats run so this makes it easier to plan your trip with us.

Yes. Our fully licensed fleet of vessels can accommodate up to 99 passengers. Please see our groups page for more information, or contact us directly.

We sure do. Check out our day walk options and scenic cruises. We have regular daily departures to choose from – and be sure to ask us about our transfers to the Interislander ferry terminal.

We can arrange accommodation and water transfers to and from Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove in Endeavour Inlet, depending on availability. We can also provide advice on all other accommodation options along the track.

If you're travelling on MV Sounds Exciting we sell water, wine, beer and snacks, and we provide complimentary tea and coffee. We suggest you check with us a day prior to travel as to which boat you are on if you wish to purchase food or beverages.

If you are not purchasing lunch and/or dinner at a Marlborough Sounds lodge, please make sure you bring enough food and water for your chosen activity, as there are no shops where we’re going.

Picton has a number of paid parking areas which allow overnight stays. We suggest leaving plenty of time for car parking during busy summer months before your check-in time.

We suggest leaving plenty of time for car parking during busy summer months before your check-in time as a lot of the car parks fill up quickly.

Council info on parking in Picton

The weather in the Marlborough Sounds can change suddenly so to get the most out of your experience, prepare with warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, a hat, sensible footwear and sunscreen.

If you’re walking or biking between Punga Cove and Anakiwa along the Queen Charlotte Track, you’ll require a Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (QCTLC) pass to access sections of the track that cross private land.

Passes are available for purchase from the Cougar Line office and aren’t included in Cougar Line’s standard fares.

For Cougar Line’s scheduled departures, date changes to your booking are possible up to two hours prior to your scheduled departure time at no additional charge, and are subject to availability. Depending on intended travel season, differences in scheduled departure times or rates may apply as at the date of rebooking.

For ‘special hire’ private charters, date changes to your booking are possible up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time, and are subject to availability. Depending on intended travel season, additional charges may apply.

If your booking is cancelled within 48 hours of your scheduled booking, or on the day of your booking, a 100% tariff charge applies.

For Cougar Line’s scheduled departures, date changes to your booking are possible up to two hours prior to your scheduled departure time at no additional charge, and are subject to availability.

Unless stated, food and beverages are charged separately by the lodge you are lunching at.

Absolutely – as long as it’s located in Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui. For water transport in Pelorus/Te Hoiere or Kenepuru Sounds, departing from Havelock, try the Pelorus Mail Boat.

New for summer 2024, you can only get picked up from Anakiwa at 3:30 (approx), on our scheduled service, we no longer offer the 11:30am pickup (historic extra charged service), if you require to be picked up at a different time, you will need to book a private water taxi with us, email us info@cougarline.co.nz for pricing.