Cruise and stay in an exclusive, private bay of the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand!

This private group charter cruise and stay tour package offers 9 days/8 nights and operates year round. Your scenic journey begins in either the seaside town of Picton, the main port of the Marlborough Sounds or from the Waikawa Marina (your choice). Relax on the top deck of our luxury motor yacht Indian Summer with a complementary drink in hand, savouring a gourmet platter of local delicacies whilst you take in the 360 degree views of this idyllic piece of New Zealand on your way to our privately owned bay. Sawyers Bay is a secluded bay tucked into the larger Jacksons Bay, located near the top of the South Island in the Tory Channel / Queen Charlotte Sound.

Pods of dolphins, seals or penguins can appear like magic and occasionally Orcas will visit the Sound - an amazing experience! Take in the native bush regenerating on the hills and the abundant birdlife as you cruise to our privately owned bay where you will be transferred to the pontoon/jetty, walking up through the lawn/garden area to the lovely property you will call home during your stay.

Sit back and enjoy the expansive decking/lounge areas of the bays accommodation, listening to the local bird song whilst watching the Inter-Islander ferries pass on their routes from Picton to Wellington and back again as well as other fishing vessels, sailing yachts and speed boats enjoying their day out on the Sound.

Accommodation Details:

• Bay Accommodation (up to 6 guests): Bedroom 1 = x1 king bed, bedroom 2 = x1 queen bed, bedroom 3 =  x1 queen bed (a porta cot & highchair is available if required), fully equipped kitchen including basic pantry items + tea & coffee, large bathroom with walk in shower and separate free standing bath, separate toilet, laundry room with washer and dryer and second fridge/freezer - a hot tub and sauna are also at your disposal.


• Motor Yacht Accommodation (7 to 12 guests): Bedroom 1 = x1 queen island bed, bedroom 2 = x1 double bed, bedroom 3 = x2 single beds (master with ensuite, double and twin with shared ensuite).


• Boatshed (Rustic - 13 + guests): Available on request.

Accommodation Amenities:

Motor Yacht Amenities:

• Top deck: Bar fridge, ice maker and BBQ with areas for both dining, sun lounging and a spot up the front for a peaceful sun-soaked nap!


• Main deck: Cabins/ensuites, dining room, lounge area, satellite TV for viewing and music options, yacht wide sound system, Wi-Fi, onboard fresh water maker,out door shower and fishing and snorkeling equipment. A well equipped galley includes a dishwasher, convection oven, fridge-freezer and a separate utility room with a washer-dryer and fridge-freezer. 

Some of the ways to spend your days out on the Sound (to name just a few):

• Fishing is a fabulous way to while away some time as there is a vast variety of fish available in the Marlborough Sounds including blue cod, cook strait groper, gurnard, kingfish, snapper and terakihi to name the most popular species. Everything needed to catch/prepare these beautiful fish is provided on board. 


• Find an isolated beach to explore, have a picnic or BBQ if desired.


• Visit Motuara Island, a predator free island since 1991 providing a safe haven for rare native birds including the south island saddleback and bush robin. You may see the korora (little blue penguin) on the shore or in their nesting boxes along the well formed track! Enjoy an easy walk to the summit with information cards on the birds along the way making species identification easy. At the summit, stop and rest awhile to take in the views of the glorious Marlborough Sounds. 


• Have lunch or dinner at one of the Sounds restaurants/lodges: either Bay of Many Coves, Furneaux Lodge, Lochmara Lodge or Punga Cove. 


• Snorkel the shallower areas to spot some of the shallow water fish, a stingray or two, starfish and the occasional sea horse that may drift past.


• Stop in a secluded bay to do some stand up paddle boarding.   


• Visit the Arapawa Blue Pearls farm (the most beautiful rare pearls in the world) where you will learn about the history of Abalone-Paua farming in New Zealand, the Paua life cycle and the process of growing the pearls. Separtely booked directly with Arapawa Blue Pearls

Your hosts are ready to pamper you with a custom experience that you will never forget - pleased to tailor the days activities to suit you! This can be cruising the beautiful Sound, stopping to do some fishing, explore any beaches/islands you fancy or if you just want to stay in the bay to soak in the hot tub, enjoy a sauna, swim, kayak or stand up paddle board in the bay or fish off the jetty in the evening - it's entirely up to you! 

As this is a self catered tour, plan to bring along your own food/drinks. 

Transfers can be arranged from your Blenheim/Picton accommodation or airport as well as from the Inter-Islander ferry in Picton.

Please advise of any special mobility assistance needs or dietary preferences in the Special requirements section of the booking form.