Weather

Kaipupu Sanctuary Summer Series

Cruise Ship Day Special

Kaipupu Sanctuary Summer Series

Usually available by private charter only, save money and join one of the regular sailings to Kaipupu Sanctuary only available on set days. Enjoy a self guided 1.5 hour walk around the island, the perfect weekend activity.

Operates
Set Days Only
Check in time
0830
Departure time
0900
Return trip pick up
1100
Return to Picton
Duration
2 Hours
Distance
2.7km
Walk/Ride From/To
Approx. Walk/Ride time
Pricing & Bookings
From NZD
Adults
15+
$
20
Child Age from 2-14
Child
5-14
$
15
Infants
0-4
$
0
Free

Pricing is indicative only. Final pricing is determined at time of booking.

Private Charter

Currently Unavailable

This product is currently unavailable. Please contact us for more information.

Overview


Kaipupu Sanctuary is located in the heart of Picton Harbour. We are a community-driven conservation project that provides Picton residents and visitors with an opportunity to experience the wonder of nature right on our doorstep.

This 40ha reserve was partially farmed before the end of the 19th century when it was part of the Picton Freezing Works. When the works closed it became a Scenic Reserve in 1987 and in 2005 the idea of creating a predator-free area, managed entirely by the community, was floated. This vision became a reality when the predator-free fence was built in 2008 and the Sanctuary was opened for the public to enjoy in 2013.

Pest traps are maintained by the volunteers to ensure rats, stoats and possums that swim around the fence are quickly removed. Weed infestations that once smothered the regenerating forests have been significantly reduced, and an extensive education program has seen hundreds of local children visiting the Sanctuary.

Only a ten-minute boat ride from Picton, the Sanctuary can be accessed by private boat, water taxi or kayak. Allow 1.5 - 2 hours to leisurely walk around the 2.7 km circular track and enjoy the bird song, native forest and stunning views across the inner Queen Charlotte Sounds.

The 2.7km loop track will take you through recovering native bush, old growth forest and a restoration zone.  The bush-clad hills are home to many of New Zealand’s unique native birds and insects and New Zealand fur seal can often be found lazing on the jetty over autumn and winter.

Kaipupu Sanctuary provides a sanctuary for our heart, mind and soul. Amidst the hustle and bustle of our busy port town, at Kaipupu Sanctuary people can take the opportunity to relax, meander through the forest, listen to the bird song and enjoy the intricacies of nature.

Visit Kaipupu Sanctuary and experience how the local native forest used to be – with all its lush vegetation, captivating beauty, and relaxing atmosphere.

On board Facilities

To reduce environmental impact Beachcomber Cruises no longer use any single use cups on board any of our vessels. We have reusable souvenir keep cups available to purchase in the office prior to departure, we then provide complimentary tea and coffee to enjoy during the tour.

Highlights

  • Take a walk around one of New Zealand's native bird sanctuary reserves
  • Only a short boat ride from Picton
  • Hear native birdsong and take the chance to do some birdwatching
  • Save from booking a private charter and join a scheduled departure to save

Timetable

Please note

Add-ons

Route Map

Please Note:
Routes marked on the map are an indication only. The actual route taken may vary dependent on a variety of factors.
Map Pin A
Start of Queen Charlotte Track Walk/Bike
Map Pin B
End of Queen Charlotte Track Walk/Bike
Boat Cruise
Queen Charlotte Track Walk/Bike
Pricing & Bookings
From NZD
Adults
15+
$
20
Child Age from 2-14
Child
5-14
$
15
Infants
0-4
$
0
Free

Pricing is indicative only. Final pricing is determined at time of booking.

Private Charter

Currently Unavailable

This product is currently unavailable. Please contact us for more information.

No items found.