Cougar Line

88 Rankers Reviews

31 Face-to-Face

7 Hiking Tours

8 Boat Cruises

2 Water Taxis

5 Picton / Marlborough Sounds

Maps

Photos

Ship Cove
Dolphins in Queen Charlotte Sound
Views from the Queen Charlotte Track
Our main cruising Catamaran

Information

Cougar Line

Voted #1 for seven years running by you, the traveller

Cougar Line are proud winners of the New Zealand wide, Water Taxi category for seven years running (TravellerVoted Awards 2009-2015). This, along with 30 years of experience, ensures your Marlborough Sounds experience will be a memorable one.

Whether you are walking the Queen Charlotte Track or staying in a local resort or private home, we are here to make sure everything goes according to plan.

We look forward to sharing our backyard with you.

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

Cougar Line

Commercial organisation

Location

South IslandMarlboroughPicton / Marlborough Sounds

Categories

  • Activity__walking_and_hiking_toursHiking Tours
  • Activity__boat_cruisesBoat Cruises
  • Activity__water_taxisWater Taxis

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-41.289254826551

174.008545875549

Latitude
-41.289254826551
Longitude
174.008545875549

Reviews

    • Went out on cougar lines with Fred.
    • Qeen Charlotte Sound.
    • Queen Charlotte Track walk.
    • They were absolutely brillant.
    • Highly Recommended.
    Rating Count Percentage
    10/10 56
    64%
    9/10 16
    18%
    8/10 11
    13%
    7/10 2
    2%
    6/10 0
    0%
    5/10 1
    1%
    4/10 1
    1%
    3/10 0
    0%
    2/10 0
    0%
    1/10 1
    1%
  • 5.0/5

    Went to Endeavour Bay for day walk to Punga Bay.

    Fabulous service from Cougar. Couldn't do enough for us

    Reviewed over 1 year ago

    Gregory Munro 's avatar

    Gregory Munro

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Cougar line transported us to the beginning and end of the Queen Charlotte Track and transferred our bags to our accommodation each night.They were extremely helpful with the booking process and their

    communication with regard to changes in check in times and departure information was excellent. Their staff at the office in Picton were welcoming and friendly as were the staff on the boats. We would definitely use them again.

    Reviewed over 1 year ago

    Anne Allen's avatar

    Anne Allen

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Nothing is a problem for this amazing team.

    We had to change our plans due to an injury and the team were so helpful, everything was changed at no extra cost. Comfortable boats with friendly skippers. Overall a great experience

    Reviewed over 1 year ago

    Kaye's avatar

    Kaye

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Cougar line tours out of Picton were a really superb company.

    Flexible and accommodating and a really friendly service. I couldn’t recommend them enough!

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago

    Ray Middleton 's avatar

    Ray Middleton

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Love cruising on the Cougar to get out to the bach.

    These guys know all the wee bays

    Reviewed about 6 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Went out with Fred yesterday.

    The day started out a little drizzly but it finally cleared up. The ride was pretty smooth and very comfortable. Fred was very knowledgeable and gave us a background of the islands as we passed them. Totally enjoyable day. Can't wait to come back again.

    Reviewed about 7 years ago

    UNITED STATES
    nzthrillseekers's avatar

    nzthrillseekers

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Went out on cougar lines with Fred.

    Had the best day stopping off at various places. Dolphins all round the boat. Lovely cruise nicely presented boat and Fred the skipper was great. Thanks cougar line for a wonferfull wedding anniversary experience. I highly recommend them. Sandra.

    Reviewed about 7 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    Sandra Wilson's avatar

    Sandra Wilson

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Perfect that they drive you to every bay on the Queen Charlotte Track.

    It is not much to do the whole track.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016

    GERMANY
    Wolfgang's avatar

    Wolfgang

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Great taxi/bag service along the Queen Charlotte track!

    Bags were dropped exactly where and when they were supposed to. Friendly staff.

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago and experienced in November 2015

    UNITED STATES
    Robyn Hallowell's avatar

    Robyn Hallowell

    Customer

  • 0.5/5

    There was an accident on the boat because they decided to transfer some passengers between boats while in the sound.

    Very unsafe. No first aid kit on the boat. They did nothing to help until we got to the dock. While the owner did call an ambulance to get needed first aid the owner got angry with us when we told him how unsafe the situation was. He offed no apology or even a discount on our cost. We were lucky it was not worse. The owner was extremely rude and unprofessional.

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago

    UNITED STATES
    skphilpott's avatar

    skphilpott

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Went to Endeavour Bay for day walk to Punga Bay.

    Fabulous service from Cougar. Couldn't do enough for us

    Reviewed over 1 year ago

    Gregory Munro 's avatar

    Gregory Munro

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Cougar line transported us to the beginning and end of the Queen Charlotte Track and transferred our bags to our accommodation each night.They were extremely helpful with the booking process and their

    communication with regard to changes in check in times and departure information was excellent. Their staff at the office in Picton were welcoming and friendly as were the staff on the boats. We would definitely use them again.

    Reviewed over 1 year ago

    Anne Allen's avatar

    Anne Allen

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Nothing is a problem for this amazing team.

    We had to change our plans due to an injury and the team were so helpful, everything was changed at no extra cost. Comfortable boats with friendly skippers. Overall a great experience

    Reviewed over 1 year ago

    Kaye's avatar

    Kaye

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Cougar line tours out of Picton were a really superb company.

    Flexible and accommodating and a really friendly service. I couldn’t recommend them enough!

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago

    Ray Middleton 's avatar

    Ray Middleton

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Love cruising on the Cougar to get out to the bach.

    These guys know all the wee bays

    Reviewed about 6 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Went out with Fred yesterday.

    The day started out a little drizzly but it finally cleared up. The ride was pretty smooth and very comfortable. Fred was very knowledgeable and gave us a background of the islands as we passed them. Totally enjoyable day. Can't wait to come back again.

    Reviewed about 7 years ago

    UNITED STATES
    nzthrillseekers's avatar

    nzthrillseekers

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Went out on cougar lines with Fred.

    Had the best day stopping off at various places. Dolphins all round the boat. Lovely cruise nicely presented boat and Fred the skipper was great. Thanks cougar line for a wonferfull wedding anniversary experience. I highly recommend them. Sandra.

    Reviewed about 7 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    Sandra Wilson's avatar

    Sandra Wilson

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Perfect that they drive you to every bay on the Queen Charlotte Track.

    It is not much to do the whole track.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016

    GERMANY
    Wolfgang's avatar

    Wolfgang

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Great taxi/bag service along the Queen Charlotte track!

    Bags were dropped exactly where and when they were supposed to. Friendly staff.

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago and experienced in November 2015

    UNITED STATES
    Robyn Hallowell's avatar

    Robyn Hallowell

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Cruise from Picton to Ship Cove, then walk Queen Charlotte Track from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge where we were picked up by boat, great walk along the coast and the Sounds.

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago and experienced in January 2015

    FRANCE
    Ben and Morgane's avatar

    Ben and Morgane

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    We recently cycled the Queen Charlotte Walkway and Cougar Line made our trip much easier and more enjoyable.

    The booking staff were friendly and informative, as were the staff on the boat. The early morning trip on Queen Charlotte Sound was picture perfect and the skipper first spotted and then stopped the boat so we could watch the dolphins - an amazing experience! The cycle trip was great with beautiful native bush, secluded bays and awesome views! The bag drop service was fantastic and meant an easier trip as only carrying a light day pack. Thanks Cougar Line - we love your part of the world and will be back

    Reviewed over 9 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    Polly Foster's avatar

    Polly Foster

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Cougar Lines took care of our transport into and out of Lochmara Bay.

    They were great; friendly, on-time, fast and shared some interesting commentary of interesting sights along the way.

    Reviewed over 10 years ago

    AUSTRALIA
    Simon L's avatar

    Simon L

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    However, despite of her the boat crew is amazing!

    Nice friendly stuff on the boat and not a very friendly inpatient young lady in the office at harbor/quay :-(

    The captain told many nice things about the area and gave me some advises about the Queen Charlotte track and a free tea/coffee on board made my morning :-) thanks a lot!

    Reviewed almost 11 years ago and experienced in December 2013

    NEW ZEALAND
    Yana W.'s avatar

    Yana W.

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Qeen Charlotte Sound.

    Tay of Cougar Line at the Picton Harbour Shop organised an amazing day out for us. We thoroughly enjoyed the look round bird island followed by the amazing day walk from Ships Cove to Furneau Lodge c15km. Rounded off with a beer or two and an excellent fish chip supper in the evening sun at Furneau Lodge overlooking the Endeavour Bay.

    Reviewed almost 11 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    Anthony Richards's avatar

    Anthony Richards

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Excellent service, attention to detail, pleasant staff, well maintained boats.

    Took trips to Bay of Many Coves and to Lochmara lodge, as well as held a large party out in the Sounds for 70 people. All aspects were very successful and well priced.

    Reviewed about 11 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    James Wilson's avatar

    James Wilson

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    Friendly service great guides.

    Good times.

    Reviewed about 11 years ago and experienced in September 2009

    NEW ZEALAND
    NZJenJen's avatar

    NZJenJen

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Our family spent a morning with Skipper Fred on a Cougar Line boat from Picton.

    As we proceeded up Queen Charlotte Sound, we passed an Inter Island ferry arriving from Wellington. Fred showed us the Blue Penguins, and 3 Outward Bound crews in training. After we dropped the walkers off at Ship Cove, we reentered the Sound to be surrounded by many Bottlenosed Dolphins, leaping high out of the water, and following our boat. We took many fabulous photos!

    We then delivered goods and travellers' bags at resorts in different coves. We saw NZ fur seals, especially at the salmon farm, and Fred fed the Blue Cod and Spotties....Pet Fish, as he gave us lots of information.

    Our grandchildren said the morning was THE BEST!

    Reviewed over 11 years ago

    AUSTRALIA
    Shirley Piggott's avatar

    Shirley Piggott

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    I had a great day cruise with Cougar Line recently.

    We were advise to stop and have lunch at Furneau which was great. Pulling into the many bays and inlets was fun and the scenery outstanding. Highly recommended.

    Reviewed almost 12 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    Howie Weir's avatar

    Howie Weir

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    Very nice people, good service, departure times on the flyer were wrong.

    Reviewed almost 12 years ago

    GERMANY
    Nadine's avatar

    Nadine

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Very friendly staff and a nice boat.

    Reviewed almost 12 years ago and experienced in December 2012

  • 5.0/5

    Awesome trek with beautiful views, water taxi (Cougarline) was friendly.

    Reviewed almost 12 years ago and experienced in November 2012

    GERMANY
    Denise Albrecht's avatar

    Denise Albrecht

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Fantastic!

    Our day trip to the Queen Charlotte Sound was definately a highlight of our trip to NZ, as a result of the information given from the helpful and friendly staff of the Cougar Line. Our skipper Fred was extremely knowledgeable and helpful, which aided us in getting the most out of the day trip. Everything was organised very well and we couldn't have asked for a better service. I would without a doubt recommend using the Cougar Line while in Picton.

    Reviewed almost 12 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    Sian Harries's avatar

    Sian Harries

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    We had the most AMAZING experience with Cougar Line.

    We surprised our folks visiting from South Africa with a night at Furneaux Lodge, drove straight there from the airport & they were able to drop us off at the lodge quite late (not a scheduled departure time), but in time for dinner. On the way back the next day, we had the most SPECTACULAR dolphin show for about 15min! It was the most amazing, close up experience, we have ever had. Thank you for making that taxi ride so very memorable for us locals (Nelson) & for our folks from Cape Town. THANK YOU!!!!!!

    Reviewed almost 12 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    svenanka's avatar

    svenanka

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Just a point of view from a regular passenger, Cougarline is simply the most helpful, friendly and most obliging company to deal with.

    The service is second to none from the owners and staff, it's easy to see why they are award winners.

    Reviewed about 12 years ago and experienced in January 2012

    NEW ZEALAND
    kainga's avatar

    kainga

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Queen Charlotte Track walk.

    Timing of walks estimated by company was too long so waiting for a long time at the end - also lots of un-advertised stops on ferry back - but otherwise very good.

    Reviewed about 12 years ago and experienced in March 2012

    UNITED KINGDOM
    Jonathan Tuthill's avatar

    Jonathan Tuthill

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    This company offered great service from the phone call we made the day before to the booking at the office the morning of our trip.

    The skipper (Fred) was excellent. He provided lots of information, he stopped for us to view dolphins and made sure everyone was picked up after our day of walking. He spent the ride home telling us about wonderful places to visit in NZ that are off the normal tourist route. What a wonderful day. Thank you.

    Reviewed over 12 years ago and experienced in January 2012

    UNITED KINGDOM
    Rhi's avatar

    Rhi

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    I got the chance to experience the 3 hours cruise & walk on easter week end.

    The weather was stunning. The skipper was really knowledgeable and even slew down the boat that we could enjoy and take pics of a bunch of Hector Dolphins. The walk was beautiful. I highly recommend this cruise & walk option to anybody who is passing by Picton. This is a must!

    Reviewed over 12 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    voyager64's avatar

    voyager64

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Nine other ladies and myself walked the Queen Charlotte Track over 4 days.

    Cougar Line was efficient

    and helpful right from the start with booking confirmation replied to immediately and querries dealt with instantly. The driver, Joni, took us out to Ships Cove telling us stories and points of interest most of the way, thereafter our many bags were transported reliably ahead each day, waiting for us when we walked in every evening. My compliments to the staff for their part in the stunning and efficient experience.

    Reviewed over 12 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    fayedoig's avatar

    fayedoig

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    We had a nice ride to Bay of Many Coves and back.

    It was raining both ways but there's covered cabin as well as outside deck so we didn't have any problem. the skipper was friendly and informative. Highly recommended.

    Reviewed over 12 years ago

    Hiro1403's avatar

    Hiro1403

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    I assisted with the planning of a wonderful wedding this weekend past in the Bay of Many Coves.

    it was a superb weekend and this in part was due to the organisation and helpfulness of the Cougarline. The majority of the guests were tranposrted in and out by Cougar. Jill and her staff were incredible and when we had issues about getting the bestman to the resort on time they could not have been more helpful. I will be using them again if I am lucky to plan another wedding in the Sounds xxx

    Reviewed over 12 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    EmmaNewman's avatar

    EmmaNewman

    Customer