Mabel Island Tours and Activities

Mabel Island showing island views, boating and mountains
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Resting in the still waters of Picton Harbour is a tiny island, named after the daughter of the governor that chose Picton’s name.

For years Mabel Island was a tiny agricultural hamlet, located in the heart of Picton Harbour. Surrounded by the calm water of the Queen Charlotte Sound and watched over by the towering mountains that flank Picton, the island has long been a prime piece of real estate. Glide past the island aboard a sea kayak to get a closer view or capture photos of its forested shores aboard a chartered boat tour.

Today, Mabel Island is no longer farmed and is a largely forested area. It’s visible from Picton’s harbour-front precinct. See the inter-island ferry passing the island closely as it makes its way to and from Wellington on the North Island. Rent a sea kayak to explore the waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Paddle into the inlets and rocky banks of Mabel Island for a closer look.

After admiring the small island, spend some time exploring the harbour precinct. Visit the Picton War Memorial or the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, which is housed on the world’s 9th-oldest ship. A range of restaurants and cafés line the harbour. Many of these establishments offer views of Mabel Island. Sample locally produced wines from the Marlborough region, which is known around the world for its stunning white wines.

Mabel Island is located just offshore from Victoria Domain and can be seen by boat, kayak or from land.

Popular places to visit


Top Mabel Island Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Sequoia Lodge & Backpackers
Sequoia Lodge & Backpackers
2 out of 5
3a Nelson Square, Picton
Sequoia Lodge & Backpackers
Picton Yacht Club Hotel
Picton Yacht Club Hotel
3.5 out of 5
25 Waikawa Road, Marlborough, Picton
Picton Yacht Club Hotel
Picton Beachcomber Inn
Picton Beachcomber Inn
3 out of 5
27 Waikawa Road, Picton
Picton Beachcomber Inn
Harbour View Motel
Harbour View Motel
4.5 out of 5
30 Waikawa Road, Picton
Harbour View Motel
Jasmine Court Motel
Jasmine Court Motel
4 out of 5
78 Wellington Street, Picton
Jasmine Court Motel
Waikawa Bay Holiday Park
Waikawa Bay Holiday Park
2.5 out of 5
5 Waimarama Street, Picton
Waikawa Bay Holiday Park
Tasman Holiday Parks - Picton
Tasman Holiday Parks - Picton
3 out of 5
70-78 Waikawa Road, Picton, Marlborough
Tasman Holiday Parks - Picton
Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel
Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel
4 out of 5
32 High Street (Main Street), Picton
Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel
AAA Marlin Motel
AAA Marlin Motel
2.5 out of 5
33 Devon Street, Picton
AAA Marlin Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.