Queen Charlotte Track - Ultimate one Day Walk and Cruise
Overview
Available languages
9 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
We are the only Marlborough Sounds Guided Walk company with our own boats. Your day starts with the Ultimate Wildlife Cruise through the calm sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound. You get on board binoculars for viewing wildlife and species ID cards with a WCA Qualified Guide. Dolphins 95% of the time :-)
Spend 1 hour on Motuara Island with its stunning views and range of Endangered Species where you can get close-up encounters with Rare Birds. The lookout has an amazing panoramic view. We pay DOC your access fee. E-ko started Guided Walks on this island 25 years ago.
After you visit Motuara - Sanctuary Island, then head to the famous Ship Cove. There you can Walk the BEST of Queen Charlotte Track in a Loop. Trees up to 1500 years old only with us, Hidden in the bush. Self Guided with a Map showing you where the hidden gems are :-) Re-live History and embrace nature. Walk the BEST 5km, relax at Ship Cove with a complimentary glass of Pinot Gris, and enjoy the return cruise.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Must be fit enough to Walk 5 km
What To Expect
Picton
Picton is a major hub in New Zealand's transport network, connecting the South Island road and rail network with ferries across Cook Strait to Wellington and the North Island. The Picton urban area has a population of 4,800 (June 2022), making it the second-largest town in the Marlborough Region behind Blenheim.
Queen Charlotte Sound
Embark on a fully guided wildlife and dolphin cruise like no other. Travel from Picton through the Marlborough Sounds on a scenic journey to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary. Our comfortable vessels and expert team take you on a conservation-focused, wildlife adventure for your soul. Expert commentary and fantastic viewing areas allow you to enjoy playful Hector’s, Common, Bottlenose or Dusky Dolphins (90% encounter rate!). We also see NZ fur seals and numerous seabirds before landing on Motuara Island for a 1-hour nature lover’s walk to remember – great for adults and kids alike.
Options
Queen Charlotte Track - Ultimate one Day Walk and Cruise
What‘s Included
Landing and facility fees
FREE Images from our Online Photo gallery of Wildlife
Use of Onboard binoculars and Species ID cards
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Don’t miss this experience
LauraH299,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed today, cruising the sound, visiting Motuara Island and walking at Ships Cove for a few hours. Julie was very knowledgeable and friendly .. a perfect guide. Thank you for a memorable day. We enjoyed talking to Dan our captain and to hear his commentary as we cruised through the sound. Thanks guys. We had an awesome time.
Nice morning
Andrea G,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My husband and I signed up for the 9.5 hours but decided just to do the half day which goes along the sound in the morning and we saw dolphins and one blue penguin and several birds and then we went to Motarua island with Bella on a hike for an hour. Andy & Bella were going to drop us at ships Cove and pick us up in four hours but it was somewhat cold so we decided just to go back with the others for 1/2 day trip. We thought 9 1/2 hours might be too long of a day if it’s not great weather and you have to be up for Hiking about four hours on your own. We enjoyed talking to Andy and he was great at spotting wildlife on the return trip.
Marlborough sounds Boat
Luca B,Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Unique experience around for Marlborough Sounds, visit nice spots, with plenty of wildlife. Recommended to do add thr afternoon queen Charlotte track. Staff super prepared and very nice, thanks to Courtney and Capitan Daniel
Amazing day - perfect Winters day in NZ, South Island
SarahGkiwi,Jul 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was an amazing day on the water. Daniel was a great MC for the day. Only a few people on board with us as was a quiet winters day, which made it a lovely personal experience. We left early and returned early having achieved all that we wanted and more! Lots of wildlife - even the cheeky Weka came out to play on the day. Perfect day for walking even after a heavy storm had been through - DOC had already cleared the walkways - so was an easy walk up to the look out. A great taste of Queen Charlotte walks - we'll certainly be back to try the longer walk! Thanks for a great family day. Even the young adults/ late teens loved it! A win for all!
Amazing day in the midst of nature
delite20,Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A day very well spent exploring the islands and seeing the native flora and fauna in addition to penguins. The guided walk was a great start to explore the Motuara Island. And the boat dropped us at Ships cove where we enjoyed our picnic, some hiking and snorkelling.
Wonderful day in the midst of nature
Prita S,Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely day exploring the sounds, and seeing the native flora and fauna. The guided walk on Motuara island was great fun - gave us a good idea of what to look out for. The cruise dropped us at Ship Cove where we enjoyed our picnic and a hike and some snorkelling. All in all a day very well spent!
Great Wildlife Cruise and walks
Alan-GG123,Mar 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great wildlife life cruise and lovely walk on Motuara Island and from Ship Cove. Great day out with the right size group of people.
Great way to gain appreciation for the Sounds and stay active
H5031IIrossm,Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Saw lots of wild life. Nice hiking experience with great views. Our guide was informative and our Captain Andy was successful in finding the sea life.
Animals galore!
meganbS6219KR,Feb 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing!!! We saw so many dolphins of 2 species (Hector’s & bottlenose), seals, and rare land & sea birds. I did the full day tour which afforded several hours around the Queen Charlotte track hiking, swimming and seeing a water fall. It was a wonderful day and the guides were so cheery and enthusiastic.
Worthwhile excursion
lorenzb0,Nov 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have seen many animals, enjoyed a nice short hike and received many explanations about the landscape and wildlife.
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Operated by E-Ko New Zealand Ltd