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.
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
FREE Images from our Online Photo gallery of Wildlife
Landing and facility fees
Use of Onboard binoculars and Species ID cards
Lunch
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.
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Prita S,
Apr 14, 2025
- Viator
Lovely 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!
Operated by E-Ko New Zealand Ltd