Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery and wildlife. Visit Motuara Island and cruise the calm waters of the majestic Queen Charlotte Sound. Water, wilderness and wildlife.
You will have the opportunity to see multiple species of wildlife, including rare sea birds, marine mammals and endangered land birds. Led by enthusiastic and fun Guides, you will be given the possibility of viewing five different species of dolphins, little blue penguins, seals, seabirds and land birds.
Enjoy the only daily service fully-guided walk on Motuara Island, seeing and hearing the amazing bird life where Captain Cook planted the first flag and claimed New Zealand.
The view is spectacular from the lookout all the way to the North Island. On the return enjoy complimentarily hot drinks and chocolate biscuits and in the afternoon tour local award-winning wine.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Morning tour departs at 08:30 on cruise ship days
FREE use of binoculars on-board and Species Identification cards
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
Family friendly with plenty of children's activities onboard
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Check-In 15 minutes prior to departure time
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
E-Ko Tours
FREE Wifi for Customers and also FREE Photos for Customers. See our Wildlife Display and enjoy the BEST View from our balcony of Picton harbour.
Marlborough Sounds
Cruise for a fun 4 hours in the majestic Marlborough sounds. During this time stop with wildlife like NZ Fur Seals, Dolphins and Sea Birds. Have the expert onboard experienced guide you up Motuara Bird sanctuary.
What‘s Included
FREE Binoculars to help you spot wildlife and Species ID cards
National Park fees
Professional guide
Live commentary on board
Complimentary Local Award winning Wine on PM tour
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and chocolate biscuits on the return journey
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise
Reviews
134 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing day cruising for dolphins, sea lions, and birds
vlewis102761,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time. The weather was perfect.Andy the skipper and Julie the tour guide were awesome. They spent a lot of time looking for Hector's dolphins which number only 40. We found them and they circled the boat coming out of the water to greet us! We docked at a small island and took a sort of strenuous hike to the top of the island (you don't have to do this part if you don't want to) BUT when you get to the top you're rewarded with a sight that is unbelieveable! Panoramic view of Cooks Strait and Charlotte Sound. I would definitely recommend this to travelers.
beautiful setting, wildlife a bit underwhelming. A lovely time. guides were very halpful and pleasant.
435scotte,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00beautiful surroundings, wildlife a bit sparse, island stop not worth the visit
A perfect day with a good company
Gilliana S,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a perfect day sailing from Picton. Courtney and Sam?? Were very informative, pointing out birds as they were seen. We did not see any dolphins, but that is luck of the draw. We felt very safe in their hands and they were knowledgeable about the area. A great day with a professional operator
Good small group tour.
Allison D,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There were 16 people on our trip which meant that we had lots of space on the boat especially when everyone went on the bow to observe the wildlife. Connor our guide and Dan, the skipper gave good information as we went along and knew where to go to get the best chance of seeing different animals. We saw fur seals, various shags, terns, gannets, petrels and the highlights Hectors dolphins and saddlebacks. The boat was comfortable at sea and the hot drink on the way back appreciated.
Overall would recommend
Yasmin I,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Overall would definitely recommend this trip but there are some pros and cons to consider. Pros: Dan and Julie were great, very friendly and knowledgeable. We had plenty of time on Motuara to spot birds, and a good amount of time seeing dolphins. We were lucky to see tieke, kakariki and Hector's dolphins. Also a portion of your money goes into conservation efforts which is great. Cons: It gets very wet on the back of the boat and we had no warning of this (NB this was a beautifully sunny and calm day) - only sit outside if you have full waterproofs. Bearing this in mind, there was not enough room for everyone to sit inside, so it felt a bit over-packed.
Brilliant staff
Donna R,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Abby and andy the staff were fantastic easy to understand and very accommodating the ride was perfect and the explaining everything as we went was the best
Great cruise
SophieTravelEnjoy,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a beautiful cruise. We were very happy and saw seals. One had caught a fish and tried to crush it. We have also seen many dolphins. It was highly recommended
Excellent
N9590YRpeterc,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Abby and Dan were excellent. It could not have been better. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour, the commentary and the hike. Would definitely recommend it to others
Beautiful scenery!
Sandra H,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great shipping in the sounds. Good explanations. Unfortunately not so many animals seen. Little time with the dolphins!
100% do it if in Picton passing through
Matt W,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really good trip, lots of wildlife and balanced so well. Trip to island breaks up the trip and guides are so knowledge
From NZ$168.00
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Operated by E-Ko New Zealand Ltd