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
124 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A fantastic wildlife tour with lots to see and amazing views.
Sightsee549704,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was amazing! We saw sea lions, hector dolphins, King Shags, blue penguins, spotted shags, and my husband saw a yellow crested parakeet when he was waiting beside the 'birdbath' on the island while my sons and I did the hike. Abby and Paul we fantastic guides and very informative. A lovely day for us all!
Wildlife, Wonderful Crew, and Stunning Scenery
SylvieEve L,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing time on the Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise. We saw so many birds, as well as dolphins and seals, which was incredible. The team was fantastic—Bella and Andy were especially wonderful and made the experience even more enjoyable. It was such a lovely and relaxing way to discover the beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound. Highly recommended!
High expectations but disappointing.
Tariq Y,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00I was disappointed on a number of levels. 1. Nowhere does it mention we have to stop and collect other people (3 stops in total) a lot of on water time wasted 2. The boat’s engines are so powerful that no one could sit outside without getting soaked. So everyone is crammed into a small cabin. 3. So extra stops and crammed into the cabin for most of the 4hr trip 4. Solo passenger… basically ignored. Not even given QR Code at the end
Excellent
Bubeleck95,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very interesting boat trip where the staff always treated all guests very attentively, politely , friendly and caring. Unfortunately, we had the worst weather imaginable. It was raining in streams or rather pouring. We were driven to selected places for wildlife watching and these were the highlights: so close to wildlife was very nice. You don't usually experience that. Also, the lot of information the tour guide gave was great, Unfortunately, we do not understand New Zealand English well and had to You can cut everything with the dictation machine. Now we've translated everything and we know. But the boss adjusted the weather of the excursion and shortened the off hours in coordination with the guests. Everything optimal there were sufficient warm drinks, to eat and a round of wine or other drink. It wasn't easy for everyone involved as have made the best of it
Unforgettable experience
Jörg R,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice tour with dolphin sighting, seabirds and other bird species on the island. Loving company and knowledgeable guidance on the island.
Blue dolphin, king shag and more!
montanaone01,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful cruise. Dan and Bella did a fantastic job as the skipper and guide. With their help we were able to see a blue penguin floating in the water. Then we saw Dusky Dolphins jumping and lots of sea birds. We saw gulls, shags, including the king shag, south island saddled and Robin, a yellow crowns parakeet, a bellbird, and then some fur seals. Loved it all!
Blue penguins and king shags, love it!
Paula H,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a wonderful tour. Bella and Dan were fantastic a the slipper and guide. We saw a lot of wildlife. Right off we saw a blue penguin floating in the water, then we saw Dusky Dolphins jumping and tons of birds. We were able to see hills, shags, including the king shag, south island robin, a saddleback, a bellbird, and a yellow crowned parakeet. At the end we saw fur seals.
Relaxing morning with lots of wildlife
Cassie W,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a very enjoyable and informative morning with Dan and Cam and saw dolphins, seals, penguins and all sorts of birds as well as a short hike on the island. Thanks for a lovely outing on a beautiful day.
birthday solo trip 🙂🙃
M5707XPmarianr,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cruise was great! I went on a solo trip and it didn't disappoint. Plus, the weather was so lovely, which made the cruise even more enjoyable.
It was ok
Hosso3112,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Great tour, but it should be noted that this is more of a dolphin safari. You travel for 1.5 hours through the sound, then rush over to an island where there is really only one viewpoint, and then travel back again for another 1.5 hours. There were too many people on board for our liking.
From NZ$168.00
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Operated by E-Ko New Zealand Ltd