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‘s Included
National Park fees
Professional guide
FREE Binoculars to help you spot wildlife and Species ID cards
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
109 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful scenery. Saw a...
Allison S,
Mar 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00Beautiful scenery. Saw a variety of birds and some seals. The guide, Will, was wonderful. I just wish that we knew in advance that you walk 20 min up hill to the top of the bird sanctuary so I could have dressed appropriately.
Great trip
Jim S,
Mar 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was wonderful seeing so many dolphin near our boat. We also enjoyed our hike to the top of Montuara.
An awesome trip to a protected island in beautiful scenery.
Pamela R,
Mar 12, 2025
- Viator
4.00Take water with you. Make sure you have sunblock and have some warm clothing on standby. You will have amazing day. The staff were very informative. We got to see fur seals, dolphins and a vast range of birds. Being old and slow, I missed most of the information on the walk up the island.
Best boat tour!
Kenneth H,
Mar 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00At first, we thought there were too many people on the excursion. The boat was filled, but everyone had a place to sit and view. We saw the King Cormorant, seals with their tails waving above water, as well as sunning. We were taken to Motuara Island, the bird sanctuary, where we said many other birds and hiked up the mountain to a fantastic view. On the way back, we stopped where the dolphins usually play, and sure enough, dolphins swam with the boat and even jumped for us! Courtney and Dan were excellent guides, with a lot of knowledge and they both pointed out the animals along the way so that we could see and photograph them. Highly recommend tour!
Good experience
jeanjacques l,
Feb 27, 2025
- Viator
4.00Very pleasant tours, but don’t put your hope to high to see lot of animals, on the island we saw 2 kinds of birds, and no dolphins, some birds on the water. The staff is very kind and knowledgeable. Overall a good experience, would have been better if we had saw lot more animals. We understand it is not under your control. But this is why I gave a 4.
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Operated by E-Ko New Zealand Ltd