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
143 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We saw orcas
Leigh O,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fantastic trip. Even without seeing orcas it was 5 stars. The staff were great, very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw loads of wildlife, birds and history. Perfect day. And we saw orcas.
While the crew were great...
Steve B,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00While the crew were great and we saw lots of dolphins and birds, the vessel was not designed for the number of passengers or for viewing while inside. There were other things advertised that were not available, like WiFi. There were not enough seats and I had to stand for over half of the cruise.
Don’t book unless you want to sit on the floor
nikkibQ2106XB,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The tour was way over sold. They say they can fit 30 people on the boat, but in reality it’s more like 15. There was no place to sit other than the floor. There isn’t even enough space to stand on deck when trying to look at the animals.
Great dolphin watching experience
paulhU5674BE,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A four hour animal and birdwatching cruise along the Marlborough Sound. I saw seals, two species of dolphin, many birds. But of course, results may vary. There is an optional 45 minute hike in the middle, a little steep but lots of birds and a great view from the top. The skipper and tour guide were knowledgeable and approachable. This excursion is highly recommended—6 stars if I could. Part of the fare goes towards conservation efforts.
Lovely afternoon
Paul H,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A four hour animal and birdwatching cruise along the Marlboro sound. I saw seals, two species of dolphin, many birds. But of course, results may vary. An optional 45 minute hike in the middle. Skipper and tour guide were knowledgeable and approachable. This excursion is highly recommended.
Great tour out on the Sound.
Emma S,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great experience to see dolphins, bird species and seals in the wild. It was a nicely balanced cruise, with stops on the way to the island walk, and then a quick zip back to the marina. Calum and Daniel were our guides and skipper and they were both absolutely full of information and also hyping us up and making sure we saw everything. Brilliant tour and very eco-friendly. Definitely recommend.
Not worth the price
Silvia B,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00We haven't even seen a dolphin, unfortunately. We saw some three seals and some birds and just. The place is very beautiful. The boat was not very comfortable for a 4-hour tour. And the captain sailed too fast making the boat sack without stopping! Unpleasant. I left with back pain. And to make the captain worse, to tie the boat, he went up twice in the place where I was sitting. I was very upset since I don't feel good sitting in a dirty place.Nowhere I saw written warning that to go to the bird sanctuary would take a long and quite steep walk. Anyway, I didn't think it was worth the price. I saw people going out on very nice boats from the Bluebridge company. If I knew, I'd book with them.
Great team well trained...
Annette C,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great team well trained and very friendly made the day a pleasure Well spoken and good with non englishspeaking customers
dolphins🐬
emiliabE9834TM,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a beautiful day for a cruize! Also I got to see dolphins for the first time which was an amazing experience, we saw lots of other wildlife as well 🥰
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.
From NZ$168.00
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Operated by E-Ko New Zealand Ltd