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
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
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.
Options
Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise
Reviews
114 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not worth the money if you take the ferry
Passenger37326244204,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Not what we expected, if you take the ferry from Wellington you're getting a better tour and they give pretty much the same tour. We thought we were going to tour the Marlborough sounds like seeing different areas you wouldn't see taking the ferry. We did see some dolphins and birds. The island they take you to is a waste of valuable time. You climb to the top and see the same thing you did coming in on the ferry just a different angle. The crew were amazing and did a wonderful job especially Rob pine.
great trip 1
SunnyBonaire,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved the trip and E-Ko tours guides ..was a little short of breath walking up the hill but for sure it was worth it .....highly recommended !
non event
craigsJ6429NO,
Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Booked the cruise thru tripadvisor / viator 3/7/25 . Eko tours were not aware of our booking for the 21/7/25 at 8:00am therefore they did not advise us when the cruise was cancelled due to lack of bookings , we rocked up nobody there . Check with Eko the night before even if you have a booking confirmation through viator
Great day out!
443alfonsv,
Jul 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful sights and very informative! Nice crew, small group. Saw dusky dolphins, seals, pinguïns and many more birds!
Beautiful day on well organized tour
602lubad,
May 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Daniel and Paul were lovely guides - very informative and friendly. Wonderful half day tour to Motuara - saw lots of birds, seals, and friendly Hector dolphins! Well organized tour.
Highly recommended
Venture52255814212,
Apr 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great scenery and a great crew who went out of their way to catch special moments such as a pod of dolphins that swam alongside the boat. Great day.
Wonderful Afternoon
TravlerDebbie,
Apr 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day with Nikki and Andy. We spotted so much wildlife. The narration was informative and it was a wonderful experience. Thanks.
Great trip around Queen Charlotte Sound
iansH4115FA,
Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wasn’t sure what to expect from this tour but gee is was very good. Paul and Will were very good and knowledgeable about the entire eco system around the sound. Thank you guys this tour was well worth every cent and all 6 of enjoyed our day with you!
Beautiful scenery. Saw a...
Allison S,
Mar 24, 2025
- Review from 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 tour but did not expect to be charged in US$
853jeffreyg,
Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Cruise was fabulous, the crew informative and entertaining. I have no hesitation in recommending this cruise. However I booked the cruise for two people on the TripAdvisor website and was charged US$174.18 (A$285.85) When I booked I did not realise I was being charged in US$. I live in Australia and was in NZ at the time I made the booking. There was no reason to charge in US$. When I checked the Trip Advisor link it does not state the currency to be charged. I expected to be charged either Australian or New Zealand currency.
Related Experiences
Operated by E-Ko New Zealand Ltd