What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• Don't miss this one

  Sightsee08372424688,May 16, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Firstly it is well organized but friendly too. It is their absolute goal to make sure you see as much as you can. We were very lucky to encounter a pod of dusky dolphins on our return trip. This was our highlight. However we also enjoyed seeing fur seals, king shags, blue penguins, shearwater birds from the boat. On the island we had close experience with South Island robins, piwakawaka, saddlebacks and bell birds. The crew were knowledgeable and interesting. Nothing was too much trouble. We had a great day.

  

  

  

• Unbelievable Day Out....POD of Orca.

  Christine C,Apr 15, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Booked the 4 hr Dolphin and Moteau island excursion. Saw many seals, various bird species and the staff comprising Captain Andy and his assistant Courtney were both knowledgeable and very friendly. BUT the absolute highlight of the morning was the spotting of a POD of 8 Orca. This is so rare, and we were able to view them for 15-20 minutes. We had to keep a very strict distance from them but they were cruising at a leisurely speed so we were treated to an absolutely wonderful event, never to be forgotten.

• A highlight of my trip to New Zealand

  C7313WCemilys,Apr 14, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  I had an amazing time on the E-Ko Motuara Wildlife and Dolphin Cruise with Julie and Dan! Julie was both passionate and knowledgeable about all the wildlife that the group encountered while Dan gave us information about the sound and its human residents. They were both so kind, passionate, and knowledgeable about the sound! Our group had an amazing trip and was a highlight of my adventures in New Zealand! We got to see a lot of the local wildlife including Hectors Dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals, Shags, and a large host of other species. With the limited numbers everyone in the group got to see everything while we were on the ship. They gave us as much time with each species while at the same time making sure that the animals were not stressed by our presence.

  

  

  

  

• Great wildlife tour - well worthwhile.

  286KarenF,Apr 2, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  It was a great guided tour and we learnt much about the conservation efforts of the Picton region, which are commendable. We saw some terrific wildlife and had a great walk on the island to the summit with Conner. Paul our skipper was full of information too. The bottle nose dolphins were the highlight. We can recommend this beautiful trip through the Sound.

• Motuara Island Sanctuary and Dolphin Watching - Terrific Tour, People and Guide. Highly Recommend Using Eko Tours

  gsbpro,Apr 2, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  First, Julie at the office, Courtney our guide and Andy our boat captain were absolutely terrific, friendly, helpful, provided plenty of information and guidance. Starting with Julie at the office, where we stopped by the day before to check-in, who recommended we change our choice, at no extra cost, from the Captain Cook Cove tour to the Motuara Island Sanctuary and Dolphin Watching Tour. So glad we listened to her. You have the same dolphin and boat experience, except with Captain Cook they drop you off at the bay (some people were dropped off there) and you spend time there on your own (or so I believe) and then the boat continues on to Motuara Island Sanctuary and picks you up at Captain Cook Cove on the way back . Motuara island, with the hike, guide, views etc was definitely a better choice from what I could tell. (We also ran into Julie the day after our tour when we were heading around the waterfront to take a hike and she was just finishing a swim during a break from her tour duties …and she recognized us. We stopped and chatted with her for quite some time. We learned a lot from that chat. As for the tour, we saw lots of the small dolphins (they essentially swarm the boat), seals, lots of birds, and of course various plants and things on the island. Courtney was a terrific guide. Both in the descriptions of everything, and also pacing the hike up the hill so everyone could catch their breath and proceed at their own pace. We were not rushed during the trip. which included a couple hours in the sounds looking at the dolphins birds seals etc…then an hour on the island hiking up to the top for amazing views of the sounds and area. Then an hour back to the dock. I am so glad I opted for Eko tours for our trip through the Marlborough sound to see the dolphins and Motuara Island, and so glad we stopped by the office the day before and Julie recommended we switch tours. The boat was well maintained, and not that crowded, even thought they were sold out ( I think they limit the number of people) . Either way, it as a great choice.

• Brilliant trip

  Alison B,Mar 26, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Steep climb/walk to the top of the island but well worth it for the view. Along the way our tour guide Connor was very informative on all bird species on the island and sea mammals. He was fantastic as answered every question knowledgeably. Skipper Paul, obviously knew the area well and let us know when wildlife was in the distance and also when the sea was going to be a bit choppy.

• Best place to see 50% of the world's Hector Dolphins.

  l0chlyng,Mar 26, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  An enjoyable, enlightening and extremely educational tour headed by informative guides. The tour was smooth, the island stop was the highlight, but hard to compete against the various rare sea birds, sea lions and Hector's Dolphins that you're guaranteed to experience close up. The better half of half of a day and would highly recommend.

• Enjoyed the island and...

  Heather H,Mar 25, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  4.00

  Enjoyed the island and great knowledge from Julie. Felt a little rushed by Dan repeating that we were short of time even though the tour was 4 hours long.. Would have preferred a more laid back friendly style. Very expensive but pleased some of the money went to help conservation.

• Dolphins, birds, and a beautiful boat ride.

  NorthStar25084412396,Mar 24, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Saw some dolphins and beautiful birds. The boat ride was stunning. Our guide was very knowledgeable and the boat captain was great!

• We had an excellent...

  Michael D,Mar 23, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  We had an excellent afternoon trip. The crew were very knowledgable about the area and the best places to find the local wildlife. They were always on the lookout for something to see and then telling us where to look. The stop at Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary was great. During the walk up to the top viewing platform the guide stopped a few times to give us more information about the history of the area and the wildlife to be found. The walk sometimes fairly steep was rewarded with a fantastic view.

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