Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
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 wildlife. Visit Motuara Island and cruise 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 Marine Biologists, you will be given the possibility of viewing five different species of dolphins. Enjoy a fully-guided walk on Motuara Island, seeing and hearing the amazing bird life where Captain Cook planted the first flag and claimed New Zealand.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
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
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
Complimentary Glass of Local Wine on the PM Tour
FREE Binoculars to help you spot wildlife and Species ID cards
National Park fees
Professional guide
Live commentary on board
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and chocolate biscuits on the return journey
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton
Reviews
197 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth the money!
Andrea S,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Good tour to see dolphins, seals and birds without getting sea-sick. Tour guides are knowledgable and very professional.
Too many people to be comfortably seated.
Oscardog16,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We had 22 adult guests & 3 staff (they stood most of the trip). We were squashed in like sardines. The undercover area only provided seating for approximately 14 people. The rest had to sit out on the rear deck, which was uncovered, and the seating included hard plastic steps with no cushioning. The area you step on to get in and out of the boat. Inside, we saw one guy who stood most of the trip or had to perch on the very edge of the bench with his partner. They tried to share a seat meant for one person. Most of the modular bench was taken up by a group of 5 that included a man spreader and his bit of bench for his jacket, another had a walking stick, and he took up 2 seating spaces. The boat is so confined that you must put your bags into the hull (sleeping quarters) to allow movement from the cabin to the bow area. The trip was good, but I would rather pay a bit more to have some personal space. I recommend looking at other operators and comparing reviews as to overcrowding. Free long-term parking is available in front of the Edwin Fox Museum, then it is less a 5-minute walk to the E-Ko Tour office.
Amazing informative special trip
Lesley J,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of our highlights of our trip to NZ, plenty of natural wildlife to be seen and an incredibly passionate team of guides, imparting invaluable knowledge of the local environment. A good cup of tea and biscuits enjoyed on the return trip
Beautiful day and perfect cruise!
Patty H,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had. Fabulous trip with our guide Conner and skipper Dan. Saw more than half the population of hector dolphins and some interesting birds and playful fur seals. The walk up to the top was great too with a wonderful view. We lucked out with only 12 on our ship and the crew couldn’t have been better. Friendly, helpful and informative. Great job Conner and Dan!
Fantastic eco tour. Dolphins galore
Oakvilleblackdogs,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic 4 hour cruise through Marlborough Sounds. Julie our marine biologist guide and Dan our captain made this is a very informative and educational cruise. We were lucky to see Hector dolphins and numerous birds, cormorants and gannets on our trip. They are clearly very committed and compassionate about wildlife preservation and we learnt plenty from them. The 1 hour walk on the island was tailored to the activity level of our group and we did not feel rushed. The view from the top was spectacular. I would definitely recommend this tour
Terrific Tour of Marlborough Sound Wildlife!
Kathleen W,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful day on the water! Expert commentary about the wildlife & we saw so many birds, dolphins, seals and even an unexpected penguin! Small group, Informative, fun and educational. Very much worth the time and $$.
Fantastic tour,...
Adam W,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour, incredibly knowledgeable guides and amazing views or wildlife and the sound. Quite the hill to climb but plenty of rest stops along the way!
Bad customer service
Bobby M,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Don't Go. Had the wrong because Viator app changed it. I called. Got a email. Customer was email your supplier. No call or email back I'm finished with your company for not helping. I want Feb 24th is fix. You can still fix it if you read this.
Knowledgeable and Professional Guides.
Jacqui A,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such an informative trip and we were both so impressed with Connor and Daniel’s knowledge of the local area. Unfortunately, due to the extreme winds that day, we never made it to the island. But we appreciated Daniel’s sense of safety in turning back. Despite this disappointment, they both made it a fun and interesting experience.
Fun day
Paradise365330,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Courtney and Andy were excellent! The weather was wonderful and we appreciated the information Courtney shared on the animals we saw. Great day.
From NZ$168.00
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Operated by E-Ko New Zealand Ltd