Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘s Included

Complimentary Glass of Local Wine on the PM Tour

National Park fees

Professional guide

FREE Binoculars to help you spot wildlife and Species ID cards

Live commentary on board

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.

30 minutes•Admission Included

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.

4 hours•Admission Included

Options

Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

Reviews

4.70

160 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

137

Gorgeous cruise, definitely recommend
Indigo B,
Apr 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Absolutely beautiful cruise. Lovely and informative staff. We saw so many dolphins and rare birds and part of the money goes towards the reserves. 100% recommend, one of the highlights of our trip
Lovely day of walking, tranquility and nature
Carolyn P,
Apr 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great way to explore the charlotte sound track. Captain's commentary was great too. Lots to see from the boat and shore
Beautiful tour with a hook.
Laura F,
Mar 22, 2025
- Viator
3.00
The eco-tour was very nice. We were given a good briefing and instructive information about animals and nature. We really enjoyed Motuara Island. Unfortunately, live animals such as jellyfish and starfish were taken out of the water and left on the boat in the hot sun. Without my intervention, the animals would have burnt in the sun. This has no ecological aspect for me.
Super
dale e,
Mar 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Part of your price goes to help continue reserve efforts. The guides did a great job informing us and keeping us on time for our cruise schedule. We saw lots of bird and sea wildlife.
Great experience
Cheryl N,
Feb 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Beautiful day and comfortable on the boat that we could go in and out of the covering. Lots of knowledge - we saw so much but when we saw the dolphins the driver was in a rush to leave we all would have enjoyed seeing more. Heads up you need to bring your own water - recommend it should be in the description. It still was a wonderful tour.