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‘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
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.
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Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton
Reviews
165 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Deep Dive into Nature
Fabian U,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was absolutely great, we saw many different birds, including one penguin and many dusky dolphins that were jumping out of the water. Marine biology specialist Bella and Skipper Andy were a great team and displayed expertise regarding the animals and the surrounding environment as well as provided us with great wine, cookies and hot chocolate. Huge Recommendation
The perfect way to spend a day
Nicholas S,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a phenomenal tour! Both Andy and Bella were very knowledgeable and pointed out a number of different species. We managed to see two kinds of dolphins, a fur seal, little penguins and lots of bird life. The tour was very well paced and incredibly enjoyable - would highly recommend!
My 7 year old grandson just loved it all, dolphins jumping around close to the boat
nines905,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had the most amazing day with my 7 year old grandson, he was so excited to see wild dolphins ( both Dusky and Hectors together ) and seals all jumping around the boat and so close. As well as a huge array of both seabirds in the Marlborough Sounds and rare species on Motuara Island very close and unafraid of humans . The staff were knowledgeable and friendly, the atmosphere on the boat great. Thanks for the fabulous time
Educational, fun, half...
Grant M,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Educational, fun, half day out. Lucky to see a full spectrum of dolphin, seal, and birdlife. Realy enjoyed the experience would recommend to anyone thats interested in nature.
A great Cruise to look around the Queen Charlotte Sound.
debbietF837DU,
Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff were amazing and when with wildlife you do not know what you will see. We were very lucky to see lots of Dusky dolphins they were the highlight of my holiday with them swimming around the boat. We didn't see many birds that day, but the walk was lovely and the views. I think this is a lovely cruise to look around the area on the water. Seen lots of seals and a few water birds, I think you will be happy if you do this cruise.
An incredible afternoon!
La tiburona,
Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our cruise through the sound and visit to the Motuara Island was incredibly special. There were very few people on the tour - I guess, being winter - so it felt very cosy and personal. Our skipper, Paul, and guide, Daniel, were extremely knowledgeable about the local area, wildlife, and conservation practices, and were very patient with questions. Plenty of time was given to stop for viewings of the Dusky dolphins that frolicked and lept alongside the boat, the fur seals on rocky outcrops, and King Shags among other birds resting on the waters. A real treat was to moor at the island and walk to the top for magnificent views over to the North Island. A fabulous afternoon - well worth it, and well spent!
Gorgeous cruise, definitely recommend
Indigo B,
Apr 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely 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
Top experience exploring the Sounds
lotus79,
Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My son and I had an amazing boat trip yesterday to Motuara Island. I highly recommend this truly amazing experience for many reasons: first of all the breathtaking landscapes in the Malborough Sounds and the close encounter to Hector dolphins and the common dolphins. Our Tour Leader NIKKI was extremely professional and compassionate with my overwhelming 5 year old son. Our Captain was also extremely kind. A truly wonderful day out and surely we will be back on board soon
Lovely day of walking, tranquility and nature
Carolyn P,
Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to explore the charlotte sound track. Captain's commentary was great too. Lots to see from the boat and shore
The bird and sea life sightings came thick and fast on our cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound.
717stuartp,
Apr 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fabulous and informative trip with enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides pointing out the bird and sea life of Queen Charlotte Sound. I got swept up in the excitement of seeing rare birds and dolphins, plus penguins and a few chilled seals.
From NZ$159.00
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Operated by E-Ko New Zealand Ltd