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
180 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Missed the boat
Suzanne C,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00My cruise ship docking was scheduled for 8:30 am and the tour departure time was 8 am. I was assured by Viator agent that the tour would wait for me. By the time I took the first shuttle and walked to Eko Tours the tour boat had left. I was very disappointed as id been looking forward to the Wildlife Sanctuary and Dolphin Cruise.
Early Morning Tour
L14RH,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We opted for the morning tour, which was an early start, but we picked a lovely day for it. In total the tour was around 4 hours. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We had Daniel as our driver and Courtney as our guide. They were a good team and provided interesting insights as we went along. Despite it being a lovely day we did get quite cold and wet sitting at the back, so sitting inside would be preferable unless you don't mind. Unfortunately, whilst we did see a blue penguin and a seal, we didn't see any dolphins. It was mainly seabirds. It seems we were just really unlucky as they advise that 90% of their tours do see dolphins. There is nothing that E-Ko tours can do about that, but it was of course disappointing. The stop at Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary was interesting and there were some really amazing views from the top, so it is well worth the climb if you can manage it. I would definitely recommend them as a tour operator and they certainly seem to have a focus on protecting wildlife and ensuring that tourism doesn't have to detrimental an effect on the environment, which I liked.
Hector Dolphins and shags
Anubhav J,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Its a good experience like any other cruise. Alan and Bella are wonderful people to learn about marine wildlife.
Amazing tour
KimT644,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00AMAZING!!!! Loved it so much. Bella is the best!!!! Rough waves but excellent captain. So much fun and amazing wildlife.
Had a great trip with...
Karen R,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great trip with Andy and Bella, they were so friendly and informative. We saw plenty of bird species and some amazing dolphins, highly recommend this trip.
Boat ride, nature walk, and wildlife experiences
Andrea L,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice boat tour and nature walk. During the ride, we were lucky enough to spot Hector’s dolphins swimming nearby, which was definitely a highlight of the trip. After the boat ride, we went on a nature walk on the island. We saw many birds and other animals along the trails, making the walk very enjoyable.
Wonderful Time
stephen b,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great way to get out on the sound and see quite a variety of wildlife. Lots of seabirds and we enjoyed coming across 3 different varieties of dolphins! Our captain was very good at locating potential areas that we could enjoy the sights of nature!
Great sightings of dolphins
maggiebarrand,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had hoped to go whale watching in Kaikura but it wasn't possible. I had seen a dolphin pod before but never as close up as on this cruise. It blew me away. Enjoyed the information from Andy and his partner and the climb on Matuara Island. My sister had a fall on the island and Andy took good care of her.
Great service
U763VAlindsays,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour was cancelled due to unexpected wind/weather. Although we didn’t get to enjoy the tour a refund was available on request due to weather or an easy rebooking for another time.
Superb trip around the Marlborough Sounds
Mark G,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fast catamaran makes it easier for those not so comfortable on a boat. Knowledgeable staff provide commentary about the location, flora and fauna.
From NZ$168.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by E-Ko New Zealand Ltd