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Early Bird Eco Cruise: Discover Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui's Marine Wildlife and Scenic Views

4.5

6 Ratings

Picton

Embark on an Early Bird Eco Cruise in Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui to Motuara Island. Discover marine wildlife, scenic views, and rare species in this island sanctuary.

Duration: 5 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Motuara Island - Disembark into the magic of morning birdsong, look for penguins on the shore or in nesting boxes, and spot some of the rare species that call this island sanctuary home, including the South Island saddleback and bush robin.

Follow the well-formed track to the island’s summit to take in the sweeping views across the Sound to Cook Strait.
You’ll have approximately 2 hours to explore this natural paradise before the relaxing return boat ride.

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges included
Live commentary on board

What's Not Included

Food and drinks (available for purchase on some cruises)

Additional Information

Cruise with us Oct-Apr to Motuara Island in the outer Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui, for a very special Marlborough Sounds experience.

Disembark into the magic of morning birdsong, look for penguins on the shore or in nesting boxes, and spot some of the rare species that call this island sanctuary home, including the South Island saddleback and bush robin.

Cruise with us back to Picton for a 1pm arrival, OR, at no extra cost, choose from one of the following free add-ons:

Discover Ship Cove/Meretoto
Cruise & Walk from Resolution Bay to Furneaux Lodge (3 hours walk)
Cruise & Lunch at Furneaux Lodge Restaurant or Punga Cove’s Boatshed Café & Bar (Lunch at own cost)

Children must be accompanied by an adult
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late arrival
The duration of activity is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and weather conditions
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately - rain jacket and walking shoes required
If, in the very rare event that this activity is canceled due to extreme weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
PLEASE NOTE: There are lavatories available for use on the boat, but not on the island.

Location

Cougar Line - Queen Charlotte Track Cruises

London Quay

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.5

(6 Ratings)

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1 star

Stephan_a

Nov 21, 2022

Worth every cent! - Friendly staff, great boats, wonderful walk to the top of the island for some great views. It was raining on and off but still a great experience.

Review provided by Viator

Maree

Apr 14, 2022

Excellent Value - It wasn't the best of weather but you can't always plan for that. This tour is great value for money and we had the island to ourselves, maybe because it was overcast and windy. The walk to the top was a good workout for my unfit better half and my unfit self. the views are great but there aren't many stops along the way to sit and try to sight birds. The best sightings we got were at the beginning of the the trail. The boat arrived back on time and we took the option of a free add on to lunch at Furneaux Lodge. This time the boat was quite late in due to weather but we still arrived back in Picton at a decent hour. A tour offering great value for money.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Bushell278

Feb 26, 2020

Great day out - Cougar Lines are a great operator with excellent staff. This was a wonderful way to see the Queen Charlotte sound en route to visiting Motuara Island bird sanctuary. The chance to extend the trip by incorporating a 3 hour stop at Punga Cove where we had lunch and a swim for no extra cost made for a full and enjoyable day.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Bobnbean

Feb 21, 2020

Great way to start our New Zealand trip - Cougar Line boat cruise through the Sounds was delightful. The 2 hour stop at Motuara Island was wonderful. The hike was beautiful, the scenery amazing. We saw many birds and enjoyed info from serious bird watchers on the cruise. General info on the area was shared by the cruise captain, but not too much! The cruise was fun, enjoyed the stops on the way. We only did a short hike on the track from the Lodge but enjoyed it and the lunch at the lodge.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Mortybee

Mar 13, 2019

Amazing experience! - Fantastic trip out to Motuara Island, boat left early so we had plenty of time to explore the island and experience the amazing wildlife. Fantastic views and lovely wee walk. Then caught the boat to Ferneaux for yummy lunch and another boat home. All boat trips were great and interesting stop offs at other bays also. Very well organised, all staff friendly and helpful. Would highly recommend and love to go again!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Ron_d