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Marlborough Wildlife Tour: Explore Motuara Island & Dolphins
4.7
142 Ratings
Picton
Join a guided tour to Motuara Island and Queen Charlotte Sound. Spot rare wildlife, including dolphins and sea birds, led by expert Marine Biologists.
Join a guided tour to Motuara Island and Queen Charlotte Sound. Spot rare wildlife, including dolphins and sea birds, led by expert Marine Biologists.
Duration:
4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- E-Ko Tours - Enjoy FREE Wifi and FREE Photos for all customers. Visit our Wildlife Display and take in the BEST view of Picton harbour from our balcony.
- Marlborough Sounds - Embark on a 4-hour cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Encounter wildlife such as NZ Fur Seals, Dolphins, and Sea Birds. Let our expert guide lead you through the Motuara Bird Sanctuary.
- E-Ko Tours - Enjoy FREE Wifi and FREE Photos for all customers. Visit our Wildlife Display and take in the BEST view of Picton harbour from our balcony.
- Marlborough Sounds - Embark on a 4-hour cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Encounter wildlife such as NZ Fur Seals, Dolphins, and Sea Birds. Let our expert guide lead you through the Motuara Bird Sanctuary.
What's Included
- Complimentary Local Wine on the PM Tour
- National Park fees
- Professional guide
- Beverages and snacks
- 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
- Complimentary Local Wine on the PM Tour
- National Park fees
- Professional guide
- Beverages and snacks
- 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
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
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…
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.
- 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
Location
E-Ko Tours
Wellington Street
Follow BLUE line form Visitor Information Center until you see, Seal, Dolphin and Penguin
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(142 Ratings)
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1 star
Keith
Feb 8, 2025
How many dolphins!!!! - 50 bottlenose dolphins, at least! What an amazing day. Andy and Hannah, our captain and first mate/guide took us out on an adventure we will never forget. Both have excellent knowledge of the local wildlife and can spot, identify and direct you to make sure you don't miss out on a photo opportunity. There was little need to point out the dolphins and they didn't stop coming, swimming straight towards us and playing and showing off around our boat. It was awesome. We then took a hike up to a viewing platform on Motaura Island and experienced a fantastic 360° view across the region. It was a great day, completed with a cookie and cup of wine (afternoon trips only) but maybe a little overcrowded as seating was at a premium.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fzw000
Feb 7, 2025
Great tour I recommend to everyone - Excellent experience with these tours perfectly organized excellent knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide Cam and Dan thank you for your excellent tour guide. Very much considering many animals and especially many dolphins. Great. Great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kerri_r
Feb 7, 2025
Magical trip!! Seals, dolphins and birds abound! - Fantastic experience! The boat ride was fun in itself, but made even more special by our captain (Daniel) and guide (Cam) providing great information about the landscape, wildlife and tree species we were seeing along the way. They stopped several times for us to admire seals and beautiful birds, and three times they slowed the boat down and let us “play” with dolphins! We saw two different species and got to enjoy them jumping out of the water, speeding past the boat, and even swimming along with their babies in tow. The stop at the bird sanctuary was really nice, too. Cam is very knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our group’s questions. And she was just as excited as we were to see the dolphins, which was really fun. A magical trip and a perfect ending to our 3-week New Zealand adventure!!
Review provided by Viator
Nomad02911410964
Feb 4, 2025
Magical adventure - The boat was fairly comfortable and the crew was most friendly and informative, making the adventure enjoyable and educational. The views were breathtaking, almost magical. The experience was definitely worth every penny.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Glynwells1
Feb 2, 2025
A must do with a small and friendly feel to the tour. - Nicky and Dan provided a safe and informative journey onboard a small and friendly tour. We got to see so much wildlife including dolphins which was icing on the cake.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T8894mydebbiew
Jan 31, 2025
A truly fabulous trip - This trip was fantastic - a truly special afternoon and we were so lucky to see the fur seals and a pod of hector dolphins that were in a super playful mood. Thanks to captain Dan, Cam & Rob who were all so knowledgeable. Highly recommend this trip
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_d
Jan 26, 2025
Guide Nicky and Captain... - Guide Nicky and Captain Andy were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and professional! An EXCELLENT tour and experience!!
Review provided by Viator
Danielbs2108ls
Jan 18, 2025
Great way to spend the afternoon! - Ideal afternoon cruise with a lovely hike to hilltop observation. Fun birdwatching, dolphins, seals… felt like we got the full experience. Little sun, light workout, plenty of leisure (coffee, snack, a secret Pinot Gris.) cap’n Dan and Guide Will were… superb!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sariev
Feb 1, 2025
Great trip, but rushed on Motuara island - Great company! We saw beautiful Hector dolphins, sea birds and jellyfish. However, the time on Motuara Island felt very rushed. We saw only a few birds and were disappointed since we expected to see more on a predator free island. That is not the case. We did see beautiful South Island fantails up close.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johndavid_c
Jan 18, 2025
Birds exceptional, not a dolphin focused tour - This is more focused on birds and less on dolphins. Why we saw two dolphins. Fifteen minutes out of four hours was focused on the dolphins.
Bird watching was outstanding. Many varieties. The island has a steep walk to the top
The guide Will was outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable and fun. Dan the boat driver maneuvered the boat to allow everyone to view the birds.
Review provided by Viator
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