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Marlborough Wildlife Tour: Explore Motuara Island & Dolphins
4.7
105 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
- National Park fees
- Professional guide
- Beverages and snacks
- FREE Binoculars to help you spot wildlife and Species ID cards
- Live commentary on board
- Complimentary Local Wine and Mussel Samples of the PM Tour
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and chocolate biscuits on the return journey
- National Park fees
- Professional guide
- Beverages and snacks
- FREE Binoculars to help you spot wildlife and Species ID cards
- Live commentary on board
- Complimentary Local Wine and Mussel Samples of the PM Tour
- 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
(105 Ratings)
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1 star
Jonandruthchurch
Sep 21, 2024
Marlborough sounds majesty - This is a great combination of history, scenic majesty and amazing wildlife. The depth of knowledge of the crew and the obvious passion for the area was exceptional. Also seeing the dusky dolphins making a dash for the boat to have some fun is so reassuring on so many levels
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rileymy1425gb
Jul 15, 2024
A PLUS FOR CAPTAIN ANDY - I’ve never written a review before but after my experience last week I just had to give my praise to Andy, Courtney and the team. Captain Andy had knowledge like no other, from the first settlers of Picton to the birds that flew past the boat, Andy knew it all. (Also handled that boat like a charm). Courtney was lovely and friendly, even made us a hot chocolate after the swim which was well needed, loved that she helped me take off my wetsuit although my wife wasn’t to happy! Haha. The team found a pack of dolphins in amongst the seals and we got three full swims in with them, definitely got our moneys worth! Thank you guys and more importantly Andy who just went above and beyond the whole day. Have told the rest of my family that when they are in New Zealand they must come to Eko tours! 🐬 🏊🏼♂️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elena_s
Apr 2, 2024
Great trip! - We really enjoyed the trip, Will provided lots of information about birds and seals life. We walked around motuara island and it was very picturesque. At the way back we could relax with a glass of Marlborough Pinot gris :) in general it was very nice and enjoyable trip, highly recommended 😄
Review provided by Viator
U763wrjoannam
Mar 31, 2024
An afternoon of wildlife - Had a great experience. Will our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and also had a great sense of humour. Definitely recommend:)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meander03949684399
Feb 3, 2024
Great scenery and wildlife - we saw a whole variety of birds including Robins, Gannets, Shearwaters, a Saddleback and spotted and even a King Shag. Will and the captain were really informative and the wine was great too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Foodiemaniac63
Apr 19, 2023
Fantastic day - Have had a fantastic day with our guide/captain Andy/Courtney. They tried their best to find dolphins, but to no avail, the dolphins wanted a day off,but we did see alot of wildlife including seals, rare species of birds and a great walk on the inhabited island, fantastic views.definitely recommend this trip to everyone.good memories to take back to the U.K with us. Andy/Yvonne
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ann
Mar 18, 2023
Magical wildlife - This cruise was a delightful way to see Queen Charlotte Sound. The crew were informative. The binoculars provided the best I've had an a tour. [I tracked them down and bought a pair for home.] And although you can't guarantee wildlife turning up, the tenrs and shags and gannets and gulls and shearwaters all did. Along with the seals and the Hector Dolphins.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H1793hbdonnas
Dec 1, 2022
Go, GO, GO!!! So much wildlife... Sammy, Shane & Andy were amazing - We cannot get over what a fabulous experience we had, from start to finish! When booking over the counter in Picton, we had such a warm and enthusiastic welcome and discussion from Sammy, with no pressure at all to book! When we explained that our boys loved Penguins, she became even more enthused... we booked then and there for the next morning (this morning - just got back).
When we got on the boat, Shane (wildlife spotting and commentary) and Andy (driving) were knowledgeable, friendly, funny and within minutes of leaving the harbour we had spotted Shearwater birds and then PENGUINS!!! It just got better each minute - then came the Hector dolphins and more! The Dusky dolphins had so much fun looking at us which made us all very happy indeed... we check our watches and it was only 9:15am but had felt like hours (left at 8am) as we had seen soooooo much nature. Genuinely, Andy, Shane and Sammy were all absolutely fantastic to deal with - we'd do another trip whilst here but I think we'd be disappointed after how lucky we were today with all the wildlife we saw. They even let our lads drive the boat :) Tea and biscuits were most welcome, too.
100%, this is the company to go with for marine wildlife trips in Picton... in Kaikoura we saw 2 sperm whales and even a Southern Right Whale on a trip but we have all agreed that this trip was even better, and that WAS our #1 experience!
Thank you all so much! Donna, John, Zac & Rory
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Reynaldo_b
May 30, 2024
After searching for more... - After searching for more than hour and pushing close into the Cook Strait channel, we finally spotted a pod of dusky dolphins.
Cheering and waving, two approached the front of the boat. Then swam away. It was only a few seconds. Then they went off.
The scenery is great. Very cold. But, Skipper Andy was very warm and kind.
Review provided by Viator
Natwhal
Apr 22, 2024
Great experience - Fantastic afternoon trip. We saw lots of sea birds but sadly no penguins or dolphins (just the luck of the draw!) But otherwise a great trip with informative Captain and tour guide. We also had a glass of local wine on the return trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
