*** This tour is currently unavailable. Please check out more Marlborough cruises HERE ***
Highlights
- Personalised small group tour (1-15 ratio)
- Dolphin & wildlife encounters
- Visit predator-free Motuara Island
- Departs from Picton
Description
Discover the beautiful scenery, wildlife and calm waters of Queen Charlotte Sound on a 4 hour Motuara Island Sanctuary and Dolphin Watching Tour with E-ko Tours from Picton. Just one of the sunken river valleys in Marlborough Sounds, Queen Charlotte Sound (or Tōtaranui) is home to playful dolphins, fur seals and native birds, as well as the predator-free Motuara Island and much more. Join E-ko Tours on a small group adventure through Queen Charlotte Sound with dolphin watching, photo opportunities and a 1 hour nature walk on Motuara Island before your return cruise back to Picton.
Departing from the picturesque town of Picton, your 4 hour tour with E-ko Tours begins with searching for the 5 species of dolphins that frequent Queen Charlotte Sound. Throughout the cruise, your experienced and knowledgeable captain keeps you entertained with interesting commentary about the area, as well as pointing out Dusky, Bottlenose, Common or Hector’s dolphins, or maybe even an Orca! Watch in awe as the dolphins cruise beside the E-ko Tours vessel or show off their moves with fantastic leaps and somersaults from the water. While onboard, make sure to also keep an eye out for seabirds and NZ fur seals basking on the rocks.
After wildlife encounters on the waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, your E-ko Tours vessel arrives at Motuara Island Sanctuary. Motuara Island is 100% predator-free, populated by many rare species of native birds and showcasing spectacular views from its lookout points. The island also has cultural and historical significance, with a Maori Pa site (village) having been located at its tip, and views of Ship Cove, which was the first meeting point between Maori and Europeans in 1770. Explore the island on a self-guided nature walk along the 800m track, or follow your E-ko Tours guide who can identify and describe birdlife including blue penguins, saddlebacks, yellow-crowned parakeets and native pigeons. From the Cook Strait lookout at the summit of Motuara Island (128m), you might even be able to see all the way to the North Island if the weather allows. Then enjoy a relaxing E-ko Tours cruise back to Picton, with refreshments provided.
Trip Includes
- 4 hour personalised small group experience
- Return cruise from Picton to Motuara Island
- Dolphin watching (90% encounter rate!)
- Wildlife encounters & conservation focus
- Experienced captain & interesting commentary
- Binoculars onboard the cruise
- 1 hour nature walk on Motuara Island (choice of guided or self-guided)
- Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate & refreshments
- Complimentary glass of local wine (afternoon tour only)
- Free high-quality wildlife photos
- Kids toys, books & drawing boards if required
Duration
Departures
- 8:00am & 1:30pm
- Departs from the waterfront, 1 Wellington Street, Picton
- Operates daily all year
Other Information
- Please bring walking shoes, a rain jacket, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses & water
- Suitable for all ages
- Child rates apply (5-15yrs)
- Infant rates apply (0-5yrs)
- Exclusive no seasickness guarantee
- This tour has a 90% dolphin encounter rate
- Glass of local wine only available on afternoon tour
- Travel with E-ko Tours and support local conservation efforts
- Queen Charlotte Sound is the only place in New Zealand where you can see 5 species of dolphin
- Free wifi available at check in
- This tour requires minimum numbers to go ahead
*** This tour is currently unavailable. Please check out more Marlborough cruises HERE ***
