Capturing the very best of the Marlborough Sounds, this half-day tour is a New Zealand nature experience to be enjoyed by all. Fantastic scenery, wonderful wildlife and great guides make this Picton's most fascinating cruise.
Cruise the majestic Marlborough Sounds aboard our comfortable vessels on a scenic journey to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary. Outstanding commentary and fantastic viewing areas allow you to enjoy playful Hector's, bottlenose, or dusky dolphins (98% encounter rate!), fur seals and numerous seabirds before landing on Motuara Island for a 1-hour nature lover's walk to remember. Explore the island on your own or go with our knowledgeable guide who will point out and describe the resident blue penguins, rare saddleback, melodic bellbirds, cheeky robins, native pigeons and yellow-crowned parakeets (kakariki). The birds on this predator-free island are fearless, plentiful and very vocal and the view from the Cook Strait lookout is absolutely spectacular! After returning to the boat, sit back and relax with a hot drink and cookies before making our way back to Picton via a working salmon fish farm to see fur seals lazing about in the warm Marlborough sun.
Tour Highlights
- Dolphins (98% encounter rate), seals & seabirds
- 1-hour guided walk on Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary
- Visit a working salmon fish farm to see native NZ fur seals
- Informative history about the area from local crew
- Free tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies
- Tourism Award-Winning Service
Daily departures: 1:30pm (October - April) return 5:30pm (approx.)
Cruise Ship Passengers: Tour will depart at 12:30pm on dates that cruise ships Seven Seas Mariner, Volendam, Rhapsody of the Seas, Silver Whisper, Volendam, Pacific Princess, Christal Symphony dock at Picton. Return to ship by 5:00pm. You will easily make your ship's departure time.
Adult: $100, Child: $60 (5-14), under 5 are free
Group tours (of any size) can be arranged for any time of the year!
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Motuara Island Cruise Video
