Bottlenose dolphins are common in the Sounds and love to ride our bow wave!

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.

 Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary
 Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary

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.

Marine Wildlife & Motuara Island 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

 Departures Daily: 1:30pm (September - April) return 5:30pm (approx.)

Drop off at Interislander ferry terminal available  - please notify the staff before departure.

Adult: $99, Child: $60 (5-15), under 5 years go free

Group tours (of any size) can be arranged for any time of the year!

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 A very friendly bottlenose dolphin watching the people on the bow of the boat.
 A very friendly bottlenose dolphin watching the people on the bow of the boat.
Bird watching tour to Motuara Island
Bird watching tour to Motuara Island
 New Zealand fur seals are common throughout the Sounds and these 2 were cheeky enough to pose for us:)
 New Zealand fur seals are common throughout the Sounds and these 2 were cheeky enough to pose for us:)

"Just one word: WOW!!!"
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 Melanie, Netherlands

 Motuara Island Cruise Video

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