Wildlife Motuara Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

Make your way to the Picton waterfront, where you board a vessel bound for the Queen Charlotte Sound, navigating past a maze of inlets and channels. Keep your camera ready throughout the cruise, as you will likely spot fur seals, seabirds, and native dolphins on the scenic trip to Motuara Island. Here and throughout the tour, the onboard marine biologists share facts and background on the wildlife you encounter.

At Motuara Island, stretch your legs on a guided nature hike and seek out some of the island’s blue penguins, saddlebacks, bellbirds, robins, native pigeons, and kakariki, or yellow-crowned parakeets. This is a great chance to see rare New Zealand species, as the birds of Motuara Island are able to nest and breed without interference from invasive predators.

Following the nature hike, enjoy the return cruise to Picton, with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies served along the way.

• Spot native and rare birds that are threatened on New Zealand's mainland
• Hike and bird-watch on Motuara Island, and refuel with hot drinks on board
• Group size capped at 15 travelers for a more personalized experience

Discover Marlborough’s native wildlife on a half-day, small-group Queen Charlotte Sound cruise from Picton that includes a nature walk on the Motuara Island bird sanctuary. Marine biologist guides share insights into Marlborough’s fascinating critters as you watch for seals and five species of dolphin, then get a glimpse of a pristine New Zealand forest on predator-free Motuara Island—home to native blue penguins, saddlebacks, bellbirds, and more.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Most travelers can participate
Not wheelchair accessible
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
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers