Motuara Island Sanctuary and Dolphin Watching Tour
Wild Dolphins, Rare Birds & Calm Waters at Motuara Island
Cruise through the calm sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds in search of wild dolphins, seals, and seabirds before stepping ashore on Motuara Island — one of New Zealand’s most successful predator-free wildlife sanctuaries, alive with rare native birds and breathtaking coastal scenery.
This relaxed small-group eco adventure combines marine wildlife, conservation, history, and nature into one unforgettable half-day experience perfect for families, couples, photographers, and nature lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Tour:
- 🐬 Wild Dolphin Encounters – Dusky, Bottlenose, Orca & Rare Hector’s Dolphins
- 🐦 Predator-Free Wildlife Sanctuary – Rare Native Birds on Motuara Island
- 🌊 No Seasickness Guarantee – Calm Sheltered Waters of the Marlborough Sounds
- 🎓 Expert Eco Guides – Passionate Local Wildlife & Conservation Specialists
- 💚 Travel with Purpose – your booking supports local conservation
Tour info in brief
| 4 hours | |
| Daily Departures: |
8.00 AM, 1.30 PM |
| Pricing: | Adult: $168 (16+ years) Child: $84 (5 – 15 years) Infant: $42 (0 – 4 years) |
| Location: | 1 Wellington Street Picton |
| Briefing: | 7.45 AM, 1.15 PM |
No Seasickness Guarantee
Relax in the knowledge that you’ll be with the only NZ operator that guarantees you will not get seasick.
HELP Save Endangered Species (Taonga)
How your booking gets used for local conservation
About the Tour
The Ultimate Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Experience
Cruise through the calm sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds in search of wild dolphins, seals, seabirds, and rare native wildlife on E-Ko’s signature small-group eco adventure.
Home to five dolphin species — Dusky, Bottlenose, Common, Orca, and the rare Hector’s dolphin — the Marlborough Sounds offers some of New Zealand’s most remarkable marine wildlife encounters. Watching dolphins leap, surf, and socialise in their natural environment is an unforgettable experience, made even more special by the peaceful waters and intimate small-group atmosphere aboard E-Ko’s purpose-built vessels.
But this experience goes beyond dolphin watching.
Dolphin Watching Tours with Birds Included: It’s a Double Whammy
Your journey also includes a guided visit to Motuara Island, a protected predator-free wildlife sanctuary where rare native birds thrive amongst regenerating forest and panoramic coastal scenery. Guided by World Cetacean Alliance-trained eco guides, you’ll discover fascinating stories about the region’s marine life, conservation projects, birdlife, and unique natural history while exploring one of the most important island sanctuaries in the Marlborough Sounds.
Departing from Picton, you will take a wonderful boat trip through the Marlborough Sounds, where dolphins frolic in their inimitable way, and you will be on board a smooth, stable vessel on calm water where seasickness is unknown, so anyone wary of boats need to have no fear.
Listen to the songs of native bellbirds echoing through the forest, search for rare saddlebacks, yellow-crowned parakeets, robins, and little blue penguins, and enjoy spectacular views across Queen Charlotte Sound and the Cook Strait from the island lookout.
This is also a place rich in New Zealand history. Nearby Ship Cove / Meretoto was once visited by Captain James Cook during his Pacific voyages, and the region remains deeply connected to both Māori and European exploration history.
A Fabulous Tour for Nature Lovers who want calm waters
Unlike many marine tours in New Zealand, E-Ko operates in the calm protected waters of the Marlborough Sounds and is the only operator in the region to offer a No Seasickness Guarantee. Combined with dual DOC Certification and World Cetacean Alliance certifications, this creates a relaxed, ethical, and conservation-focused experience suitable for families, couples, photographers, bird lovers, and nature enthusiasts of all ages.
Sense the History
Our nature tours in NZ are also popular with couples of all ages. What could be more romantic than sharing such a wonderful experience with someone you love? If you would like to get up close and personal with the dolphins check out our dolphin swimming tours.
Whether you are visiting New Zealand for the first time or rediscovering the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, this tour offers a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience wildlife in one of the country’s last truly protected marine wilderness areas.
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What to expect
Meet the Dolphins
Cruise through the calm sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds in search of Dusky, Bottlenose, Common, Orca, and the rare Hector’s dolphins that call this unique marine environment home. Whether quietly travelling alongside the vessel or performing playful leaps and acrobatic displays, dolphins are always an unforgettable sight in the wild.
As a permitted Department of Conservation operator, E-Ko is authorised to respectfully seek out and interact with all marine mammal species found in the region. Guided by experienced World Cetacean Alliance-trained wildlife guides, every encounter is designed to be safe, educational, ethical, and memorable for both guests and wildlife.
Along the way, we also commonly encounter New Zealand fur seals, penguins, shearwaters, gannets, and other seabirds that thrive throughout the Marlborough Sounds ecosystem.
Step Into a Living Sanctuary – Motuara Island
Your adventure also includes a guided visit to Motuara Island, one of New Zealand’s most important predator-free wildlife sanctuaries. Protected since 1991, the island now provides a safe haven for rare native birds including the South Island saddleback and yellow-crowned kākāriki.
Walk through regenerating native forest alive with birdsong as your guide helps you spot little blue penguins, robins, bellbirds, kererū, and other native wildlife thriving in this protected environment. The birds here are remarkably fearless, creating exceptional wildlife viewing and photography opportunities throughout the island.
At the Cook Strait lookout, enjoy panoramic views across Queen Charlotte Sound and, on clear days, all the way to the North Island.
Discover the History of the Sounds
Motuara Island and nearby Ship Cove / Meretoto hold deep cultural and historical significance. The surrounding area was important to Māori long before European arrival, while nearby Hippa Island was once the site of a fortified pā.
Ship Cove / Meretoto later became one of the first sustained meeting places between Māori and Europeans during Captain James Cook’s Pacific voyages. In 1770, Cook proclaimed British sovereignty over New Zealand’s South Island from Motuara Island. Your guides will share the fascinating stories, conservation history, and cultural significance that shaped this remarkable region.
Relax on the Scenic Cruise Home
After exploring the island, return to the vessel and relax with complimentary tea, coffee, and cookies as you cruise back through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. Along the way, we’ll continue searching for dolphins, seals, seabirds, and any additional wildlife species we encounter.
Operating in the protected waters of the Marlborough Sounds, this experience is designed to be relaxed and accessible for guests of all ages and includes E-Ko’s unique No Seasickness Guarantee for added comfort and peace of mind.
Tour Times ⏰
Morning Tour
Briefing: 7:45 AM
Departure: 8:00 AM
Afternoon Tour
Briefing: 1:15 PM
Departure: 1:30 PM
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
What to bring
- Sunhat
- Sunblock
- Good walking shoes
- Water
- Raincoat
Where are we?
We are located conveniently on Picton’s main waterfront with car parking close by and only a 1-minute walk from the main street.
Just look for the Dusky Dolphin outside our shop.
Before your tour starts feel free to take a seat inside the shop or outside on our sun drenched deck and enjoy the stunning views.
Customers can also get online with our free WiFi, and purchase a tea or coffee to enjoy on the deck.
You will Never Miss your Ferry
Our tour schedules are integrated with the Interislander – so there is no chance that you’ll miss your ferry.