Tours and Tickets by E-Ko Tours
Wildlife Motuara Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton
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.
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4 hours
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If you do not get to se the dolphins it is unviable and a big hit to the pocket. $515 (zero discount for 2 adults & 1 child) $140 refund Overall tour cost $375 4 hours of time lost. Plus: Saw Hector dolphins. Yaay. Got us to swim with Kawahai fish. Ferry to Picton and back from Welly - $670 Accomodation $300 Wild life is hit and miss - but don’t promote with confidence if you can’t back up your numbers.…
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What a wonderful wildlife experience with an experienced crew. The dolphins were delightful and our island walk was well worth it.
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Date of experience: March 2022
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Courtney and Paul took us out for a beautiful morning on the Sounds. We learned about the area and the different dolphins we would see. We were treated to a magical encounter with the rare Hector's dolphin - a large group stayed with our boat! What a blessing to see so many of such a rare species. It did mean we could not swim with them, nor with the dusky dolphins we saw as they had a juvenile, but it was a truly memorable day to see the Hectors. You can tell that the staff love their work and care for the animals, as their comfort is prioritised. Partial refund offered as we couldn't swim with them, but this company deserves all of the business it can get. Dedicated staff, great wetsuits and masks to use for the tour and a fantastic experience in the Sounds!…
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Date of experience: January 2022
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Had a beautiful afternoon out on the Sound. Ideal weather, great skipper (Paul) and guide (Nicky) and the joy of seeing 2 Hector mums, each with a baby. We also got close up to seals, different shags, gannets and other sea birds. The visit to Motuara was the icing on the cake! To be so close to bellbirds, saddlebacks, kereru, a rowi kiwi and blue penguins was a privilege. The walk up to the Cook memorial was worthwhile effort! This company knows it’s stuff. My companion wished there was more of the comfortable outside seating.…
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Date of experience: January 2022
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An amazing experience taking the kids around the sounds. The tour was very well run, both the staff were knowledgeable and enthusiastic adding to the experience. They went out of their way to find dolphins for us and seemed just as excited as us when we found them
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