Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Picton, New Zealand
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Spend half a day among the thriving wildlife of the outer Marlborough Sounds on a small-boat wildlife tour from Picton. Spot rare sea birds like penguins and shags, plus a couple of species of dolphin, in Queen Charlotte Sound. Set foot on Motuara Island, a bird sanctuary Island that holds significance to colonial New Zealand history. Your guides are deeply knowledgeable about this area, so make the most of them and ask plenty of questions.
- An ideal trip for wildlife and nature enthusiasts
- Enjoy views all the way to the North Island on a clear day
- Refreshments (plus alcoholic drinks on the afternoon tour) are provided
- Free binoculars and species ID cards enhance wildlife spotting
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Live commentary on board
- National Park fees
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and chocolate biscuits on the return journey
- Alcoholic BeveragesComplimentary Local Award winning Wine on PM tour
- FREE Binoculars to help you spot wildlife and Species ID cards
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- E-Ko Tours1 Wellington Street, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Follow the BLUE line from the Visitor Information Center with the sea on your left until you reach E-Ko Tours - look out for the seal! Check-in 15 minutes prior to departure
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
E-Ko Tours
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Marlborough Sounds
4 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Morning tour departs at 08:30 on cruise ship days
- FREE use of binoculars on-board and Species Identification cards
- Near public transportation
- 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
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- 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
- Check-In 15 minutes prior to departure time
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Paul_H
A four hour animal and birdwatching cruise along the Marlboro sound. I saw seals, two species of dolphin, many birds. But of course, results may vary. An optional 45 minute hike in the middle. Skipper and tour guide were knowledgeable and approachable. This excursion is highly recommended.
Reviews
4.6
based on 143 reviews
Leigh_O, Apr 2026
This was a fantastic trip. Even without seeing orcas it was 5 stars. The staff were great, very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw loads of wildlife, birds and history. Perfect day. And we saw orcas.
Steve_B, Apr 2026
While the crew were great and we saw lots of dolphins and birds, the vessel was not designed for the number of passengers or for viewing while inside. There were other things advertised that were not available, like WiFi. There were not enough seats and I had to stand for over half of the cruise.
Paul_H, Apr 2026
A four hour animal and birdwatching cruise along the Marlboro sound. I saw seals, two species of dolphin, many birds. But of course, results may vary. An optional 45 minute hike in the middle. Skipper and tour guide were knowledgeable and approachable. This excursion is highly recommended.
Emma_S, Mar 2026
What a great experience to see dolphins, bird species and seals in the wild. It was a nicely balanced cruise, with stops on the way to the island walk, and then a quick zip back to the marina. Calum and Daniel were our guides and skipper and they were both absolutely full of information and also hyping us up and making sure we saw everything. Brilliant tour and very eco-friendly. Definitely recommend.
Annette_C, Mar 2026
Great team well trained and very friendly made the day a pleasure Well spoken and good with non englishspeaking customers
Gilliana_S, Feb 2026
We had a perfect day sailing from Picton. Courtney and Sam?? Were very informative, pointing out birds as they were seen. We did not see any dolphins, but that is luck of the draw. We felt very safe in their hands and they were knowledgeable about the area. A great day with a professional operator
Matt_W, Jan 2026
Really good trip, lots of wildlife and balanced so well. Trip to island breaks up the trip and guides are so knowledge
SylvieEve_L, Dec 2025
We had an amazing time on the Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise. We saw so many birds, as well as dolphins and seals, which was incredible. The team was fantastic—Bella and Andy were especially wonderful and made the experience even more enjoyable. It was such a lovely and relaxing way to discover the beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound. Highly recommended!
Paula_H, Nov 2025
This was a wonderful tour. Bella and Dan were fantastic a the slipper and guide. We saw a lot of wildlife. Right off we saw a blue penguin floating in the water, then we saw Dusky Dolphins jumping and tons of birds. We were able to see hills, shags, including the king shag, south island robin, a saddleback, a bellbird, and a yellow crowned parakeet. At the end we saw fur seals.
Cassie_W, Nov 2025
We had a very enjoyable and informative morning with Dan and Cam and saw dolphins, seals, penguins and all sorts of birds as well as a short hike on the island. Thanks for a lovely outing on a beautiful day.
Allison_S, Mar 2025
Beautiful scenery. Saw a variety of birds and some seals. The guide, Will, was wonderful. I just wish that we knew in advance that you walk 20 min up hill to the top of the bird sanctuary so I could have dressed appropriately.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thanks for positive review :-)
Jim_S, Mar 2025
It was wonderful seeing so many dolphin near our boat. We also enjoyed our hike to the top of Montuara.
Pamela_R, Mar 2025
Take water with you. Make sure you have sunblock and have some warm clothing on standby. You will have amazing day. The staff were very informative. We got to see fur seals, dolphins and a vast range of birds. Being old and slow, I missed most of the information on the walk up the island.
Kenneth_H, Mar 2025
At first, we thought there were too many people on the excursion. The boat was filled, but everyone had a place to sit and view. We saw the King Cormorant, seals with their tails waving above water, as well as sunning. We were taken to Motuara Island, the bird sanctuary, where we said many other birds and hiked up the mountain to a fantastic view. On the way back, we stopped where the dolphins usually play, and sure enough, dolphins swam with the boat and even jumped for us! Courtney and Dan were excellent guides, with a lot of knowledge and they both pointed out the animals along the way so that we could see and photograph them. Highly recommend tour!
jeanjacques_l, Feb 2025
Very pleasant tours, but don’t put your hope to high to see lot of animals, on the island we saw 2 kinds of birds, and no dolphins, some birds on the water. The staff is very kind and knowledgeable. Overall a good experience, would have been better if we had saw lot more animals. We understand it is not under your control. But this is why I gave a 4.
Mary_K, Feb 2025
Great to do a cruise of the sound. Nikki and Andy were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the area and eco friendly initiatives. The only downside was that the boat was a bit crowded and we picked up two hikers so there was not enough places for everyone to sit - which was hard as it was choppy.
Rachel_I, Feb 2025
It was a small group which was nice. The crew were outstanding especially Nicki who gave us a lot of information. A glass of wine at the end was a nice touch.
Janice_K, Feb 2025
We really enjoyed this experience. Blessed with fabulous conditions and lucky to see several sightings of a pod of 5 orca dolphins playing alongside us. Also good sightings of cormorants and gannets. Captain Daniel made it interesting and informative!
isaac_l, Feb 2025
It was really a fun experience. Beautiful weather, nice boat ride. Most of all we saw so many dolphins in one area. Some swimming close to our boat. So thrill! Even saw couple dolphins leading the ferry.
RaeAnn_G, Jan 2025
All about beauty and nature à la New Zealand. Our guides were very knowledgeable about New Zealand conservation activities to restore native species, both above and beneath the water. If a special animal was sighted, the boat was stopped or turned to go search or watch that animal. The kids especially enjoyed that. Add to that the beauty of the area and their sense of fun and it was a great tour.
Mark_c, Jan 2025
Fantastic time. Beautiful scenery, and we saw more wildlife than we could have imagined. Totally recommend this tour for any age.
Lucinda_J, Jan 2025
It is a great experience for young & old. My grandchildren, 14 & 10 learned so much. Nicky & crew did a great job.
Philip_B, Dec 2024
Too much focus on looking for sea mammals that did not appear. Insufficient commentary - not much on the history and landmarks.
Saw a couple of rare birds. Great view from the island.
The boat was not designed to provide open safe visibility of the animals. Poor PA system.
Unstable docking at the island.
Fiona_L, Nov 2024
Seeing dolphins jumping up and down. The driver was great; he’s trying to look for wild life for the guests.
Stuart_B, Jun 2024
The trip was beautiful as to be expected in that amazing area and the staff were excellent with my 2 year old so anyone with young children should not be concerned. Highly recommended.
Gary_D, Mar 2024
The knowledge and enthusiasm of Alice and Andy were first class. It was such a privilege to see such a beautiful place and hear so many interesting facts. Thank-you
Paule_D, Mar 2024
The capitain and the guide were very informative , they knew a lot about the area and the animals. It was a very nice and interesting cruise. We enjoyed it a lot. The area is very beautiful and we saw many birds. When everyone is at the front to watch something in front of the boat however, it is a bit crowded and difficult to see
Charlene_M, Mar 2024
We were on a cruise and E-Ko tour company was easy to find. This tour is just as described. It is perfect for nature enthusiasts wanting to spot some wildlife, especially birds. Our captain Paul and guide Ella were very friendly and knowledgeable. They offered binoculars and reference charts. My favourite part was stopping at an island for a short hike and a great view. The hot chocolate, wine and cookies were a nice treat on our way back to the dock.
Susan_M, Feb 2024
The guide and captain were knowledgeable and engaging. They made everyone feel welcome. Our viewing of marine life was limited on the day I took the cruise, but the landscape and birds encountered were beautiful.
tom_l, Jan 2024
great naturalist, Ella. Wonderful captain too. fabulous wildlife, beautiful scenery!
Terrific experience and highly recommend to others!
From $102.51
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise
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