Recent Searches
Clear
Close

Wildlife Motuara Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

star-580 Reviews
|
Badge of Excellence
|
Picton, New Zealand
Wildlife Motuara Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton
See More
See More
Wildlife Motuara Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton
Lookout on Motuara Island
See More

From $92.20

Lowest Price Guarantee

Select Date and Travelers

Number of travelers
1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults10 Adults11 Adults12 Adults13 Adults14 Adults15 Adults0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children9 Children10 Children11 Children12 Children13 Children14 Children15 Children0 Infants1 Infant2 Infants3 Infants4 Infants5 Infants6 Infants7 Infants8 Infants9 Infants10 Infants11 Infants12 Infants13 Infants14 Infants15 Infants
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Loading available options...
Safety measures
icon4 hours  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English

Overview

Search for rare seabirds and several species of marine mammals, such as Hector's, bottlenose and dusky dolphins along with New Zealand fur seals, during a half-day sightseeing cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Cruise to Queen Charlotte Sound and take a nature walk on Motuara Island, where a predator-free landscape allows for plentiful birdlife. Listen to commentary from enthusiastic marine biologists, and treat yourself to tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies.
  • Half-day Marlborough Sounds nature cruise from Picton
  • Keep an eye out for dolphins, fur seals and abundant seabirds
  • Follow a guide on a nature walk at the Motuara Island bird sanctuary
  • Small-group tour ensures a personalized experience
Saved to wishlist!

From $92.20

Lowest Price Guarantee
Book Now
Professional guide
Live commentary on board
National Park fees
Beverages and snacks
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and chocolate biscuits on the return journey
Alcoholic Beverages
FREE Binoculars to help you spot wildlife and Species ID cards
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Departure Point

1 Wellington Street, Picton 7220, New Zealand

Follow BLUE line form Visitor Information Center until you see, Seal, Dolphin and Penguin

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
  • 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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
  • OPERATED BY E-Ko New Zealand Ltd
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • 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.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Wildlife Motuara Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton?
A:The policy on face masks and attendee health is:

  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Wildlife Motuara Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Wildlife Motuara Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Wildlife Motuara Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Wildlife Motuara Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
See all safety measures taken by Wildlife Motuara Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton.

Traveler Photos

See More
See More

Reviews

5.0
star-5
80 Reviews
5 stars
72
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
3

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-6 of 80 reviews
star-5
Bit of Everything!
Robby_V
, May 2021
we love it. bit if history of the area, bit of ecology, bit this and that - the tour was a complete package. wil recommend to friends. Nicki was great guide!
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , May 2021
Thanks for the Positive feedback :-)
... MoreLess
star-5
Amazing Tour
Lara
, Jun 2020
I really recommend this tour!! The guides are so nice and passionated about their work. We had a lot of luck. We saw the dolphins twice and on the way back to Picton they were jumping. It was amazing!!
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Jul 2020
Thanks you very much for your feedback ! A real pleasure to have you on board. Have a great day and thanks again :-)
... MoreLess
star-2
Disappointing
Bbelov
, Feb 2020
The boat was overcrowded. There were 30 people on board and only seating for 15 inside the cabin. Four people were sitting outside where it was windy and wet. The other 11 people had to stand. We never went to the Wildlife Sanctuary as planned. After boarding the boat we were told that it was too rough to go to to Motaura Island where we were to have had a guided tour. Instead we were taken to Ship’s Cove where we were basically left on our own for one hour. The company should have a alternate program with a guided tour if Motaura Island is not available and should say so up front. Only wildlife we saw was two Seals.
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Mar 2020
Due to Motuara Island being further out in the sounds, sometimes if the weather conditions change, it restricts us from mooring up onto the jetty safely. The success rate for going onto Motuara is very high but if it deems to be to rough it is always the skippers call. Our alternative to this is to go and visit ships cove which is a national memorial for Captain Cook himself. As this is not a sanctuary, we let people go where they please to and are happy to answer any questions on the history or queries to Ships Cove. We are sorry you did not enjoy your tour with us.
... MoreLess
star-5
Wow Wee so Impressive, There is so much wildlife in the Sounds.
Graham_B
, Jan 2019
I went on this attraction with very low expectations of seeing much in the way of wildlife but to my surprise my very professional and experienced tour guides took us past a vast array of bird life,N Z Fur Seals,Hector Dolphins and even a little Blue Penguin.Just amazing really and a must do when visiting Picton at a very fair price.
... MoreLess
star-5
Great half day cruise. Our guide...
Mike S
, Mar 2018
Great half day cruise. Our guide and driver were both excellent, very knowledgeable and fun. Queen Charlotte's Sound unbelievably beautiful. Saw Bottlenose Dolphins swimming round the boat and a number of birds at the nature reserve.
... MoreLess
star-5
Extrem nett
Franziska_B
, Jan 2020
Die Besatzung hat uns bestens betreut und alles erklärt, sehr schöne Wanderung, top organisiert von erfahrenen Wildtierexperten
... MoreLess

Compare Similar Experiences

Current
Wildlife Motuara Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton
Wildlife Motuara Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton
star-580
4 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$92.20
Half-Day Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton
star-4.513
N/A
Free Cancellation
From
$89.89
Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton
star-418
4 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$66.20
Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise
star-57
4 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$92.20
Early Bird Eco Cruise
star-53
5 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$68.29
Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise
star-4.55
4 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$92.20
Self-Guided Queen Charlotte Track Walk from Picton
star-4.539
7 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$62.02
Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton
star-519
1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$92.20
Ecoworld New Zealand tour from Marlborough Sounds
star-3.513
1 hour
Free Cancellation
From
$17.16

Explore Similar Things to Do

Catamaran Cruises Nature and WildlifeWater ToursEco ToursHalf-day ToursWater SportsCruises, Sailing & Water ToursOutdoor ActivitiesLuxury & Special OccasionsTours & SightseeingPictonCatamaran Cruises - South IslandNature and Wildlife - South IslandWater Tours - South IslandEco Tours - South IslandHalf-day Tours - South IslandCatamaran Cruises - WellingtonNature and Wildlife - WellingtonWater Tours - WellingtonEco Tours - WellingtonHalf-day Tours - WellingtonCatamaran Cruises - Tongariro National ParkNature and Wildlife - Tongariro National ParkWater Tours - Tongariro National ParkEco Tours - Tongariro National ParkHalf-day Tours - Tongariro National ParkCategory