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Three hours of guided wildlife viewing by boat — rare bird sightings, marine mammals, and a visit to Blumine Island's predator-free sanctuary.
This three-hour guided boat tour from Picton focuses on New Zealand's marine life and rare birds. You'll start by searching for dolphins in the calm waters before heading to Blumine Island, renowned for its unique wildlife. The island is home to the highly sought-after Orange Fronted Kakariki and the King Shag, both seen with high success rates.
The tour features a team of certified guides, including enthusiastic marine biologists, who provide insights into the local ecosystem. Note that bio-security measures are strict; bags are not allowed on the island unless checked by Department of Conservation staff.
Reviews
It was an enjoyable experience. We saw many animals and the views on the island we visited were stunning. If you're looking to see some of New Zealand's beauty, this is a wonderful option.
We had a fantastic boat tour with Andy and the enthusiastic Will, making it our best day in New Zealand. We spotted numerous rare seabirds, Captain Pugwash (the fur seal), and friendly Hector dolphins. Thanks for a wonderful day!
We enjoyed an excellent wildlife tour that included a stop at Mortuara. Our guides provided extensive information and worked hard to help us see all the wildlife. They were fantastic with the children as well, showing great teamwork. Will and Andy deserve a perfect score of 10 out of 10.
Our time on the water at Queen Charlotte Sound was truly enjoyable. We were fortunate to spot several animals our guide mentioned before we set out from Picton harbour. The expertise of both the Captain and the guide added to our experience, and we appreciated the nice gesture of having a hot drink and an alcoholic beverage on the way back. I highly recommend this trip.
Captain Andy and Hannah were fantastic crew members who were very accommodating to my young children, ages 3 and 5. They particularly enjoyed getting a chance to steer the boat and having hot cocoa on the return trip. This is a wonderful local business that deserves support.
I highly recommend this wildlife tour. Our guide Will and Captain Andy offered excellent insights throughout the journey. The weather was lovely, and we spotted numerous birds and wildlife. The climb up Motuara Island is challenging, but the birdwatching and views from the summit make it worthwhile.
This cruise was outstanding and very informative. We had the chance to see various rare birds and sea mammals. The crew, especially Will and Paul, were incredibly knowledgeable. I highly recommend this experience; it’s a fantastic value.
Bella and Dan led us on an amazing afternoon trip to Motuara Island. We saw dusky dolphins, rare Hector dolphins swimming near us, gannets diving for fish, and King Shags. Once on the island, you can either climb to the top for stunning views or relax by the birdbath and observe birds. Both Bella, our guide, and Dan, the driver, were outstanding—friendly and informative. Although it was only Bella's second tour, she was professional and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this for an exciting and enjoyable adventure.
This was an excellent trip with no issues at all. We enjoyed observing both marine wildlife and birds on the island. Our guide, Bella, provided great insights about various species and their activities. The standout moment for me was seeing the nesting box with two blue penguin chicks.
We appreciate E-Ko Tours for providing an incredible day on Motuara Island. Connor and Daniel were both friendly and well-informed. We enjoyed the close encounters with dolphins, seals, and birds, and the views from the island were stunning.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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