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Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingSix hours, small-group tour — cruise Queen Charlotte Sound and visit Motuara Island to view wildlife and landscapes, including dolphins and seals.
This six-hour small-group cruise departs from Picton, exploring the scenic Queen Charlotte Sound while keeping an eye out for local wildlife. You’ll visit Motuara Island, known for its vibrant bird life and historical significance where Captain Cook planted the first flag of New Zealand.
Guides share their enthusiasm for the wildlife, increasing your chances of spotting multiple species including dolphins, little blue penguins, seals, and rare seabirds. The cruise includes a fully-guided walk on the island to take in the views from the lookout, which stretches to the North Island.
On the return trip, complimentary hot drinks and chocolate biscuits are served. An afternoon tour of local award-winning wine adds a nice touch, rounding off a day filled with nature and culture.
Places you'll visit
Reviews
It was a lovely day for a cruise. I saw dolphins for the first time, which was truly incredible, and we encountered many other types of wildlife as well.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day. The weather was ideal, and Andy, our skipper, along with Julie, our tour guide, were fantastic. They dedicated plenty of time to searching for the rare Hector's dolphins, which only number around 40. We spotted them as they swam around the boat, leaping out of the water to say hello! We also docked at a small island and embarked on a challenging hike to the summit. While it's optional, the breathtaking panoramic view of Cook Strait and Charlotte Sound at the top makes it worthwhile. I highly recommend this experience to fellow travelers.
The team was excellent, well trained, and exceptionally friendly, which made for an enjoyable day. They communicated well and were great with customers who did not speak English.
The experience did not meet my expectations. We didn’t spot any dolphins, only a few seals and some birds. While the scenery was lovely, the boat was uncomfortable for a four-hour trip. The captain drove the boat too quickly, causing it to jerk around and leading to back pain for me. Additionally, the captain climbed over my seating area twice, which I found very frustrating, especially since the area was dirty. There were no warnings about the lengthy and steep walk to the bird sanctuary either. Overall, I felt the cost was not justified, especially since I noticed other groups with much nicer boats from Bluebridge. If I had known, I would have chosen them instead.
This was an excellent experience observing dolphins, various bird species, and seals in their natural habitat. The cruise was well-balanced, featuring stops along the way to the island walk and a swift return to the marina. Our guides, Calum and Daniel, were knowledgeable and enthusiastic, ensuring we didn't miss anything. It was a fantastic and eco-friendly tour that I would highly recommend.
I enjoyed a four-hour cruise for animal and birdwatching in the Marlboro Sound. I had the chance to see seals, two dolphin species, and many birds, though results can differ. There's also an optional 45-minute hike included. The skipper and tour guide were both knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend this excursion.
I had a fantastic four-hour cruise for animal and birdwatching in the Marlborough Sound. I spotted seals, two types of dolphins, and numerous birds, although results may differ for others. There's an optional steep 45-minute hike in the middle, which offers great views and plenty of birds. The skipper and guide were both knowledgeable and friendly. I would highly recommend this trip—if I could give it six stars, I would. A portion of the ticket price supports conservation efforts.
The tour was severely overbooked. They claim the boat accommodates 30 people, but it feels more suitable for just 15. As a result, the only seating available was on the floor, and even standing on deck offered little room to view the wildlife.
The crew was excellent and we spotted plenty of dolphins and birds, but the boat couldn't accommodate the number of passengers or offer a good viewing experience from inside. Additionally, advertised amenities like WiFi weren't available, and there weren't enough seats, forcing me to stand for over half the cruise.
This was an incredible experience. Even if we hadn’t spotted orcas, it would still deserve 5 stars. The staff were friendly and very knowledgeable. We encountered plenty of wildlife, birds, and learned about the local history. It was a perfect day, especially since we did see orcas.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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