Get started
Why list with usHow it worksEarnings calculatorManagement
Airbnb managementProperty managementVacation rental managementShort-term rental managementServiced apartment managementHoliday home managementAirbnb co-hostingChannels & tools
Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingFour and a half hours on the water — explore Motuara Island and Ship Cove, spotting native wildlife with an expert captain.
This 4.5-hour boat cruise begins at Picton Harbour and takes you to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove. The tour departs at 8:00 AM sharp, so timely arrival is necessary. As you navigate through Queen Charlotte Sound, enjoy the chance to see endangered native birds such as the South Island saddleback, king shag, little blue penguin, and kiwi, alongside seals and rare dolphins.
The cruise provides an informative commentary from your captain, highlighting the cultural history and wildlife of the region. Keep in mind that single-use cups are no longer used aboard, but you can buy a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup for $6, allowing you to enjoy tea and coffee throughout the duration of the tour.
Reviews
We thoroughly enjoyed our day on the water and exploring the island. We would have appreciated an extra hour there to take in the scenery a bit more. The lookout was a definite highlight. Thank you for this wonderful experience.
The boat trip was stunning. Once we reached the island, I felt hurried to ascend to the viewpoint and return in time. While we enjoy birdwatching, we're not seasoned birders; we primarily heard them rather than saw many.
This island is truly magical, offering the perfect duration to reach the summit and enjoy stunning panoramic views. The unique bird species are a highlight. However, I was let down by the brief stop at the Cook Memorial; the captain’s explanation of being "behind schedule" felt inadequate, resulting in a rushed experience for everyone on that trip.
We stopped at Motoura Island before the Ships Cove to Furneaux Lodge walk, hoping it would be a highlight, but it fell short of our expectations. Although complimentary coffee was advertised, none was provided during the hour-long boat ride to Motoura Island. The noise from the boat made it hard to hear the guide’s explanations, and we expected more commentary compared to what the mailboat cruise passengers received. Additionally, the return boat had some issues, causing us to wait for a replacement. Instead of waiting at the Lodge where it was warm and we could enjoy drinks, we were instructed to gather at the boat around 3:45. It was a dreary day, and we waited nearly 45 minutes on the boat, which felt like poor service. Overall, it felt more like a water taxi service than an enjoyable cruise experience.
Experiencing the friendliness of the little Robins and getting a close view of the Saddlebacks made for a delightful morning adventure.
Stunning landscapes, engaging locations to discover, and an informative look at the region's history, all complemented by a well-coordinated boat experience.
My wife and I were really looking forward to this excursion, but it ended up being disappointing. The total boat ride lasted 4.5 hours, but we only had 1.5 hours to explore the wonderful bird island. We were aware that the tour would not have a guide. Unfortunately, the other three participants spent more time talking loudly than focusing on the birds, which frightened many of them away, preventing us from observing the species well. Overall, this was one of the worst experiences we've had. I cannot recommend it.
The island serves as a bird sanctuary, but don't expect to see many birds. For those of us from New Zealand, this is acceptable, but it may let down international visitors. The journey around the sounds was enjoyable, and we appreciated the time spent at Ship Cove.
We enjoyed a fantastic day in Queen Charlotte Sound, visiting Motuara Island and Ship Cove, followed by a scenic walk from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove. While sailing from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, we had a remarkable encounter with Hector Dolphins, thanks to our captain. The staff were attentive and provided excellent guidance in selecting our tour. They were very professional, making us feel safe and welcomed every time we had questions. At the end of the trip, our captain kindly picked up other visitors from the cafe and restaurant at Punga Cove before returning us to Picton. Overall, it was a great value, offering a wonderful experience in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
An excellent tour with an outstanding company; I would choose Beachcomber consistently in the future.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
Visiting Picton?
Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments — concierge always included.