Motuara Island wildlife tour and dolphin cruise from Picton

Reviews

What travellers say4.7 · 209 total

• Michael_D

  We had an excellent...

  We enjoyed a fantastic afternoon excursion. The crew possessed a wealth of knowledge about the region and the prime spots to observe local wildlife. They consistently pointed out interesting sights and guided us on where to focus. Our visit to Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary was a highlight. As we made our way up to the viewing platform, the guide paused several times to share insights about the area's history and its wildlife. Although the trail was steep at times, the breathtaking view at the top was worth the effort.

• NorthStar25084412396

  Dolphins, birds, and a beautiful boat ride.

  We encountered dolphins and beautiful birds during our trip. The boat ride was breathtaking. Our guide was very informative, and the captain did an excellent job.

• Heather_H

  Enjoyed the island and...

  I appreciated the island and Julie's extensive knowledge. However, I felt a bit hurried by Dan, who kept mentioning our limited time, despite the tour lasting four hours. A more relaxed and friendly approach would have been better. It is quite pricey, but I'm glad some of the funds contribute to conservation efforts.

• l0chlyng

  Best place to see 50% of the world's Hector Dolphins.

  This tour was a delightful and informative experience led by knowledgeable guides. The smooth tour made the island stop a standout moment, though the rare sea birds, sea lions, and Hector's Dolphins that you encounter closely are hard to beat. It’s a great way to spend part of your day, and I highly recommend it.

• Alison_B

  Brilliant trip

  The climb to the island's summit is challenging, but the view makes it worthwhile. Our guide Connor shared extensive knowledge about the island's bird species and marine life, answering all our questions expertly. Skipper Paul demonstrated his familiarity with the area, alerting us to distant wildlife and advising us about rough seas.

• gsbpro

  Motuara Island Sanctuary and Dolphin Watching - Terrific Tour, People and Guide. Highly Recommend Using Eko Tours

  Julie at the office, along with our guide Courtney and captain Andy, provided exceptional service. They were friendly, helpful, and offered valuable information throughout the tour. It began with Julie, who suggested we switch from the Captain Cook Cove tour to the Motuara Island Sanctuary and Dolphin Watching Tour, which was a fantastic decision. While Captain Cook involves being dropped off at the bay for independent time, the Motuara experience included both dolphin encounters and a guided hike, which I found to be far superior. During the hike on Motuara Island, we enjoyed breathtaking views and encountered various wildlife, including dolphins that swarmed our boat, seals, and numerous birds. Courtney did a wonderful job guiding us, keeping a suitable pace for everyone to enjoy the hike comfortably. The itinerary was well-paced, allowing us to spend a couple of hours observing dolphins and seals in the sounds, followed by an hour hiking up the island to take in the stunning scenery, and then a return trip to the dock. Choosing Eko Tours for our Marlborough Sound adventure was the right call, and I appreciated Julie's recommendation to switch tours. The boat was well-kept and not overcrowded, even with a full booking, enhancing the overall experience.

• 286KarenF

  Great wildlife tour - well worthwhile.

  This guided tour was exceptional, providing valuable insights into the commendable conservation efforts in the Picton region. We witnessed amazing wildlife and enjoyed a wonderful walk to the summit with Conner. Our skipper, Paul, also shared a wealth of information. The bottlenose dolphins were the standout feature of the experience. We highly recommend this beautiful journey through the Sound.

• C7313WCemilys

  A highlight of my trip to New Zealand

  I thoroughly enjoyed the E-Ko Motuara Wildlife and Dolphin Cruise with Julie and Dan. Julie's passion and expertise about the wildlife we saw were impressive, while Dan shared valuable insights about the sound and its human inhabitants. Both guides were friendly and well-informed. The trip was a major highlight of my time in New Zealand, allowing us to observe various local wildlife including Hectors Dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals, Shags, and more. With a small group size, everyone had the chance to see everything, and the guides ensured we spent enough time with each species without disturbing them.

• Christine_C

  Unbelievable Day Out....POD of Orca.

  I reserved the 4-hour Dolphin and Moteau Island tour, where we encountered numerous seals and different bird species. Captain Andy and his assistant Courtney were both friendly and informative. The highlight of our outing was spotting a pod of 8 orcas, a rare sighting that allowed us to observe them for 15-20 minutes. Although we maintained a strict distance, their leisurely pace made for a truly unforgettable experience.

• Sightsee08372424688

  Don't miss this one

  This experience is both well-organized and welcoming. The crew's primary aim is to ensure you see as much as possible. A pod of dusky dolphins was a highlight for us on our return. We also loved spotting fur seals, king shags, blue penguins, and shearwater birds from the boat. On the island, we had close encounters with South Island robins, piwakawaka, saddlebacks, and bell birds. The knowledgeable crew made everything enjoyable, and they were willing to assist with anything. We had a fantastic day.

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