Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise — Motuara Island Wildlife & Queen Charlotte Sound Day Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to walk for 30 minutes on uneven terrain and climb short steps.
Overview
A four-hour small-group cruise that pairs a guided walk on predator-controlled Motuara Island with wildlife-rich cruising through Queen Charlotte Sound. Expect dolphins, little blue penguins, seals, live commentary, and a lookout view toward the North Island.
Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise — Motuara Island Wildlife & Queen Charlotte Sound Day Tour
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You step onto the deck with the harbour at your back and Queen Charlotte Sound opening ahead like a slow-moving ocean highway. Salted air threads through the group as the boat slips past private bays and forested ridgelines; gulls wheel and call, daring you to look harder. The guide names a headland and the boat threads a narrow channel—beneath the surface, dolphins arc and vanish, the water briefly rewinding your day into a single bright memory.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early
Check in at least 15 minutes before departure and follow the blue line from the Visitor Information Centre to the meeting point.
Dress in layers and waterproofs
Weather on the water can change fast—bring a windproof outer layer and a warm mid-layer for the island walk.
Bring motion-sickness remedies
If you’re susceptible, take antiemetic medication before boarding; calmer bays help but small swells still happen.
Use the complimentary binoculars wisely
Binoculars and species ID cards are provided—bring your own camera with a zoom for better wildlife images.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Little blue penguin
History
Motuara Island is part of the Queen Charlotte Sound area where Captain James Cook hoisted a flag and made early claims in New Zealand; the island now serves as a protected reserve.
Conservation
Motuara is managed as a pest-controlled sanctuary to protect endangered land birds; visitors are asked not to feed wildlife and to follow biosecurity rules.
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Adventure Hotspots in Picton
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry and blocks wind while cruising and during the island walk.
spring specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Needed for the 30-minute guided walk over uneven, sometimes muddy tracks.
all specific
Motion-sickness tablets
Useful if you’re prone to seasickness in choppy conditions.
summer specific
Telephoto-capable camera or zoom lens
Helps capture dolphins, seals, and birds from the boat without disturbing wildlife.
all specific