Itinerary
Discover what the Marlborough Sounds has to offer
Day One: Arrive into Picton and check into your four star motel accommodation for your two night stay.
Day Two: The tour begins with a fully guided wildlife boat experience. You will witness many species of sea birds, dolphins and seals on your way to Motuara Island, New Zealand’s Premier Predator-Free island. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take a one-hour guided walk on this Department of Conservation breeding reserve, where rare and endangered species are bred and then translocated to other locations in New Zealand. Motuara Island is 100% predator-free and is home to some rare species, such as the yellow-crowned Parakeet and Saddleback. Explore the island on your own or go with our knowledgeable guide, who will point out and describe the resident blue penguins, rare saddleback, melodic bellbirds, cheeky robins, native pigeons and yellow-crowned parakeets (kakariki). If it’s a clear day, you can also spot the North Island in the distance. The view from the Cook Strait lookout is spectacular!
After you visit Motuara Island, the tour takes you over to Ship Cove where you'll first of all enjoy a guided walk up to the waterfall.
Enjoy the Pinot Gris wine and gourmet lunch that we provide and savour this fantastic location’s essence, this location is rich in history and culture. Learn about Captain Cook’s time here with the DOC information signs and your knowledgeable guide.
Following lunch enjoy an easy 5km loop walk through virgin bush up to the Motuara lookout and back to Ship Cove. This trail is the only section of the original native bush up to 40m tall, serving on the Queen Charlotte Track.
You can also enjoy the beach area of Ship Cove (we provide wetsuit, masks and snorkels if you want to get into the sea).
Enjoy your cruise back into Picton.
Day Three: Check out from your motel. Safe travels.
Departure Dates:
Available daily year round - Subject to availability at the time of booking.
