Nature Tours Marlborough Sounds & Motuara Island
Nature Tours and Wildlife Cruises in Marlborough Sounds – E-Ko Tours
Embark on an Unforgettable Nature Cruise in Marlborough Sounds with E-Ko Tours
Discover the beauty of Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, on a guided nature and wildlife cruise with E-Ko Tours. Explore pristine waters, encounter fascinating wildlife, and delve into the region’s rich history.
Explore Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary:
Step onto a predator-free sanctuary teeming with native birdlife. Take a guided walk and marvel at species like the rare saddleback, blue penguin, native pigeon, parakeet, cheeky robin, and melodic bellbird.
Witness Dolphin Encounters:
Spot playful Dusky, Bottlenose, or Hector’s dolphins in their natural habitat. Our experienced guides provide the best opportunities to observe these incredible marine mammals.
Uncover the History of Cooks Cove:
Learn about the historical significance of Cooks Cove, where tales of Captain James Cook and early European explorers come to life in the breathtaking surroundings of Marlborough Sounds.
Experience Whale Watching Adventures:
Embark on an exhilarating whale watching cruise to witness majestic whales in their natural environment—an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Book Your Marlborough Sounds Nature Cruise Today:
Join us for an incredible journey and create lasting memories in one of New Zealand’s most stunning natural settings.
Discover Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Dolphin Watching
Price: $149 per person – Child: $75 per person
Departs: 8:00 am & 1:30 pm
Duration: 4 hours
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Marlborough Sounds with E-Ko Cruises. Our wildlife and dolphin cruise combines a scenic voyage to Motuara Island with the thrill of dolphin encounters.
Explore Motuara Island: Discover a pristine island sanctuary teeming with native birdlife. Enjoy a guided nature walk and marvel at the diverse range of species, including the rare saddleback, resident blue penguins, native “pigeons,” “parakeets,” and “robins”, along with the melodic bellbird.
Encounter Dolphins: Witness the playful antics of dolphins in their natural habitat.
Our expert guides will help you spot Hector’s, Bottlenose, or Dusky dolphins, ensuring a high chance of encountering these incredible creatures.
Experience the Beauty of the Marlborough Sounds: Cruise through the stunning scenery of the Sounds, taking in the breathtaking coastal landscapes and pristine waters.
Reserve your spot on this unforgettable wildlife and dolphin cruise today!
Captain Cook Cruise – Ship Cove
Price: $149 per person – Child: $75 per person
Departs Daily: 8:00 am & 1:30 pm (Briefing 30 minutes prior to departure)
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the Historical Legacy of Captain Cook at Ship Cove.
Embark on a captivating journey through the Marlborough Sounds with E-Ko Cruises. The Captain Cook Cruise to Ship Cove offers a rare opportunity to visit the historical site where Captain James Cook spent 171 days during his voyages.
Walk in Captain Cook’s Footsteps: Step ashore at Ship Cove, a place of profound historical significance. Learn about Captain Cook’s interactions with the local Maori people and his pivotal role in the exploration of New Zealand.
Experience the Natural Beauty: Cruise through the breathtaking scenery of the Marlborough Sounds, where dolphins, seals, and seabirds often accompany the journey. Marvel at the pristine coastal landscapes that have inspired travelers for centuries.
Book your Captain Cook Cruise today and immerse yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds.
Wildlife – Bird Watching Cruise To Kaipupu Sanctuary
Price: $199 per person – Child: $99 per person
Departs Daily: Hourly – 8:30 to 4:30 (Briefing 30 minutes prior to departure)
Duration: 4 hours
Discover the Birdlife of the Marlborough Sounds
Embark on a captivating birdwatching adventure with E-Ko Cruises. Our tour takes you to the scenic Kaipupu Sanctuary, a haven for native birdlife.
Explore Kaipupu Sanctuary: Enjoy a guided nature walk through the regenerating native bush and marvel at the diverse range of bird species. “This predator-free sanctuary is dedicated to preserving New Zealand’s native birdlife and offers a rare glimpse into a thriving ecosystem.
Spot iconic New Zealand birds like the tui, kereru, and fantail.
Experience Marine Wildlife Encounters: As you cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, keep an eye out for seabirds, seals, and penguins. Enjoy stunning views of the coastline and the opportunity to observe marine life in their natural habitat.
Reserve your spot on the Kaipupu Sanctuary Birdwatching Cruise and connect with New Zealand’s extraordinary wildlife!
Tour Features:
- Cruise Calm Sheltered Water of Queen Charlotte Sound
- Experienced Captains with Fun and informative commentary
- Personalised Small Fully Guided Group Tour (1-15 ratio)
- FREE Binoculars for you and Species ID Cards
- Amazing Photo opportunities so close you only need a phone
- FREE High-Quality Wildlife Photo in Shop
- Family Friendly Boats with Children Toys and education
- Complimentary Local Wine and Local Mussels on PM Tours
- Travel with E-Ko and Support local Conservation efforts
- Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary guided Walk
Check Out Our Swimming With Dolphins & Wildlife Tours HERE
Phone: + 64 3 573 8040 Email: [email protected]
Visit our Website: www.e-ko.nz/
Discover the Fascinating Birds of Motuara Island
Motuara Island is a treasure trove of native New Zealand birdlife. As a predator-free sanctuary, it provides a safe haven for many endangered species, making it one of the best spots for birdwatching in the Marlborough Sounds. Here are the notable birds you can expect to encounter on your visit:
Rare Kaka – New Zealand’s Majestic Forest Parrot
The Kākā is a strikingly beautiful forest parrot with vibrant green and red feathers. Known for its bold and loud call, the Kākā is an incredibly intelligent bird that was reintroduced to Motuara Island after being nearly wiped out by predation on the mainland. The Kākā’s return to the island marks a significant conservation success. These birds are often seen flying gracefully over the island’s dense forest, their calls echoing throughout the area.
South Island Robin – A Friendly, Curious Forest Companion
Often seen hopping along the forest floor, the South Island Robin is known for its friendly and approachable nature. These little birds are a favorite for visitors, as they are often unafraid of humans. Their curiosity makes them a delight to spot as they flit around the island’s dense vegetation. They are also known to hop along with visitors, adding a special touch to the birdwatching experience.
South Island Saddleback – A Conservation Success
The South Island Saddleback is a resilient bird, famously recognized by its striking red and black plumage. Once on the brink of extinction, this flightless bird has been successfully reintroduced to Motuara Island, where it thrives in the predator-free environment, a testament to New Zealand’s ongoing conservation efforts. The Saddleback’s distinctive call and energetic movements make it a remarkable species to encounter during your visit.
Bellbird (Korimako) – A Sweet Songbird of Motuara Island
The Bellbird, or Korimako, is a melodic songbird whose beautiful, bell-like call rings through the native bush. Known for its role in pollination, the Bellbird helps sustain the health of the island’s flora. Its melodious sounds add a peaceful atmosphere to your time on the island. These birds are often seen darting between the flowers and trees, feeding on nectar and making their presence known through their vibrant song.
Fantail (Pīwakawaka) – Playful and Energetic
The Fantail is a small, energetic bird known for its distinctive fanned tail. It is commonly seen fluttering through the air in search of insects, often in close proximity to humans. Their inquisitive nature makes them one of the most entertaining birds to observe on Motuara Island. Fantails can often be seen flitting around, following visitors and posing for a quick snapshot, making them a highlight for anyone walking through the forest.
Tui – The Melodious Songbird
Famous for its sweet and varied song, the Tui is a large, distinctive bird with white throat tufts. It feeds primarily on nectar and plays a vital role in pollinating the island’s flowers. The Tūī‘s songs can often be heard echoing through the forest, creating a harmonious atmosphere. These beautiful songbirds are not only a joy to listen to but also help keep the island’s flora flourishing by spreading pollen as they feed.
Parakeets (Kākāriki) – Vibrant and Energetic
The Yellow-crowned Parakeet, or Kākāriki, is a small, lively bird known for its bright green feathers. These playful birds are often spotted flitting between trees, adding color and movement to the island’s dense forest. They thrive in the predator-free environment of Motuara Island, making it a prime habitat for these vibrant species. Their energetic behavior and bright plumage make them an exciting addition to any birdwatcher’s checklist.
Silvereye (Tauhou) – The Social Songbird
The Silvereye, with its olive-green plumage and white-ringed eyes, is a small but social bird found in flocks. These birds contribute significantly to the island’s biodiversity and are often seen foraging in the forest. Their social behavior and active presence add to the dynamic ecosystem on Motuara Island. Silvereyes are often seen in small groups, moving energetically from tree to tree as they search for food.
Marine and Birdlife Encounters on Your Marlborough Sounds Cruise
Little Blue Penguin – New Zealand’s Smallest Penguin
The Little Blue Penguin, often seen around Motuara Island, is the smallest penguin species in the world. These adorable birds are well-known for their playful nature. They can be spotted swimming or nesting in burrows on the island, making them a charming sight for birdwatchers and visitors alike. Their small size and curious behavior make them an unforgettable part of any wildlife spotting experience in the Marlborough Sounds.
King Shag – A Rare Seabird of the Marlborough Sounds
The King Shag is a large seabird with stunning black and white feathers. As one of New Zealand’s most critically endangered birds, sightings of the King Shag are a rare treat for birdwatchers. These seabirds are most often seen diving for fish in the Marlborough Sounds’ clear waters. The King Shag is a remarkable species to encounter, and spotting one is often considered a highlight of any cruise through the Marlborough Sounds.
Australasian Gannet – Majestic Seabird of the Marlborough Sounds
The Australasian Gannet is a large, striking seabird known for its dramatic diving ability. With its mostly white plumage and bright yellow head, it’s a stunning sight to see soaring through the skies or diving into the waters of the Marlborough Sounds in search of fish. Often spotted during cruises around Motuara Island, the Australasian Gannetadds a sense of awe to the experience, especially when it performs its spectacular plunge dives.
New Zealand Fur Seal – Playful Marine Mammal
The New Zealand Fur Seal is a common sight along the coastlines of the Marlborough Sounds. These playful and curious creatures are often seen basking on rocks or swimming in the clear waters around Motuara Island. Known for their acrobatic abilities, the New Zealand Fur Seals add a fun and lively element to your cruise experience. Their inquisitive nature means they may even approach the boat, offering passengers an up-close view of their playful antics.
Hector’s Dolphin – The Playful Marine Mammal
While not a bird, the Hector’s Dolphin deserves mention due to its playful and curious nature. These small, endangered dolphins are commonly found swimming in the clear waters around Motuara Island. They often approach boats, delighting guests with their friendly antics. Their presence is a wonderful bonus during your cruise, adding a marine touch to the birdwatching experience.
Common Dolphins – Graceful Swimmers of the Marlborough Sounds
Common Dolphins are highly social marine mammals often seen in pods, swimming gracefully through the waters of the Marlborough Sounds. Known for their playful behavior and acrobatic leaps, these dolphins often join boats, delighting guests with their energetic nature and striking black and white markings.
Bottlenose Dolphins – Friendly and Intelligent
Bottlenose Dolphins are among the most iconic marine species, recognized for their intelligence and friendly behavior. Often seen swimming near boats, these dolphins are known for their playful nature and acrobatic flips. Their curious and sociable behavior makes them a memorable highlight during any nature cruise in the Marlborough Sounds.
Dusky Dolphins – Agile and Playful
Dusky Dolphins are known for their incredible agility and acrobatic displays. These dolphins are frequently spotted leaping and spinning through the air in the clear waters around Motuara Island. Their playful behavior and interactive nature make them one of the most exciting species to encounter on your cruise.
Why Motuara Island is a Birdwatcher’s Paradise
The predator-free status of Motuara Island allows these remarkable bird species to thrive, offering birdwatchers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe endangered and unique species up close. Whether you are passionate about bird conservation or simply enjoying the beauty of New Zealand’s natural wildlife, Motuara Island is a must-visit destination for any nature lover.