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Motuara Island & a Day in the Sounds

Oct-Apr

South Island

Beachcomber Cruises

from
NZ$116
per adult
Book Now
Scenic view from Motuara Island overlooking Queen Charlotte Sound and forested hills.

Experiences

Nature & Wildlife Nature & Wildlife Cruises Cruises Family-friendly Tours Family-friendly Tours Day Tours Day Tours

South Island

Start: Picton
Duration: October to April

Details

Birdlife Encounters and Scenic Cruising in Queen Charlotte Sound

This full-day experience begins with an early morning cruise from Picton to Motuara Island, a bird sanctuary alive with calls of tui, bellbirds, and robins. Wander the short track to the summit for sweeping views of Ship Cove and the Cook Strait, or pause at the viewing station for a peaceful encounter with native wildlife. Along the way, you may spot Little Blue Penguins tucked inside their nesting boxes.

After your island visit, the journey continues to historic Ship Cove, where Captain Cook anchored in the 1770s. From here, you’ll travel on to either Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove, both set in tranquil surroundings perfect for unwinding. After a relaxing day in Queen Charlotte Sound, re-join the Beachcomber Cruises vessel for a scenic evening journey back to Picton, arriving at around 5:30 pm.

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Mail Boat Cruises vessel anchored near Motuara Island in Queen Charlotte Sound.
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Scenic view from Motuara Island overlooking Queen Charlotte Sound and forested hills.
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Hector’s dolphin leaping playfully near a cruise boat in Queen Charlotte Sound.
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Close-up of a South Island robin amongst forest undergrowth on Motuara Island.
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Visitors on the jetty walkway arriving at Motuara Island, surrounded by native bush.
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Native bellbird (Korimako) perched on a branch at Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds.
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Native New Zealand fantail bird (Pīwakawaka) foraging on the forest floor of Motuara Island.
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Vibrant red-crowned parakeet (Kākāriki) seen during a birdwatching walk on Motuara Island.
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Native New Zealand saddleback bird (Tīeke) at Motuara Island predator-free sanctuary.
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South Island robin standing on a tree stump surrounded by greenery on Motuara Island.
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Visitor reading an informational sign on Motuara Island with views over the Marlborough Sounds.
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Aerial view of Motuara Island's ridge with lookout tower and surrounding ocean.
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Aerial view of the Motuara Island lookout platform surrounded by lush native forest, overlooking Queen Charlotte Sound.
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Group of visitors walking down the wooden steps of the Motuara Island lookout tower.
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Pair of New Zealand fur seals resting on sunlit rocks near Motuara Island.
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Aerial view of Punga Cove jetty with boats and kayaks on turquoise waters along the Queen Charlotte Track.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Enjoy a fantastic day in Queen Charlotte Sound:
  • Visit Motuara Bird Island
  • Spend the day at either Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove

TRIP TIMINGS:

  • Operates: October to April only
  • Check in time at Picton: 7:30am
  • Depart Picton: 8am
  • Return to Picton: 5.30-6pm

AGE INFORMATION

  • Adult: 15 years +
  • Children: 5-14 years
  • Infant: 4 years & under

CANCELLATION FEES & REFUNDS:

  • 48 hours or more before travel: Refund less 10% fee**
  • Less than 48 hours: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card, or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

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