Operates: October to April onlyCheck in time at Picton: 7:30amDepart Picton: 8amReturn to Picton: 12.30pm

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

Motuara Island Bird Watchers Cruise

South Island

Experiences

Nature & Wildlife Cruises

Cruises

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Picton

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 5 hours

Discover Native Wildlife on a Motuara Island Bird Watchers Cruise

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary is a predator-free haven where native species thrive, offering a rare opportunity to see some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds. The island resonates with the calls of tui, bellbirds, and robins as you arrive. With about an hour to explore, follow the track to the summit for breathtaking views over Ship Cove and the Cook Strait.

Wildlife encounters are unforgettable, with the chance to spot South Island Saddlebacks, kererū, fantails, and even Little Blue Penguins resting in nesting boxes. The rare King Shag and Marlborough Green Gecko add to the sanctuary’s appeal. Managed by the Department of Conservation, Motuara Island offers a truly special experience for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Motuara Island is a predator-free sanctuary managed by the Department of Conservation.

Beachcomber Cruises boat cruising through Queen Charlotte Sound en route to Motuara Island from Picton.

Mail Boat Cruise passing through Queen Charlotte Sound with a dolphin leaping in the foreground.

Hector’s dolphin leaping playfully near a cruise boat in Queen Charlotte Sound.

Scenic view from Motuara Island overlooking Queen Charlotte Sound and forested hills.

Visitors on the jetty walkway arriving at Motuara Island, surrounded by native bush.

Couple hiking along a narrow trail on Motuara Island, surrounded by native ferns.

Native New Zealand saddleback bird (Tīeke) at Motuara Island predator-free sanctuary.

Vibrant red-crowned parakeet (Kākāriki) seen during a birdwatching walk on Motuara Island.

Native bellbird (Korimako) perched on a branch at Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds.

Native New Zealand fantail bird (Pīwakawaka) foraging on the forest floor of Motuara Island.

New Zealand kererū perched on a branch overlooking Queen Charlotte Sound from Motuara Island.

Visitors standing on the wooden viewing platform atop Motuara Island, looking across Queen Charlotte Sound.

Group of visitors walking down the wooden steps of the Motuara Island lookout tower.

Pair of New Zealand fur seals resting on sunlit rocks near Motuara Island.

Mail Boat Cruises vessel anchored near Motuara Island in Queen Charlotte Sound.

Operates: October to April only
Check in time at Picton: 7:30am
Depart Picton: 8am
Return to Picton: 12.30pm

To help reduce our environmental impact, Beachcomber Cruises no longer uses single-use cups on any of our vessels. Reusable souvenir keep cups are available for purchase at the office before departure. We also provide complimentary tea and coffee for you to enjoy during the tour.

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

48 hours or more before travel: Full refund**
Less than 48 hours: No refund

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

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

Motuara Island Bird Watchers Cruise

Oct-Apr

South Island

Beachcomber Cruises

Experiences

South Island

Discover Native Wildlife on a Motuara Island Bird Watchers Cruise

Departure Dates

Operates: October to April

Booking Options