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New Zealand
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Marlborough District
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Picton
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Tours & Activities
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Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton
4h30
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About this activity
At the waterfront in Picton, board your vessel for your 4.5-hour excursion. As your boat makes the 60-minute journey to Motuara Island, your expert captain provides informative commentary on the points of interest, wildlife, and human history of Queen Charlotte Sound, which is part of the larger Marlborough Sounds.
When you arrive at Motuara Island, set off on your own to explore the Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary. Once cleared for farming, the forest has regenerated and all predators on the island were removed in 1991. A series of informative panels along the trail provide details about the area and you can walk up to a lookout point on the top of the island.
Many rare and native birds live on Motuara, including the saddleback, New Zealand robin, kiwi, bellbird, tui, grey warbler, New Zealand pigeon, silver eye and fantail. Other creatures found here are the Maud Island frog and Marlborough green gecko. A pod of native Hector’s dolphins — considered the rarest marine dolphin in the world — make the Sound their home, and you are likely to see little blue penguins hunting for fish. You may also view other waterbirds like shearwaters, shags and gannets.
After 60–90 minutes on Motuara, return to the boat at the designated time for the 10-minute cruise to Ship Cove. Captain James Cook landed here in 1770 to supply his ship, and in the process, it became his favorite New Zealand anchorage. Take 30 minutes ashore to explore informative displays, snap photos of a monument to Cook, and enjoy the beautiful sheltered beach. Then continue and take in the scenery as your boat makes short stops in the area, before cruising for about an hour to return to Picton.
Complimentary tea and coffee are provided on board and you are welcome to bring food with you. There are no shops or cafes to purchase snacks during the tour.
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When you arrive at Motuara Island, set off on your own to explore the Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary. Once cleared for farming, the forest has regenerated and all predators on the island were removed in 1991. A series of informative panels along the trail provide details about the area and you can walk up to a lookout point on the top of the island.
Many rare and native birds live on Motuara, including the saddleback, New Zealand robin, kiwi, bellbird, tui, grey warbler, New Zealand pigeon, silver eye and fantail. Other creatures found here are the Maud Island frog and Marlborough green gecko. A pod of native Hector’s dolphins — considered the rarest marine dolphin in the world — make the Sound their home, and you are likely to see little blue penguins hunting for fish. You may also view other waterbirds like shearwaters, shags and gannets.
After 60–90 minutes on Motuara, return to the boat at the designated time for the 10-minute cruise to Ship Cove. Captain James Cook landed here in 1770 to supply his ship, and in the process, it became his favorite New Zealand anchorage. Take 30 minutes ashore to explore informative displays, snap photos of a monument to Cook, and enjoy the beautiful sheltered beach. Then continue and take in the scenery as your boat makes short stops in the area, before cruising for about an hour to return to Picton.
Complimentary tea and coffee are provided on board and you are welcome to bring food with you. There are no shops or cafes to purchase snacks during the tour.
Included
- Live commentary on board
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Food
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to consume on board
- Closed-toe walking shoes suitable for walking are recommended
Features
Tourism
80%
Cultural
50%
Original
35%
Aquatic
20%
Reviews
One has the chance of a quick walk to the top of the mount to observe the view and birds, but I think one could do with a bit more time on Motuara Island. Ship Cove stop over was about the right time
We had a perfect day - on our walk up Motuara we saw cute south island robyns which hopped around our feet, one saddleback, several piwakawaka fantails played hide and seek and swooped close. The one hour was about right. Ship Cove we had time to explore the waterfall track for a short way and to view the monument. We called into Resolution, Endeavour Furneaux and Punga and had an interesting commentary en route. A nice roomy ship with great viewing from the upper deck. It helped that the day was calm, warm and sunny which I understand cannot always be guaranteed!
We arranged the trip on line and told you what time we was docking in Picton? When we got the cruise ships transport to the centre and went to the fishing port a lady at the desk said our cruise had already left at 8am? If we had known this at the time of the booking we would have booked something else? We was however given an alternative and was booked on the mail cruise? We was asked to pay an extra 30 for this, the girl had problems with the credit card system so we didn't pay this additional cost? In my opinion I would say all the relevant information should have been provided prior to our trip? We booked this in February and the trip was in April. We didn't have Wi-fi on the ship because of its expense. Although the mail boat was good we feel arrangements should have been finalised prior to our visit?
Very nice. Would have been nice to have more time on the Motuara Bird Sanctuary. We had only one hour, could have used at least an hour and a half.
Fantastic trip. Although I saw very few birds on Motuara Island, the trip was very worthwhile, especially as we saw a pod of Hectors Dolphins, a male, female and baby Orka and then to top it of a pod of bottle nosed dolphins.