Animal Encounter Picton

This 4-hour trip is a fantastic chance for students to learn about the flora, fauna and history of the Marlborough Sounds!
We begin our learning adventure at the E-Ko Tours classroom in Picton. Before we board the boat our education staff prepare students for the day's adventure with a short introduction & an educational presentation.
During the cruise and on the way out to Ship Cove, students search for, study and learn about the rare and interesting wildlife encountered.

Cruise the length of the calm and sheltered Queen Charlotte Sound to Ship Cove
Cruise to Ship Cove and see where Captain Cook spent 171 days, he wrote this was the most beautiful place in the Pacific. This special place has information plaques in place which cover all the local information about Cooks time here.
For all the local stories listen to your experienced local Captain Guide who knows the stories of the Europeans and the local Maori. Here about what was to most imported traded items between Maori and European between 1770 -1779, listen to Kupe’s story ,Kupe arrived 72 generations ago at the same location, see where Captain Cook pulled his boat ashore for repairs, hear about Sir Joseph Banks amazing natural sciences work at Ship Cove and lots more.
We have been Guiding people here for 20 years with qualified guides and are the only company to offer daily guided tours to Ship Cove and other locations in this stunning scenic location.
While your their try the local creek which filters down t through the rain forest. Cook used this water to grow the first vegetables in New Zealand and also brew the first beer. It still tastes fantastic.
On the way stop with Seals, Dolphins, Seabirds and enjoy our qualified Guide and Captains commentary. We specialize in wildlife encounters and give you species Identification cards and your own binoculars so you can get involved. Amazing photos are possible on our specialized boats and our expert team will get you close to dolphins, seals, sea birds along the way.
We offer small group tours and are the only company with qualified Guides onboard our Cruises. Let our award-winning team give you the BEST experience possible for the 250 celebrations of Cooks arrival and the start of New Zealand culture.
On the return enjoy a glass of Yealands award-winning Pinot Gris or if you like Hot Chocolate, tea, coffee and chocolate biscuits.

A nature cruise and historical experience with fantastic scenery, wonderful wildlife and degree qualified guides. A perfect way to experience the Marlborough Sounds.
Cruise calm sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound
Exclusive no Seasickness guarantee
Experienced captains with fun and informative commentary
Personalized small fully guided group tour (1-15 ratio)
Onboard binoculars for viewing wildlife
Amazing photo opportunities so close you only need a phone
Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits
Complimentary local wine on afternoon tour
Kids toys, books and drawing boards
Free professional high-quality wildlife photos downloadable on our website
Bottlenose, Common, Dusky, Hectors Dolphins and Orca
Travel with E-Ko and Support local Conservation efforts


Cruise the length of the calm and sheltered Queen Charlotte Sound. Experience and learn about playful dolphins, fur seals and amazing seabirds before landing at historic Ship Cove where Captain Cook first made landfall on the South Island of New Zealand. Our comfortable vessels and expert team take you on a conservation focused, wildlife adventure for your soul. Outstanding commentary and fantastic viewing areas allow you to enjoy playful Hector's, bottlenose, or dusky dolphins. We also see NZ fur seals and numerous seabirds before landing at Ship Cove for a history lover's walk.
After being welcomed ashore by the cheeky resident Wekas, Oyster Catchers and Paradise Shelducks, you'll spend approximately 35 minutes enjoying the untouched native forest, fascinating history and breathtaking scenery. Spectacular views of Motuara Island and the open ocean in Cook Strait will leave you speechless.

A nature cruise and historical experience with fantastic scenery, wonderful wildlife and WCA certified marine guides.

Cruise calm sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound
Exclusive no Seasickness guarantee
Experienced captains with fun and informative commentary
Personalized small fully guided group tour (1-15 ratio)
Onboard binoculars for viewing wildlife
Amazing photo opportunities so close you only need a phone
Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits
Complimentary local wine on afternoon tour
Kids toys, books and drawing boards
Free professional high-quality wildlife photos downloadable on our website
Bottlenose, Common, Dusky, Hectors Dolphins and Orca
Travel with E-Ko and Support local Conservation efforts


Cruise the majestic Marlborough Sounds on a scenic journey to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary. Our comfortable vessels and expert team take you on a conservation focused, wildlife adventure for your soul. Outstanding commentary and fantastic viewing areas allow you to enjoy playful Hector's, bottlenose, or dusky dolphins. We also see NZ fur seals and numerous seabirds before landing on Motuara Island for a 1-hour nature lover's walk to remember.

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). The birds on this predator-free island are fearless, plentiful and very vocal. The view from the Cook Strait lookout is absolutely spectacular! After returning to the boat, sit back and relax with a hot drink and cookies, and then some local wine before making our way back to Picton and stopping with any extra species we discover.

For bird enthusiasts keen on seeking the rare and endangered Orange-fronted Kakariki.
This option provides a drop off and pick-up onto Blumine Island for approximately 1.5 hours during the afternoon Wildlife Experience.
We have a 95% success rate on finding this elusive bird and bird watchers from all over the world come here to photograph and view these amazing creatures. Before we drop you off on the island we will tell you our secret method for success. This predator free bird sanctuary is also home to the South Island Saddleback, Bellbirds, Kereru, Tomtits, Tui, Weka, and the very rare Mohua.
Note there is no jetty or pier onto the island, so you may end up with wet feet jumping on and off the vessel!
After your time on the island we will pick you up for a cruise back to Picton.
Please note this option is subject to availability and weather conditions.

Bird Watchers Private Charter


For Birding Watching Groups or Clubs


This specialized Unique experience focuses on two Critically Endangered species - the New Zealand King Shag and the Orange Fronted Kakariki, New Zealand’s rarest bush bird Lots of other species are also encountered on the cruise through the beautiful calm waters of Queen Charlotte Sound to our predator-free bird sanctuary islands.


Note there is no jetty or pier onto the island, so you may end up with wet feet jumping on and off the vessel - but it's worth it for the experience!


Departs Picton at 08:00 for a 4-hour-long search for our rare and Critically Endangered species ,the King Shag (taonga) and Orange Fronted kakriki, only found here in Marlborough.


There are just 830 of the King Shags on the planet, but we have 99.9% success rate finding them on the way to Blumine Island. You have one of our specially trained Captains to guide you and make the photos perfect. Fifty years combines local Knowledge. :-)


Blumine Island, our next stop is THE place to see the incredibly rare Orange Fronted Kakariki. We have a 90% success rate finding this elusive bird and bird watchers from all over the world come here to see (and usually photograph) this prized species. We Sponsor this program and put the original 54 birds on their years ago. Now up to 6 generations later they have adapted to us and the island conditions and are now being translocated to other areas in NZ. A great Success story.


Before we drop you off on the island we will share our secret method for successful spotting with you. After your time on the island we will pick you up at 11:00 for a cruise back to Picton as we search for dolphins and other wildlife before returning you safely to shore by 12:30.


We also supply biscuits and hot drinks on this tour.


Briefing: 0745
Duration: 4 hours


Prices


Adult: (16+ years) $1750 incl GST


Maximum 14 passengers


All our birdwatchers tours are only available through phone or email bookings - contact us and we’ll take care of you.

For Birding Watching Groups or Clubs – You pick the island! Briefing time: 08:00 Trip duration: 4 hours Price: $1750 for up to 14 passengers
This specialized experience focuses on two species – the New Zealand King Shag and the Orange Fronted Kakariki, New Zealand’s rarest bush bird
Lots of other species are also encountered on the cruise through the beautiful calm waters of Queen Charlotte Sound to our predator free bird sanctuary islands.
Departs Picton at 08:00 for an hour long search for our rare and endangered King Shags only found here in Marlborough.
There are just 830 of these birds on the planet but we have 99.9% success rate finding them.
You have one of our specially trained Captains to guide you and make the photos perfect.
Blumine Island, our next stop is THE place to see the incredibly rare Orange fronted Karkariki.
We have a 90% success rate finding this elusive bird and bird watchers from all over the world come here to see (and usually photograph) this prized animal.
Before we drop you off on the island we will share with you, our secret method for success.
After your time on the island we will pick you up at 11:00 for a cruise back to
Picton as we search for dolphins and other wildlife before returning you safely to shore by 12:30.
We also supply cookies and hot drinks on this tour. Luxury Birding.