Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary Cruise: Rare Native Birds

Spot endangered native birds and seals on a Queen Charlotte Sound cruise

A 4.5-hour boat cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove, where you watch for endangered South Island saddlebacks, king shags, little blue penguins, kiwi, seals and rare dolphins while an expert captain explains the wildlife and cultural history of Queen Charlotte Sound. The boat departs at 8:00am sharp from Picton Harbour, and you'll need to make your own way to the booking office. Restroom facilities are on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise and explore Motuara Island

• Depart Picton Harbour at 8:00am
• Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound
• Observe native birds and wildlife
• Explore Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary
• Visit Ship Cove and learn history
• Return to Picton Harbour

The experience

The cruise leaves Picton Harbour at 8:00am and heads into Queen Charlotte Sound, where the captain navigates past native flora and fauna as you watch for the birds and marine life the sanctuary protects. Motuara Island itself is a predator-free refuge where endangered species thrive: the South Island saddleback, king shag, little blue penguin and kiwi all live here, along with seals and occasionally rare dolphins. The captain's commentary covers both the wildlife you're looking for and the cultural history woven through the sound.

You'll spend time on Motuara Island exploring the sanctuary itself, then continue to Ship Cove as part of the same journey. The whole outing runs 4.5 hours, and the boat has a restroom on board. Closed-toe walking shoes are recommended for moving around the island. If you want tea or coffee during the cruise, you can buy a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup in the office before departure for $6 and enjoy hot drinks for the duration of the tour. The boat no longer uses single-use cups.

You'll need to get yourself to the booking office in Picton. There's no hotel pickup or drop-off, and the cruise terminal is not serviced. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with mobility constraints. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome. You're free to bring your own food and drinks to consume on board.

What’s included

• Expert captain commentary on wildlife and cultural history.
• access to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove.
• restroom facilities on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 70 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 29 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Beachcomber Cruises

Is this one for you?At 4.5 hours, the cruise fits into a morning or early afternoon without consuming your whole day in Picton, though the 8:00am start means an early arrival at the booking office. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the harbor, as hotel pickup isn't offered.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What birds am I likely to see on Motuara Island?

The sanctuary is home to endangered South Island saddlebacks, king shags, little blue penguins and kiwi. You may also spot seals and occasionally rare dolphins in the sound itself.

How do I get to the boat departure point in Picton?

You need to make your own way to the Beachcomber Cruises booking office in Picton. The cruise does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, and the cruise ship terminal is not serviced.

What's included in the 4.5-hour cruise?

The tour includes expert captain commentary on the wildlife and cultural history of Queen Charlotte Sound, access to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove, and a restroom on board. Tea and coffee are available if you purchase a keep cup in the office for $6.

What time does the boat leave and can I be late?

The cruise departs sharply at 8:00am from Picton Harbour, so you need to arrive with time to spare.

Can I bring food and drinks on the boat?

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks to consume on board during the cruise.