Dolphin and bird watching tour Picton: Blumine Island
Marine biologists lead the search for dolphins and the rarest birds New Zealand protects.
A guided wildlife and dolphin tour from Picton to Blumine Island, a Department of Conservation predator-free sanctuary where you search for dolphins in sheltered waters before landing on the island to see endangered land birds including the Orange Fronted Kakariki. The tour runs three to four hours with a marine biologist guide, light refreshments, and all National Park fees included. No bags are permitted on the island under DOC biosecurity rules.
Step-by-step itinerary
Bird watching and dolphin eco-tour
- Visit E-Ko Shop and Wildlife Display
- Receive guide briefing before departure
- Search for dolphins in sheltered waters
- Explore predator-free Blumine Island sanctuary
- See rare birds including Orange Fronted Kakariki
What’s included
- Light refreshments on board.
- all National Park entry fees.
- professional marine biologist guide with live commentary.
- access to the predator-free Blumine Island sanctuary.
Times
- Every day 08:00 13:30
Before you book
Operated by E-Ko New Zealand Ltd
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
You start at the E-Ko Shop in Picton, where the guide gives a briefing on what you'll see and the day ahead. The shop has the best views in town, with hot drinks and restrooms while you wait. A wildlife display runs through the species you're heading out to find: the Orange Fronted Kakariki, King Shags, and the dolphins that move through the sheltered waters around Blumine Island. The guide has thirty years of experience taking groups to this sanctuary and knows where to position the boat for the best chance of sightings.
Once on the water, you search for dolphins in the calm waters before heading to Blumine Island itself. The island is a predator-free reserve managed by the Department of Conservation, and it's the only place in New Zealand where you can see the Orange Fronted Kakariki: the rarest of New Zealand's busbirds. The King Shag, another endangered species, nests here with a 99% success rate. Your guide walks you through the reserve and points out the birds as they move through the sanctuary. Bags stay with the boat under DOC biosecurity rules, so you travel light on the island itself.
The tour includes light refreshments on board, all entry fees to the National Park, and live commentary from your guide throughout. Transport to and from the attractions is not included, but public transportation options are available near the shop. The whole experience runs between three and four hours, which fits into a free afternoon or a morning before other plans.
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you have a free morning or afternoon in Picton and want to see endangered birds and dolphins without driving yourself. The guide handles the boat, the timing and the interpretation, so you focus on the sightings.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (under 5).
What's the success rate for seeing the Orange Fronted Kakariki on Blumine Island?
The Orange Fronted Kakariki has a 98% success rate on the island. It's the rarest busbird in New Zealand and Blumine Island is the only place where you can see it.
Can I bring a bag onto Blumine Island?
No bags are permitted on the island under Department of Conservation biosecurity rules. They stay with the boat while you walk the predator-free sanctuary.
Who leads the tour and what's their background?
A marine biologist and WCA certified guide leads the tour. E-Ko has thirty years of guiding experience to Blumine Island and trains all guides to interpret the marine mammals and seabirds you encounter.
How long does the whole tour take?
The tour runs three to four hours, including the briefing at the shop, the boat search for dolphins, and the guided walk on Blumine Island.
What birds will I see besides the Orange Fronted Kakariki?
You'll see King Shags (99% success rate), rare seabirds, and other endangered land bird species that live on the predator-free island. The guide will point out each one as you walk the reserve.
Does the tour price include transport from my hotel?
Transport to and from the attractions is not included, but public transportation options are available near the E-Ko Shop in Picton where the tour starts.
Dolphin and bird watching tour Picton: Blumine Island
3h–4h · EN
from NZ$ 224 per person
≈ US$ 129 in your currency
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