Queen Charlotte Track Day Walk: Wildlife Cruise & Ship Cove

Dolphins, 1500-year-old trees, and a rare-bird island in one day

A full-day guided tour from Picton combining a wildlife cruise through Marlborough Sounds, a 1-hour walk on predator-free Motuara Island to see endangered species, and a 5km loop walk of Queen Charlotte Track at Ship Cove. The operator runs its own boats and guides the island walk. You get binoculars, species ID cards, landing fees, and a complimentary glass of Pinot Gris at the end. The day takes 9.5 hours and requires moderate fitness for the 5km walk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Wildlife cruise, island walk, and track loop

• Start with wildlife cruise from Picton
• View dolphins, seals, and seabirds
• Land on Motuara Island for guided walk
• Explore rare bird species and lookout
• Travel to Meretoto/Ship Cove
• Walk 5km loop on Queen Charlotte Track
• Relax with complimentary Pinot Gris
• Return cruise to Picton

The experience

The day starts on the water. You board a comfortable vessel in Picton for a cruise through the calm sheltered waters of Marlborough Sounds toward Motuara Island, with binoculars and species ID cards in hand. The guide is a WCA Qualified naturalist who points out Hector's, Common, Bottlenose or Dusky Dolphins (the operator reports a 95% encounter rate) along with NZ fur seals and seabirds. The cruise itself is the access to Motuara. The operator pays the Department of Conservation fee.

Motuara Island is 100% predator-free, which is why the birds there are fearless and plentiful. You spend 1 hour on the island walking among yellow-crowned parakeets, saddlebacks, bellbirds, robins and blue penguins. The guide stays with you and knows where to find them. The Cook Strait lookout at the top has a panoramic view that reaches the North Island on clear days. Captain Cook planted a flag here in 1771, and the island holds significance for local Māori as part of the Marlborough Sounds' rich history.

After Motuara, the boat takes you to Ship Cove, the historic anchorage where Cook based himself during his three voyages. Here you walk a 5km loop of Queen Charlotte Track (the operator calls it the best section) through native bush where trees reach 1500 years old. The walk is self-guided with a map showing hidden gems. You set your own pace and return to Ship Cove for a complimentary glass of Pinot Gris before the return cruise to Picton. The operator has run guided walks on this island for 25 years and operates the boats themselves, which means the schedule and the stops stay consistent.

What’s included

• Wildlife cruise with binoculars and species ID cards.
• 1-hour guided walk on Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary.
• 5km self-guided loop walk of Queen Charlotte Track at Ship Cove.
• landing and facility fees.
• complimentary glass of Pinot Gris at Ship Cove.
• free digital photos from the operator's online gallery.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 30

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by E-Ko New Zealand Ltd

Is this one for you?The self-guided 5km walk at Ship Cove suits hikers who want to set their own pace through the native bush. If you prefer a fully guided experience with someone narrating every stop, ask the operator whether a guide is available for the track walk when you book.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the encounter rate for dolphins on the Marlborough Sounds cruise?

The operator reports a 95% encounter rate for Hector's, Common, Bottlenose or Dusky Dolphins, along with NZ fur seals and seabirds during the cruise to Motuara Island.

What birds can I see on Motuara Island?

Motuara Island is home to yellow-crowned parakeets, saddlebacks, bellbirds, robins, blue penguins and native pigeons. The island is predator-free, so the birds are fearless and you can get close for photos.

How long is the walk at Ship Cove, and what's it like?

The Queen Charlotte Track loop at Ship Cove is 5km and self-guided with a map. You walk through native bush with trees up to 1500 years old. The operator highlights hidden gems along the route.

What's included in the day, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes the wildlife cruise, Motuara Island landing and facility fees, a 1-hour guided walk on the island, the 5km self-guided walk at Ship Cove, binoculars and species ID cards for the cruise, free digital photos from the operator's gallery, and a complimentary glass of Pinot Gris at Ship Cove. You'll need moderate fitness for the 5km walk and should wear sturdy footwear.

How long is the full day, and when does it start?

The tour runs 9.5 hours total from Picton. The day begins with the cruise departure. Check with the operator for the exact start time when you book.