Scenic | Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary Eco Cruise
Motuara Bird Sanctuary Island attracts bird lovers from all over the world. All introduced pests were removed in the early 1990's and the island is now home to a variety of native species having struggled to survive, or died out on the mainland. Many of these are critically endangered and this Island provides them with a secure future.
Some of the wildlife you will see includes, Saddleback (tieke), NZ Robin (toutouwai), Bellbird (korimako), Tui, Grey Warbler (riroriro), NZ Pigeon (kereru), Silver Eye (tauhou), fantail (piwakawaka), the endangered South Island Saddleback, the very rare King Shag, Maud Island Frog and the Marlborough Green Gecko.
On arrival at this magnificent island you will hear a chorus of songs from the local inhabitants. You get approximately a 1 1/2 hrs to enjoy this Island. Follow the track which winds up to the highest point of the island and there awaits fantastic views across to Ship Cove. There is a spectacular view to the North Island from the Cook Straight lookout. Lift the lid on one of many wooden nestling boxes along the track and a sleepy Little Blue Penguin may just glance up to see who is watching over him.
Motuara Island is a predator free island administered by the Department of Conservation. (This trip runs from May through to September)
