Family Owned and Operated
.jpg)
Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary
Join us on our 8:00am departure from Picton out to the stunning Motuara Island, enjoy 1 hour native birdlife and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and stunning views.
On arrival at this magnificent island you will hear a chorus of songs from the local inhabitants. Sit and enjoy the bird viewing station approx 5 minute walk from jetty before following the moderate gradient track approx 800m one way around the hill with several lookout points along the way before reaching the highest point of the island (128m) 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 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.
Rejoin our Beachcomber Cruises vessel and make your way our to Ship Cove for a quick visit before making your way back to Picton for approx. 12:30pm
- Motuara Island is a predator free island administered by the Department of Conservation.
Motuara Island bird watchers cruise
Departing Picton 8:00am
Returning Picton 12:30pm
Motuara Island and Day in the Sounds
Depart from Picton to spend time ashore at Motuara island and historic Ship Cove before arriving at your chosen location for the day; Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove Resort.
Rested and relaxed after your day in the Queen Charlotte sounds rejoin our vessel and make your way your way back to Picton.
Departing Picton 8:00am
Returning Picton 5:30-6:00pm
Motuara Island and Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge Day Walk
Depart from Picton and enjoy your visit to Motuara Island, see the birdlife and nature before being transported across to Ship Cove to begin your walk around to Furneaux Lodge.
Beginning with a climb out of Ship Cove this walk has rewarding views and is an enjoyable day walk. Your finish point is Furneaux Lodge where you can purchase lunch and drinks in the café before returning to Picton.
Distance 15km
Departing Picton 8:00am
Returning Picton 5:30-6:00pm
Motuara Island and Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove Day Walk
After your visit to Motuara Island join the boat as we drop off walkers at Ship Cove then head around to Furneaux Lodge where you will disembark and begin your day walk around the Endeavour Inlet to the Punga Cove Resort.
Follow around the coastline through regenerated forest and enjoy your time at Punga Cove before cruising back to Picton
Distance 11km
Departing Picton 8:00am
Returning Picton 5:30-6:00pm
Motuara Island and Great Track and Pack Pass
The perfect package for those wanting to walk the whole Queen Charlotte Track, this includes your visit to Motuara Island, transport to Ship Cove and back from Anakiwa to Picton plus the added bonus of having your bags dropped off at your accommodation each night!
Distance 71km
Departing Picton 8:00am
| Summer departures 1st Oct to 30 April | |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am* Daily | |
* this departure time allows 60 minutes on Motuara Island – 01 Oct to 30 April
- Motuara Island is a predator free island administered by the Department of Conservation.