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Cruise to the Spectacular Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary

a bird sitting on a branch in the woods
Cruise Ship Day Special

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary Cruise

The Bird Sanctuary Cruise to Motuara Island offers a scenic journey with native birdlife sightings, a visit to historic Ship Cove, and stunning views from various lookouts.

Operates
01 October - 30 April
Check in time
7:30am
Departure time
8am
Return trip pick up
Return to Picton
12:30pm
Duration
Half Day
Distance
Walk/Ride From/To
Approx. Walk/Ride time
Pricing & Bookings
From NZD
Adults
15+
$
110
Child
5-14
$
70
Infants
0-4
$
0
Free

Pricing is indicative only. Final pricing is determined at time of booking.

Private Charter

Currently Unavailable

This product is currently unavailable. Please contact us for more information.

Overview

Available from 01 Oct - 30 April only join our 8:00am departure from Picton out to the stunning Motuara bird Island. Immerse yourself in the natural surroundings, native birdlife and stunning views for approximately 1 hour.

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 1990s 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.

Our vessel will come and pick you up from Motuara island then transport to historic Ship Cove for a site visit before having you arrive back in Picton approx 12:30pm

* Motuara Island is a predator free island administered by the Department of Conservation.

On board Facilities

To reduce environmental impact Beachcomber Cruises no longer use any single use cups on board any of our vessels. We have reusable souvenir keep cups available to purchase in the office prior to departure, we then provide complimentary tea and coffee to enjoy during the tour.

Highlights

Timetable

Summer departures

1 Oct to 30 Apr - 8:00 am  Daily

Please note

* This departure time allows 60 minutes on Motuara Island

Add-ons

Route Map

Please Note:
Routes marked on the map are an indication only. The actual route taken may vary dependent on a variety of factors.
Map Pin A
Start of Queen Charlotte Track Walk/Bike
Map Pin B
End of Queen Charlotte Track Walk/Bike
Boat Cruise
Queen Charlotte Track Walk/Bike
Pricing & Bookings
From NZD
Adults
15+
$
110
Child
5-14
$
70
Infants
0-4
$
0
Free

Pricing is indicative only. Final pricing is determined at time of booking.

Private Charter

Currently Unavailable

This product is currently unavailable. Please contact us for more information.

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