Cruise to the Spectacular Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary

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.