8. Birdwatchers' Island Cruise Combo

Birdwatchers' Island Cruise Combo includes a cruise to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary with Beachcomer Cruises and admission into EcoWorld Aquarium & Wlidlife Rehabilitation Centre. 

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary - Beachcomber Cruises

oin 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.

EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Meet amazing Marlborough Sounds creatures up close

Touch our
rare living dinosaur (Tuatara - can live up to 250 years)

Get close
to rescued Little Penguin*, native fish and more

✓conservation in action  
  ✓nature     ✓heritage     ✓explore & learn     ✓family–friendly     ✓FUN

Get up
close and discover some of the amazing animals that live in our beautiful
Marlborough Sounds.   EcoWorld’s knowledgeable staff share with you
outstanding, intimate animal experiences with our animals that have been
rescued, donated or bred by us.

“New
Zealand is a Biological Ark.  80% of New Zealand's native species are
found nowhere else on Earth.  Most of EcoWorld’s animals come from
the  Marlborough Sounds whose nearshore rocky reefs are diverse, capable
of endless surprise, murky, cold and difficult to visit.  Rocky reefs are
haven for rare and endangered species which contributes to their fascination
which we share with you.”  

John
Reuhman  Director

(*Exhibits
may change without notice)