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

•Tuataras - New Zealand’s very rare “living dinosaur”

 •Little Blue Penguins - wildlife rehabilitation refuge

•Yellow Kakariki - endangered parrots, breeding & release •Seahorses - New Zealand pot-bellied seahorses

 •Giant Squid - “Monster of the deep” - (preserved 5m) •Red Kakariki - endangered native parrots

•Fish - species from the Marlborough Sounds •Freshwater display with threatened species

•Orca and Hectors Dolphin - life size models •Touch pool, kid’s area, movies, shells, displays etc.

Important Visitor Information

Opening hours                                                        Daily  9.30am-7.30pm Summer.  9.30am-5.30pm Winter

Talks and feeding                                                    11am & 2pm daily

Tours - Close Encounters (up close face to face)*  10am.  12 midday.  1pm.  & 3pm daily

How long for your visit Watch a talk and feeding.   Allow at least 1.5 hours

Access                                                                      Flat. 2 gentle ramp areas.  Easy wheelchair access

Location                                                                    95 metres to the ferry terminal and railway station

Admission Prices  (includes feeding at 11am & 2pm)      •Adult $25

                                                                                           •Child (3-14 years) $13

                                                                                           •Infant (under 3 years) Free

                                                                                            •Family (2 adults & 3 children) $69

                                                                                            •Concession (with ID) & groups $23

Tours Close Encounters*                                                   •Adult  (includes admission) $45

                                                                                           •Child  (includes admission) $29

Groups minimum group size 10 persons

Payment eftpos, credit card, cash

Information and Bookings phone  03 573 6030      info@ecoworldnz.co.nz

PS.   Free Foreshore Heritage Walk guide. Free map of Picton

(*Exhibits may change without notice)

Close Encounters Tour - get up close

Close Encounters Tour at EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.  Get up close and very personal with some of the world’s most amazing creatures.  The Close Encounters tour is more than just meeting our rare and extraordinary animals up-close.  The tour provides you with a one of a kind experience by combining exclusive creature encounters, intimate guide interactions and guided tours. 

EcoWorld’s knowledgeable staff give you outstanding, intimate experiences.  We help you discover, have fun, sharing with you some of New Zealand's amazing native creatures that live in our beautiful Marlborough Sounds

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

•Tuataras - New Zealand’s very rare “living dinosaur”

•Little Blue Penguins - wildlife rehabilitation refuge

•Yellow Kakariki - endangered parrots, breeding & release

•Seahorses - New Zealand pot-bellied seahorses

•Giant Squid - “Monster of the deep” - (preserved 5m)

•Red Kakariki - endangered native parrots

•Fish - species from the Marlborough Sounds

•Freshwater display with threatened species

•Orca and Hectors Dolphin - life size models

•Touch pool, kid’s area, movies, shells, displays etc.

Special Guided Tour  (includes personal Close Encounters and behind the scenes* experiences)

(*Bookings are essential.   Exhibitions are subject to change without notice)

Great Eco Day Out Picton combo includes a cruise to Kaipupu point with Beachcomber Cruises and admission to Ecoworld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Kaipupu Point - Beachcomber Cruises 

•  Duration: 2 Hours
•  Check in time: 15mins before departure

Kaipupu Point is a community project which aims to restore a 40 hectare 'mainland island' in Picton harbour. We are pleased to be able to offer water transport across to the sanctuary working alongside the Kaipupu Point Sanctuary Trust and DOC to ensure the safe running and protection of these native birds. 

Join Beachcomber Cruises as we transport you by boat to Kaipupu point to see bellbirds, Tui, Robin, little blue penguin, grey warbler, Kereru, and other endangered birds.

We recommend 2 hours on Kaipupu point, take a self guided walk and explore this beautiful island.

Make sure you get the Toyota Kiwi Guardians code at the lookout, then go to the DOC website and put in the Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary code word to receive a Kiwi Guardians certificate and medal for this adventure.

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)

Sights of Picton Combo includes a  scenic bus tour of Picton with a1 Shuttles and admission into Ecoworld Aquarium & Rehabilitation Centre.

Sights of Picton scenic bus tour - a1 Shuttles

Picton is a picturesque harbour town nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, guarded by a range of hills that open out onto vast waterways, channels and bays, let Bucket List Tours NZ show you its beautiful panoramic views

This tour is designed to give you a glimpse into the sheer beauty of this district and why those who live here call it "paradise".

 Your tour begins at Victoria Park where you will look down on the ferry terminals and if you are on a cruise, your ship. Victoria Park is on the top of a peninsula of land called 'The Snout' and you will travel along the top of it for more views of Queen Charlotte Sounds.

We then drive through the suburb of Waikawa to Waikawa Bay and Port Underwood Road, passing pretty bays and fabulous homes perched on the hillsides and at the water's edge.

You will stop at Karaka Point for another amazing view, this is an historic, long abandoned Maori Pa site. Ask your guide about the story of the carving of Kupe and Te Wheke Nui (giant octopus) that stands there.

You return to Picton for the last lookout over the ferry terminal from the west side of the harbour, this gives you views looking out the Sounds to where you have just driven and also back into the Picton Marina and town.

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)

Queen Charlotte Track/Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge- Beachcomer Cruises

•  Distance: 15 kms
•  Approx walk/ride time: 5 hours
•  Return trip pick up time: 4-4.30pm

Our adventure will begin as you cruise north from Picton on one of our fleet through the drowned river valleys of the Queen Charlotte Sound and past idyllic bays. As we head towards Ship Cove your skipper will talk about the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area and – if there is time- will get closer to any passing wildlife, including dolphins who like to play in the wake of the boat.

In the 1770s, sheltered Ship Cove provided safe anchorage, food, water and timber for explorer Captain James Cook and his ship crews on five separate occasions and saw some of the earliest sustained contact between Mäori and Europeans.

There is plenty of historical information at Ship Cove before you climb away from the beach through native forest regenerating beneath a high canopy of trees. The forest includes manuka, kanuka, five finger and tree ferns and is home to many native New Zealand bird species: tui, fantails, silvereyes and tomtits. If you stop for a break, a curious weka may come to check you out.

When you reach Tawa Saddle, stunning views of the Queen Charlotte Sound spread out before you. The track then drops into Resolution Bay and follows an old bridle path into Endeavour Inlet.

Furneaux Lodge at the head of the Endeavor Inlet is your destination. Here you can buy drinks and meals and relax before boarding your cruise vessel at approximately 4-4.30pm for your return to Picton. Arriving back at approximately 5.30-6pm.

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)

Ship Cove Cruise includes a cruise to Ship cove with Beachcomber Cruises and admission into Ecoworld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. 

Ship Cove Cruise - Beachcomber Cruises 

•  Check in time: 8.30am
•  Departure Time: 9am
•  Arrive back in Picton: 12.30-1pm

Enjoy the day at historic Ship Cove!

Take a picnic and relax for the day in the tranquill surroundings of Ship Cove. Swim in the crystal clear shallow waters, dabble in the creek where Captain Cook made home brew for his crew, share the beach with the resident wildlife and why not take a short 1 km walk to a beautiful waterfall. Immerse yourself in the lush native forrest, explore the Queen Charlotte Track and make it your home for the day.

This is a great option for families as you can take your own picnic and spend the day enjoying all the fun things that the surrounding have to offer. You will have around 5 hours on shore.

Named by Captain James Cook in 1770 when his ship The Endeavour anchored here to replenish supplies of food, water and wood. It became a favourite anchorage of Captain Cook and he returned here a further four times between 1770 and 1777. 

Note: there are toilet facilities at Ship Cove but no where to purchase food or drink. Ensure that you have packed a good lunch, water, sunscree and insect repellent.

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)

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)

Fabulous Marlborough Combo includes a scenic bus tour of the Marlbourough region with a1 Shuttles and admission to EcoWorld Aquariuim & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. 

Fabulous Marlborooughscenic bus tour - a1 Shuttles

The tour departs Picton for the 30 minute drive to Blenheim, the first stop is Makana, Boutique Chocolate Factory. There are free samples of these delicious treats which are handmade in front of you, purchase if you wish.

Next stop is optional, Omaka, 'Knights of the Sky' is an exhibition by Sir Peter Jackson (of Lord of the Rings notoriety) and showcases his personal collection of WWI fighter planes in recreated battle scenes. This is a fabulous exhibition and is highly recommended. Alternatively, your driver will take you on to a nearby winery where you can relax and enjoy the view (and maybe a wine) for an hour.

We then take you on to a winery for tastings, there are more than 30 cellar doors to choose from and your guide will choose for a mixed group or take you to the winery of your choice .

Leaving the vineyards behind, we travel through the picturesque Kaituna Valley to Havelock, home of world-famous Green Lipped Mussels. You can enjoy these delicious mussels served in a variety of gourmet dishes from Mills Bay Mussel Restaurant. Alternatively, explore this pretty harbour town and take lunch in one of the local cafes, and don’t forget to visit the Art Gallery.

Return to Picton via Queen Charlotte Drive, to enjoy stunning scenery with photo opportunities. If you are travelling on a cruise ship there is a great opportunity for full view and photos of your ship.

 Please note: entry to the Omaka exhibition is not included and there may be nominal charges for wine tasting depending on the wineries visited, please discuss with your guide.

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)

Magic Mailboat Cruise Combo includes The Mailboat Cruise with Beachcomber Cruises and admission to EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. 

The Maiboat Cruise - Beachcomber Cruises

• Check in time: 1pm
•  Departure Time: 1.30pm
•  Arrive back in Picton: 5.30-6pm

The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds and we are proud to uphold that service! We are the only official licensed New Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service by water in the Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui making this a truly unique and interesting tour!

Designed to take you off the beaten tourist path so you can experience the real Queen Charlotte Sounds / Tōtaranui.

Come along with us on the Mail Boat Cruise and share the excitement of Mail Day as the skipper delivers the New Zealand Rural post bags, groceries and freight to the residents that call the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways home.

Operating from Monday to Saturday, no one day is the same as the route changes daily covering a different area delivering the Mail. People often ask what the best day to go is, or what route we like the best, but each mail route has its own highlights.

Sit back and relax, take in our skippers amazing wealth of knowledge as they provide an interesting and informative commentary. The Mail Boat vessel Matua presents excellent viewing areas and is the most comfortable way of cruising and taking in the vista of the waterways of the Queen Charlotte Sounds. Keep your camera handy for any wildlife encounters!

In the Summer months the Mail Boat Cruise takes a short stop at Historic Ship Cove/Meretoto. Named by Captain James Cook in January 1770 when his ship the Endeavour anchored here to replenish supplies of food, water and wood. January 2020 will mark 250 years since James Cook sailed the Endeavour into Meretoto/Ship Cove in Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound. Explore the stories and history of the beginning of our nation Aotearoa New Zealand.

* Please advise us prior to booking if you have an evening travel connection *

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)