Slow down, stay two nights in Picton and experience one of E-Ko’s signature wildlife tours without a rushed travel schedule.

The Relaxed Wildlife Stay combines Picton accommodation with E-Ko’s 4-hour Motuara Island Sanctuary and Dolphin Watching Tour. It is designed for travellers who want an easy wildlife break, later starts, ferry-friendly timing and time to settle into Picton before heading out on the water.

Your E-Ko wildlife cruise departs from Picton and travels through the calm, sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Your local guide will search for wild dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, seabirds and other coastal wildlife when conditions allow.

The tour also includes time ashore on Motuara Island, a predator-free wildlife sanctuary known for rare native birds, regenerating native forest and wide views across Queen Charlotte Sound. Look and listen for native birds such as saddleback, kākāriki, robins, bellbirds, kererū and little blue penguins.

This package is a good fit for couples, ferry travellers, mature travellers and nature lovers who want a simple Picton stay with wildlife, scenery, conservation and local guide interpretation included.

Package includes:

- 2 nights Picton accommodation

- 4-hour E-Ko Motuara Island Sanctuary and Dolphin Watching Tour

- Local wildlife guide interpretation

- Time ashore on Motuara Island predator-free sanctuary

- Dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, seabirds and native wildlife when conditions allow

Suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Picton, check in and settle near the waterfront.

Day 2: Join your E-Ko wildlife cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound and visit Motuara Island sanctuary.

Day 3: Breakfast, short local walk, waterfront time or onward travel.

Important notes:

Pricing is per person, twin share, based on two people sharing. Wildlife is wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Tour route and island landing may vary depending on weather, sea conditions, operational requirements and wildlife activity.