The Queen Charlotte Sound ~ Eco-marine haven
Seals, dolphins, penguins, gannets and shearwaters abound. Our Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Watch permit allows us to interact with the local wildlife as we encounter them along the 55 minute journey to Motuara Island.
Motuara Island is a bird sanctuary, a safe haven for many rare species, including the South Island Saddleback and Bush Robin. The Island is predator free and the bird life is relatively unafraid of humans.
Early morning bird song greets you as you step ashore. Small blue penguins nest in boxes alongside a well formed track which gradually climbs to a spectacular vantage point built above the forest canopy.
You will have approximately 2 hours to explore the Island.
Options to follow the island walk include:
- A day walk from Resolution Bay to Furneaux Lodge on the Queen Charlotte Track – 10.5 km.
- Cruise to a leisurely lunch stop at a Sounds Resort of your choice - Furneaux Lodge, Punga Cove Resort, Bay of Many Coves Resort, Portage Resort Hotel – return to Picton approx 4.30pm.
- Explore Ship Cove and enjoy a picnic lunch at the place that Captain Cook and early Maori explorers enjoyed – return to Picton approx 4.30pm.
- Cruise back to Picton via Ship Cove and Endeavour Inlet – arrive at Picton approx 1.00pm.
- Guided options available.
- Flora and Fauna identification sheet and map provided.
- On board commentary by skipper highlights points of interest.