Motuara Island is a predator-free bird sanctuary, and one of the best places in the area to see native species up close. Once ashore, you'll hear the island before you see it: birdsong carries through the bush from first light. Keep an eye on the rocky shoreline and the nesting boxes near the track for little penguins, and listen out for the South Island Saddleback (tīeke) and South Island Robin (Kakaruai), both reintroduced here as part of the island's conservation programme.
A well-formed walking track leads up through native bush to the island's summit, where the bush opens out to sweeping views across the Sound to Cook Strait. It's a steady climb rather than a technical one, and the payoff at the top is worth the legwork.
You'll have around 1.5 hours ashore to explore the island at your own pace, whether that's a slow wander with binoculars or a walk straight to the summit and back. From there, it's a relaxed cruise back through the Sound.