What to Do in Marlborough Sounds: A Wildlife and Eco Adventure Guide
The Marlborough Sounds is one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking destinations. Tucked at the top of the South Island, this region is made up of drowned river valleys, hidden bays, and lush forested hills. While its landscapes are beautiful, what truly makes the Marlborough Sounds special is the abundance of wildlife and the opportunity to experience nature up close in a sustainable way.
If you’re wondering what to do in Marlborough Sounds, the answer is simple: immerse yourself in its wildlife, waters, and conservation treasures. Here’s your guide to the best experiences.
Explore the Queen Charlotte Sound
The Queen Charlotte Sound is the heart of the Marlborough Sounds and the gateway to unforgettable eco-adventures. Known for its calm waters, this part of the Sounds is ideal for wildlife viewing and guided tours.
With E-Ko Tours, you can explore hidden coves and wildlife hotspots with confidence. Their purpose-built boats are designed for comfort, ensuring smooth sailing in the calm waters of the Sound. You won’t need to worry about seasickness – it’s one of the unique advantages of exploring this area.
Discover Unique Marine Wildlife
One of the top things to do in Marlborough Sounds is meet its remarkable marine wildlife. This region is home to a variety of dolphin species, seals, seabirds, and even orca on occasion.
On an E-Ko Tours experience, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter:
- Bottlenose dolphins – known for their playful nature
- Dusky dolphins – agile and acrobatic, often seen in groups
- Common dolphins – fast swimmers often travelling in large pods
- Hector’s dolphins – a rare and endangered species found in New Zealand waters
- New Zealand fur seals – basking on rocky outcrops
- Orca – occasionally visiting the Sounds in search of food
What makes these encounters special is that E-Ko Tours is the only company in Marlborough permitted to actively search for and interact with dolphins. With marine biologist guides onboard, you’ll gain fascinating insights into each species and learn how they are protected under strict conservation standards.
Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary
Another must-do in the Marlborough Sounds is visiting a wildlife sanctuary. The Sounds are dotted with predator-free islands where native birds thrive. On a guided trip, you might spot rare species such as saddlebacks, robins, and kakariki.
These sanctuaries are part of New Zealand’s conservation success story. By joining a guided wildlife sanctuary tour with E-Ko, you’re not only experiencing nature in its purest form but also supporting the ongoing protection of endangered species.
Learn From Experts
Many visitors to Marlborough Sounds come away with more than just beautiful photos. With E-Ko Tours, you travel alongside guides who are also marine biologists. Their expertise brings every sighting to life, whether it’s identifying a dolphin species by its dorsal fin or explaining the role of seabirds in the marine ecosystem.
Small group sizes mean you can ask questions, enjoy personalised service, and truly connect with the environment. It’s an intimate and enriching experience you won’t find on larger commercial tours.
Relax and Enjoy the Journey
Exploring Marlborough Sounds isn’t just about adventure. It’s also about slowing down and connecting with nature. Onboard an E-Ko Tours vessel, you can relax with complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and biscuits. Binoculars are available so you won’t miss a detail, and free high-quality photos mean you can focus on enjoying the moment while the crew captures it for you.
Families are especially well catered for. Kids’ toys, books, and drawing boards keep younger travellers engaged while adults take in the scenery.
Support Conservation Through Travel
When you choose an eco-tour in the Marlborough Sounds, you’re doing more than just sightseeing. You’re actively contributing to conservation efforts. E-Ko Tours is committed to protecting the unique environment they operate in. A portion of every ticket helps fund local conservation projects, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same wildlife encounters.
This means your adventure not only benefits you but also helps safeguard the very creatures and habitats you’ve come to see.
Why Choose E-Ko Tours?
If you’re deciding what to do in Marlborough Sounds, choosing a guided eco-adventure makes all the difference. Here’s why E-Ko Tours stands out:
- Only operator in Marlborough permitted to actively search for dolphins
- No seasickness guarantee thanks to calm waters in Queen Charlotte Sound
- Marine biologist guides offering expert knowledge
- Small group sizes for a personalised experience
- Exclusive access to unique areas and wildlife sanctuaries
- Complimentary refreshments and free professional wildlife photos
- Travel that supports local conservation projects
These differences ensure your experience is both memorable and meaningful.
Plan Your Wildlife Adventure
The Marlborough Sounds is more than a scenic destination. It’s a living sanctuary where land, sea, and wildlife come together. Whether you’re spotting dolphins in the wild, walking through predator-free bird sanctuaries, or learning from passionate guides, every moment is designed to inspire and connect you with nature.
Ready to discover it for yourself? Visit E-Ko Tours to explore available tours and plan your next adventure in the Marlborough Sounds.
