What To Do in Picton: Discover the Marlborough Sounds with E-Ko Tours

Picton is more than just the gateway to the South Island. This small harbour town is surrounded by the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds – a network of sheltered bays, native forests, and thriving marine life. If you are wondering what to do in Picton, one answer stands out: explore the natural wonders with E-Ko Tours.

With world-class guides, calm waters, and exclusive access to unique locations, E-Ko Tours offers unforgettable wildlife encounters that showcase the very best of the region.

Why Picton is the Perfect Base for Exploring the Marlborough Sounds

Nestled at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. This area is home to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery and an incredible diversity of wildlife. From pods of dolphins and visiting orca to rare native birds, the Sounds are alive with activity.

The sheltered waters here make exploring both comfortable and accessible. Unlike the open ocean, the calm conditions mean you can enjoy your adventure without worrying about seasickness. This unique setting is what makes Picton one of the best destinations for eco-conscious travellers looking for an authentic New Zealand wildlife experience.

Wildlife Encounters with E-Ko Tours

When you choose E-Ko Tours, you’re not just booking a trip – you’re joining a guided experience with marine biologists and local experts who know these waters inside out. Their small-group tours ensure personal attention and unforgettable encounters.

Dolphins in Queen Charlotte Sound

E-Ko Tours is the only company in Marlborough with permission to actively search for and interact with dolphins. This means you have the rare chance to see species such as Bottlenose, Common, Dusky and even the endangered Hector’s Dolphin. Orca also occasionally visit the Sounds, creating a truly special sighting.

Highlights include:

• The chance to see dolphins in their natural environment
  
• Learning from expert marine biologist guides
  
• Calm waters with no seasickness guarantee
  
• Complimentary photos to remember your experience
  

Birds and Wildlife Sanctuaries

The Marlborough Sounds are not just about marine life. Offshore islands such as Motuara Island are protected wildlife sanctuaries, home to rare native birds including the Saddleback, Little Blue Penguin, and South Island Robin. Guided walks bring these encounters to life as you learn about New Zealand’s conservation efforts.

E-Ko Tours offers exclusive access to these sanctuaries, ensuring your visit supports local conservation while providing close encounters with some of the country’s most treasured species.

What Makes E-Ko Tours Different

Travellers often ask what sets E-Ko Tours apart from other operators. The answer lies in a combination of expertise, conservation focus, and comfort.

• Expert Guides: All tours are led by experienced marine biologists and local skippers with world-class knowledge.
  
• Small Groups: Tours are limited in size, offering a personal and fully guided experience.
  
• Eco-Friendly: Every booking directly supports local conservation projects.
  
• Onboard Comfort: Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits, along with binoculars for spotting wildlife.
  
• Family Friendly: With toys, books, and drawing boards available, even the youngest explorers are catered for.
  

The Marlborough Sounds: A Natural Treasure

The Marlborough Sounds cover over 1,500 km of coastline, yet remain largely unspoiled. Forested hills tumble into turquoise bays, creating a peaceful setting where wildlife flourishes. This region is also a vital sanctuary for species found nowhere else in the world.

Visiting with E-Ko Tours means exploring in a way that is both enjoyable and sustainable. Their tours are certified by the World Cetacean Alliance and the Department of Conservation, ensuring the health and wellbeing of dolphins and other wildlife always come first.

Planning Your Visit to Picton

If you are deciding what to do in Picton, a wildlife eco tour should be at the top of your list. Whether you dream of watching dolphins leap through the Sound, spotting rare birds on a sanctuary island, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, E-Ko Tours offers the perfect experience.

With calm waters, expert guides, and a genuine commitment to conservation, you will leave with lasting memories and a deeper connection to New Zealand’s unique environment.

Choose E-Ko Tours for Your Picton Adventure

Picton offers many charms, but it is the surrounding Sounds that make this region truly special. By choosing E-Ko Tours, you are choosing more than just an activity – you are choosing an authentic, responsible way to discover the best of the Marlborough Sounds.

Start planning your eco adventure today. Visit E-Ko Tours to explore available tours and see why so many travellers call their time in Picton the highlight of their New Zealand journey.