E-Ko = Endangered Species Konservation Organisation
Our Vision and Mission
E-Ko Tours is deeply committed to the conservation and enhancement of the Marlborough Sounds' unique ecosystem. We proudly support the Sounds Enhancement Project, a community-driven initiative dedicated to safeguarding our treasured taonga species and their habitats. By collaborating with local communities, international benefactors, and environmental organizations, we strive to create a thriving marine paradise for future generations.
Our Vision:
To lead transformative, regenerative tourism that inspires global travelers to connect with and actively protect New Zealand's unique wildlife and natural heritage, ensuring a vibrant Marlborough Sounds for generations to come.
We collaborate with Iwi, Council , local landowners, and the Community to achieve outcomes that enhance and protect te Taiao, our natural heritage.
Mission:
At E-Ko Tours, we craft unforgettable wildlife adventures that educate, inspire, and empower our guests. Through sustainable practices, expert guidance, and active collaboration with initiatives like the Sounds Enhancement Project, we champion the preservation and restoration of endangered species and their habitats. Our mission is to ignite a collective passion for conservation, turning every journey into a catalyst for positive environmental impact.
Join us in our mission to protect and rejuvenate the Marlborough Sounds. Together, we can make a tangible difference—one tour, one project, one community at a time.
For more information on how you can get involved, visit the Sounds Enhancement Project at .
www.soundsenhancement.com
"A WORLD WHERE MAMMALS ARE FREE, THE OCEAN THRIVES, AND OUR COMMUNITY CARES"
The E-Ko Team
Our WCA Certified Marine Guides:
Our Marine Guides are part of the E-Ko Family and choose to work with us as they care about our wildlife and environment. They completed the WCA Certified Marine Guide qualifications to make a difference and educate people.
Courtney - Level 3 Certified Senior Marine Guide and Shop Manager - Our Heart
Dan - Level 2 Certified Marine Guide and Super Skipper and a NEW Dad 🙂
Nikki - Level 3 Senior Marine Guide
Our Experienced Skippers:
Paul - Owner & Skipper and WCA Guide Trainer
Andy - Senior Skipper and WCA Guide
E-Ko is Wildlife Correct = WC , We are proudly NOT Politically Correct or PC
At E-Ko, we’re too busy delivering world-class wildlife tours to respond to every review—so we’ve hired the best locals for the job: King Shag and Hector the Dolphin!
These two aren’t your typical customer service reps. They’re wildlife experts with thousands of years of local experience—and they tell it like it is. As critically endangered taonga species, their welfare comes first, above human wants or opinions. If you leave a review, expect a frank, no-nonsense response from them (when they’re not busy hunting for food).
You came to see them, capture incredible images, and learn about their world. Now, they get to share their perspective on tourism, conservation, and what really matters. If you’re here, it means you care—so let’s support them like they support us.
All wildlife tour reviews will be answered by King Shag (only 700 left) or, if he’s out fishing, Hector (one of just 30 QCS Hector’s Dolphins remaining).
Want to do more? Join us in protecting these incredible creatures:
www.soundsenhancement.com
The E-Ko Difference - What we deliver to you
- Cruise calm sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound with picturesque scenery
- We are 'Wildlife Correct' not 'Politically Correct' and our focus is on the welfare of all animals and the local environment. If you support E-Ko, you support local environmental health and sustainability.
- Best Customer Service in New Zealand, with a maximum Ratio of 15 customers to 1 Staff member
- Custom designed boats get you close to the wildlife to take quality photos with just your cell phone
- Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits
- Local award winning free wine samples on our afternoon tours
- Entertain your children with toys, books and drawing boards
- Cruise ship guarantee - we will make sure you get back to your ship on time with no expense spared
- You cannot book our tours on board your ship but we can offer experiences for 60-75% less if you book direct with E-Ko. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity and want to give cruise ship passengers the best value for money.
- No Seasickness Guarantee on all of our Tours. 100% money back guarantee
- Best value in New Zealand as we can access MORE Wildlife than any other operator in NZ
- A portion of all ticket sales is given back to local and international conservation
- We supply free to use auto-focus binoculars on board to enhance your interactive experience
- Up to date commentary from our fully qualified WCA certified Marine Guides (MGT)
- Species identification cards on board and downloadable for free
- Free wildlife images downloadable from our website
- Custom built briefing area with 1:1 scale wildlife replicas to inspire you - take selfies! 🙂
Our History
Written by the founder of E-Ko Tours, Paul Keating
At the age of 10, I was introduced to The Silent World: A Story of Undersea Discovery and Adventure by Jacque Cousteau written in 1953. Jacque was my inspiration and a role model figure growing up and influenced my life greatly.
I grew up in a multi-cultural community surrounded by Native Bush and based close to Rivendell in Kaitoke. The only water source I knew was fresh water from the mountains.
My first memory of the ocean was at 16 years old. With $20 in my pocket, I set sail on the ferry from the North Island to the South. When it reached the entrance of the Tory Channel, I looked around for the first time at the Queen Charlotte Sound and it was then and there that I decided this is where I wanted to be.
"WE FORGET THAT THE WATER CYCLE AND THE LIFE CYCLE ARE ONE. "
After living under a tree for a week and securing a job on land, I realised that my skills and passion would be better suited in the water. I started my ocean career and spent 300 days at sea in my first year between New Zealand and Antarctica. This is where Tangaroa came into my life.
My Irish Catholic upbringing installed in me values that I still live by today. I was given a whale bone Tangaroa by one of my Polynesian mentors on-board the deep-sea vessel I was working on. On that particular journey, luck was not on our side. I combined my beliefs and Polynesian culture to ask Tangaroa to give us luck.
It worked – our luck changed and all the crew asked me – ‘what did you ask for?’ I requested a good life at sea, and in return I would pay the ocean back. Now it’s payback time.
Tangaroa required the debt to be paid and my focus for the last 12 years and going forward will be to ensure the local critically endangered Hector’s Dolphin species survives and thrives in this local environment.
The water cycle has ruled my life and it has been depicted in the E-Ko logo. It is the Water cycle between the land and the sea locally. Totara Trees need to be planted to keep the sea healthy and in turn HELP protect the critically endangered Hectors Dolphin.
