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E-Ko

๐ŸŒฟ The E-Ko Promise โ€” Unforgettable Moments, Meaningful Impact

๐ŸŒฟ E-Ko Tours & PictonFerry.com:
Regenerative Journeys That Give Back

Welcome to a different kind of travel โ€” where your journey leaves a legacy.
At E-Ko, we believe tourism should heal, not harm. Whether you're sailing across Cook Strait or exploring the rich marine life of the Marlborough Sounds, every booking through PictonFerry.com or E-Ko Tours becomes part of something greater.

Weโ€™re more than just guidesโ€”we're guardians.
Your ticket helps protect endangered Hectorโ€™s dolphins, restore predator-free islands, and support local youth into conservation careers. Youโ€™ll gain access to digital wildlife libraries, free specialty training, and a chance to join a movement thatโ€™s reimagining what travel can be.

As a Qualmark EnviroGold certified operator, our mission is clear: restore ecosystems, uplift communities, and inspire a deeper connection to the taonga (treasures) of Aotearoa.

Travel with purpose. Journey with heart.
Join usโ€”and be part of regenerating the future.

๐Ÿ”— www.e-ko.nz | www.pictonferry.com

โœจ Every Booking is a Gift to Nature.
Every Journey Helps it Thrive.

๐ŸŒฟ Our Story: From Local Roots to Global Regeneration

E-Ko began in 1995, founded by passionate Kiwis with one simple mission: to share the magic of the Marlborough Sounds while protecting the wildlife that calls it home. What started as a small local operation grew into something greater โ€” a movement rooted in care, connection, and kaitiakitanga (guardianship).

In those early days, E-Ko pioneered one of New Zealandโ€™s first marine mammal citizen science databases, still used by researchers and agencies today. Our guides were conservationists at heart, and our tours offered more than just scenery โ€” they built relationships between people and place.

๐Ÿ”ฎ Looking Ahead: A Regenerative Future

Today, E-Ko is leading the way in regenerative tourism, transforming every ferry booking, wildlife tour, and reward into an act of restoration. Through initiatives like the Sounds Enhancement Project, the 10% Club, and free marine education programs, we're building a tourism model that gives more than it takes.

Our future vision includes:

  • Expanding marine protection and predator-free island restoration

  • Empowering local rangatahi (youth) into eco-guiding careers

  • Supporting iwi-led conservation and cultural revitalisation

  • Reinventing tourism as a tool for climate resilience and biodiversity recovery

We are proud to stand with international frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the NZ Biodiversity Strategy, and the GSTC Standardsโ€”but more than that, we stand with our community, our coast, and our commitment to leave the Marlborough Sounds better than we found it.

๐ŸŒŸ The E-Ko Difference โ€” What You Receive

At E-Ko, every experience is designed with purpose, care, and connection in mind. Hereโ€™s what we proudly deliver to you:

  • ๐Ÿšค Cruise Calm, Scenic Waters
    Journey through the sheltered beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound with stunning coastal views and thriving wildlife habitats.

  • ๐Ÿฌ Wildlife First, Always
    Weโ€™re not about gimmicks โ€” weโ€™re about guardianship. Our focus is the welfare of all animals and ecosystems. When you travel with E-Ko, you actively support local conservation and sustainability.

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Personalised Service, World-Class Crew
    With a maximum 15:1 guest-to-guide ratio, our passionate team delivers the best customer service in Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Closer Encounters
    Our custom-designed vessels bring you safely close to wildlife โ€” no fancy camera needed. Your phone will do just fine.

  • โ˜• Complimentary Comforts
    Enjoy free tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and biscuits on board โ€” and award-winning local wine tastings on our afternoon tours.

  • ๐ŸŽจ Family-Friendly Fun
    We keep young adventurers engaged with toys, books, and drawing boards, ensuring a great time for the whole whฤnau.

  • ๐Ÿšข Cruise Ship Guarantee
    We guarantee you'll return to your ship on time โ€” no expense spared. Book directly with us and save 60โ€“75% compared to onboard options.

  • ๐ŸŒŠ No Seasickness. No Worries.
    Our tours are smooth and sheltered โ€” backed by our 100% money-back guarantee.

  • ๐Ÿง More Wildlife, Better Value
    Thanks to our locations and local expertise, we access more wildlife than any other operator in New Zealand.

  • ๐Ÿ’š Conservation With Every Ticket
    A portion of every booking funds local and global conservation efforts โ€” your journey directly contributes to the planet.

  • ๐Ÿ”ญ Enhance Your Experience
    Use our free auto-focus binoculars, species ID cards, and enjoy engaging commentary from WCA Certified Marine Guides (trained via Marine Guide Training).

  • ๐Ÿ“ท Free Wildlife Images
    Download professional wildlife photos and share your experience with friends and family โ€” free from our website.

  • ๐Ÿ‹ Interactive Visitor Area
    Visit our custom-built briefing centre with life-sized marine wildlife replicas โ€” perfect for learning and selfies!

"WE FORGET THAT THE WATER CYCLE AND THE LIFE CYCLE ARE ONE. "

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