Winter Wildlife Tours - Marlborough Sounds
See Dolphins, Seabirds & Winter Wildlife in Picton
Experience one of the best times of year for marine wildlife, with fewer boats, calmer waters, and active feeding conditions.
Limited winter departures available.
Valid for departures between : 1st May and 1st October
Book Winter Deals Now - View offers below
What wildlife can you see ?
- Dusky dolphins (alot ), orca, Hector's, Hectors and bottlenose dolphins
- Little blue penguins, King shags
- Orange-fronted Kakriki or South Island Saddleback, south island Robin if you go to the DOC Predator Free islands.
- Seabirds (albatross, gannets, shearwaters)
- NZ Fur Seals and other marine life
- Best Dusky dolphin swimming between August and November. Click Here!
Why is it better from May to October ?
Winter is one of the best times to experience the Marlborough Sounds with fewer crowds and highly active marine life.
- Fewer boats → less disturbance, better encounters
- Active feeding season for Dolphins → more consistent sightings
- Calmer conditions → more comfortable experience
- Small-group tours → better access and visibility
This combination creates a more focused and higher-quality wildlife experience compared to peak summer months.
What the experience looks like
- Depart from Picton either in the morning or afternoon
- Cruise through calm sheltered Marlborough Sounds waterways
- Search for dolphins, penguins, and seabirds using your Onboard FREE binoculars
- Learn from experienced local WCA qualified wildlife guides
- Return after a focused wildlife viewing experience with FREE images and E-ko Rewards
Tours are timed and routed to maximise wildlife encounters.
All Tours include?
All Tours are designed for maximum wildlife interaction and comfort.
- Guided boat tour through the Marlborough Sounds
- Experienced local wildlife guides
- FREE sample of Local Yealands award-winning Pinot Gris on afternoon Tours
- FREE scones on Group Bookings for Ships Cove History and Nature Cruise
- Small group setting
- Wildlife spotting and interpretation
- Scenic coastal views and sheltered waterways
- Tea, Coffee, and Hot Chocolate, and Chocolate chip biscuits
- FREE Binoculars for your use to spot wildlife or take photos
- FREE Species Id Cards
- FREE Image Gallery with 150 images for you to download
- FREE Wildlife Library if you want to know more
- Children's Books and toys on board
Tours depart from Picton and are structured to maximise wildlife encounters within optimal timeframes and meet all ferry schedules.
Book your wildlife tour
- Select your preferred date, choose your tour time, and secure your booking online
→ Book Now – Limited Spots- 1st May to 1st October
Local Winter Flex - 20% Off
Exclusive rate for anyone who is flexible with Tour dates.
• Applies to Motuara Island and Dolphin, Captain Cook & Blumine Island Tours
• Flexible Tour scheduling within the same week
• Use code: WINTERLOCAL2026
Stay 3, Pay 2 – Traveller Winter Special, 3 for 2
Spend three days exploring the Marlborough Sounds and pay for only two.
Includes 2 E-ko Tours + Wine Tour / Kayak/ Bike Tour
• Book three eligible days, pay for two
• Use code: WINTER3FOR2
Private Charter
Seasonal pricing available for private charters, family gatherings and corporate groups. Save up to $2000 for 8 hours of Private Charter
• Midweek and flexible departures available
• Enquire for winter pricing and personalize the Tour just for you: info@e-ko.nz
Winter offers
Winter departures are limited and weather-dependent — secure your spot early.
Only available from May to October, Limited Departures, Flexible spots fill fast
Book Your Winter Wildlife Experience Today
FAQs
What is the best time to see dolphins?
Dolphins are active year-round, but winter often provides consistent sightings due to feeding patterns and reduced boat traffic.
What is the best time to swim with dolphins?
The best time to swim with Dolphins in NZ is late winter and spring in calm waters. Dusky Dolphins are resident in the Queen Charlotte Sound close to shore in late winter and spring. We offer a Dolphin Swim View special Deal from 1st July for this reason. It is the BEST place in New Zealand to swim with dolphins in enclosed, calm waters. We are the only New Zealand company to reduce our number of tours for Dolphin health and happiness.The Dolphins then love to interact with people as they do not get harassed. In late winter and springtime, we have plentiful small bait fish in our shallow waters for the Dolphins. Our visiting Dusky Dolphins get minimal disturbance as a lot of food allows long periods for socializing and milling which is ideal for swimming and viewing. Bottlenose dolphins and orca also visit during these months regularly.
What wildlife is active from May to October?
Dolphins, penguins, and a wide range of seabirds are commonly seen. Winter can offer more predictable behaviour as wildlife follows seasonal feeding routes.
Is autumn, winter and springtime a good time to visit the Marlborough Sounds?
Yes. Winter offers fewer crowds, clear conditions, and strong wildlife activity, making it ideal for focused wildlife experiences.
Why choose E-Ko Tours?
- Small group experiences
- Locally owned and operated
- Deep knowledge of Marlborough Sounds wildlife
- Focus on authentic, nature-based encounters
- Top regenerative tour operator in New Zealand
- Critically Endangered Species on every tour
- See more Wildlife Species than any other tour in New Zealand
- Best calm water Dolphin Swimming in New Zealand from July to November.
Things to do in Picton in winter
Looking for things to do in Picton in winter? A guided wildlife tour in the Marlborough Sounds is one of the top seasonal experiences, combining nature, scenery, and marine life encounters in a single trip.
Winter Wildlife Tours Marlborough Sounds
If you're searching for winter wildlife tours in Marlborough Sounds or dolphin tours in NZ during winter, this experience is designed specifically for seasonal wildlife viewing and small-group access.
Book Your Winter Wildlife Tour
