18 Nov 2022

Cruising, Birding, and Dolphin Spotting to the Marlborough Sounds

The sun was shining and the wind was calm with many getting the opportunity to observe a pod of dolphins playing during breakfast this morning as we said farewell to the North Island and made our way towards Marlborough Sounds.

The views were spectacular as we sailed through glass like conditions into our anchor in Queen Charlotte Sound ready to head out and explore after lunch.

We took zodiacs across to Ships Cove and were welcomed with some Weka before many tackled the walk up the hill to panoramic views of Ships Cove and over into Schoolhouse Bay.

The next stop was the incredibly wildlife rich Motuara Island with sightings including South Island Robin, Bellbird, Kereru, Saddleback and a Little Blue Penguin residing in a nesting box. Views from the top were once again amazing looking over the Marlborough Sounds and the tip of the North Island in the distance.