Whale Watching Tour in Wellington, New Zealand

Whether it’s watching a group quietly cruising along or marvelling at their high leaps, backflips and somersaults during social bouts, dolphins are a magnificent sight! E-Ko Tours is located in Picton, New Zealand, and runs excursions along the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. They offer a range of guided tours from $49 focused on the local nature and history. During their Wildlife Tour, they commonly come across a range of bird species including the rare king shag, petrels, gannets, Black Robins, Bellbirds, Wax-eyes, Fantails, yellow-crowned parakeets (Kakariki), South Island saddleback, and little blue penguins.

Where do I find them?

Find them on Picton’s main waterfront, just a 1-minute walk away from the ferry terminal with car parking nearby. Look out for the Dusky Dolphin outside their shop. Even before your tour starts you can climb aboard and take a comfortable seat inside the shop or outside on their sun-drenched deck and enjoy stunning views and purchase freshly made tea or coffee. As a customer, you also get access to their free WiFi.
On clear days, you can see across to the North Island in the distance of the Cook Strait lookout which gives you an absolutely spectacular view! They’re always on the lookout for marine mammals like moon jellyfish, Orca and the endangered Hector’s dolphin! At E-Ko Tours they proudly follow the Marine Mammal Protection Act 1978 and the Marine Mammal Protection Regulations 1992. These ensure the marine mammals of New Zealand are protected and that their conservation is a top priority. Their interactions with the marine mammals of the Marlborough Sounds adhere to all regulations and conservation-focused tours, educate and raise awareness. They hold permits to swim with three dolphin species – bottlenose, dusky, and common dolphins – as well as the New Zealand fur seal. For a cost of NZD$180.00 for adults and $155.00 for children, between the ages of 12 and 15 years old.
4-Hour Tour Price:
  • NZD$129 for adults (16+ years)
  • Child: $65 (5 – 15 years)
  • Infant: $30 (0 – 4 years)
  • Tour begins at 7.45 am or 1.15 pm

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