A very pleasant cruise. It was a small enough group that we all had no trouble seeing the dolphins. Staff were laid back, friendly and helpful and were determined to find the dolphins and other wildlife for us to experience up close.

I’ve never written a review before but after my experience last week I just had to give my praise to Andy, Courtney and the team. Captain Andy had knowledge like no other, from the first settlers of Picton to the birds that flew past the boat, Andy knew it all. (Also handled that boat like a charm). Courtney was lovely and friendly, even made us a hot chocolate after the swim which was well needed, loved that she helped me take off my wetsuit although my wife wasn’t to happy! Haha. The team found a pack of dolphins in amongst the seals and we got three full swims in with them, definitely got our moneys worth! Thank you guys and more importantly Andy who just went above and beyond the whole day. Have told the rest of my family that when they are in New Zealand they must come to Eko tours! 🐬 🏊🏼‍♂️

If I could rate it more stars on here I would. Absolutely amazing tour, kind and knowledgeable crew with the so much passion for the wildlife and their conservation. I had the best time and that’s all down to the crew on board (the dolphins helped too) please don’t pick any other tour company if you’re in/ around Picton. Proceeds also go back to so many aspects of conserving NZ wildlife too which is an added bonus. 10/10

Fantastic afternoon trip. We saw lots of sea birds but sadly no penguins or dolphins (just the luck of the draw!) But otherwise a great trip with informative Captain and tour guide. We also had a glass of local wine on the return trip!

Fantastic trip, with very knowledgable guides. We had plenty of time to see the wildlife and hear about the history of the area. They were kind enough to take us out the day before our booking as the weather the following day was going to be bad. 10 out of 10 to the young lady in the booking office who was asked by some Americans if they would get a refund if they didn't see any Dolphins, and managed to not give them the answer that I would have done! Very diplomatic! If you want a great trip, use this company.

Short walk from cruise port. Nice overview of what we might see during cruise before leaving. Nice boat ride on queen charlotte sounds which is much larger and more branching than I previously thought. Andy slowed the boat so we were able to stand outside along the sides to view sea birds and Alice explained what we were seeing. Arrived at Motuara bird sanctuary and had a walk up the hill led by Alice who was great to point out flora and fauna during the walk up. Since it is an out and back hike you could lag behind and then catch up with the rest of the group on their way down although you would miss the spectacular views from the top. Andy, the great boat captain, was waiting to load us up and take us back to the dock. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see dolphins or whales but after all it is wildlife and not a zoo so no promises about what you will see. Did see many birds while at the sanctuary. Besides a hot drink on the way back we were also treated to a local Pinot Gris sample. Arrived back in plenty of time to reboard the cruise ship.

Had a great experience. Will our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and also had a great sense of humour. Definitely recommend:)

I was booked on this tour. When I arrived, I was told they were canceling the trip because they did not have enough people on board. Very disappointing. So it was a wasted day.

This is a must do, our tour guide, Will, was very knowledgeable and gave us a very informative tour. We are New Zealanders but would recommend this to anyone.

We took the full day birding tour to Blumine and Motuara islands yesterday with four other Alaskan friends. It was a wonderful experience and one of the best guided nature tours we have had in NZ. The captain, Paul, was extremely knowledgeable and very adept in handling and positioning the boat in difficult conditions. Equally, or more, impressive was the young and very enthusiastic naturalist, sommelier, barista and boat hand, Will, who shared his passion and knowledge with all the guests. His knowledge was especially impressive given he has only been in NZ for three months. He is a genuine asset to E-Ko Tour’s operation and should be rewarded for his exemplary performance.

My wife and I did the afternoon tour and we found our guide (Elly) and the skipper very friendly and helpful throughout the tour. They were both extremely informative as well. It was nice to get a cuppa and some bikkies on the way home and even better to get a couple of glasses of the local wine to taste. We enjoyed the walk up Motuara Island. The views from the top were excellent. It was good to see all the birdlife and the fur seals. Too bad we missed the dolphins that day. 😢 I would recommend the experience.

Boat trip with Andy and Ella across Sound to a beautiful beach and then trek through rainforest to a beautiful 1000 year old tree. 50 min Trek up some steep hills with guide leading the way with great info on everything- lovely company and people. Saw seals penguins and lots of birds. Great 2 hour trip.

We have visited NZ from the UK 3 times and I think this is the best tour I’ve ever done and definitely the best value for money when you consider what E-ko tours does for conservation. The boat is excellent, big enough for comfort but shaped so that it can be taken right up to the rocks for a close up of the birds. Paul captained the boat, Will was the guide and Rob the photographer who all made a knowledgeable and extremely enthusiastic team. We took the early morning tour and left on time with a group of 8 people. Paul pulled up to some shearwaters and gannets almost immediately whilst Will gave us info on the conservation efforts NZ is making. He was really enthusiastic and entertaining. We saw 22 King Shags, seals and then the highlight came when a pod of hector dolphins with a calf came to play around the boat. We arrived at Motuara Island where no bags or food are allowed and that’s where you need to make the decision whether to hike the trail with Will or stay at the bird bath with Rob. We did a little of each so we managed to get some lovely views as well as a lot of bird sightings and new information. If we’d been in Picton longer we would definitely have done another trip with E-ko tours, I can highly recommend them. Thanks guys for an awesome morning.

Great boat trip with a hike on a nice island. Saw many different species of birds, plus NZ fur seals. Ella was a fantastic guide and Paul a great pilot.

we saw a whole variety of birds including Robins, Gannets, Shearwaters, a Saddleback and spotted and even a King Shag. Will and the captain were really informative and the wine was great too!