See the best of Marlborough region with a beautiful cruise in the Marlborough Sounds to the predator free Motuara Island and check out the incredible WW1 and WW2 aviation exhibits at Omaka Aviation Centre.
Beachcomber Cruise in the Marlborough Sounds
Depart from Picton out to the stunning Motuara bird Island. Immerse yourself in the natural surroundings, native birdlife and stunning views for approximately 1 hour.
On arrival at this magnificent island, you will hear a chorus of songs from the local inhabitants. Sit and enjoy the bird viewing station approx 5-minute walk from jetty before following the moderate gradient track approx 800m one way around the hill with several lookout points along the way before reaching the highest point of the island (128m) there awaits fantastic views across to Ship Cove. There is a spectacular view to the North Island from the Cook Straight Lookout. Lift the lid on one of many wooden nestling boxes along the track and a sleepy Little Blue Penguin (or even a Kiwi) may just glance up to see who is watching over him.
Motuara Bird Sanctuary Island attracts bird lovers from all over the world. All introduced pests were removed in the early 1990’s and the island is now home to a variety of native species having struggled to survive or died out on the mainland. Many of these are critically endangered and this Island provides them with a secure future.
Some of the wildlife you will see includes, Saddleback (tieke), NZ Robin (toutouwai), Bellbird (korimako), Tui, Grey Warbler (riroriro), NZ Pigeon (kereru), Silver Eye (tauhou), Fantail (piwakawaka), the endangered South Island Saddleback, the very rare King Shag, Maud Island Frog and the Marlborough Green Gecko.
The vessel will come and pick you up from Motuara island then transport to historic Ship Cove for a site visit before having you arrive back in Picton approx 12:30pm
* Motuara Island is a predator free island administered by the Department of Conservation.
Aviation showcase at Omaka
This experience gives you and a friend access to the Knights of the Sky’ and the Dangerous Skies’ exhibits at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center.
Knights of the Sky features Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of WW1 aircraft and artefacts, and in true Peter Jackson fashion, thousands of hours have gone into the displays around each aircraft, many of which depict events that took place during the war.
Dangerous Skies is a display of WW2 craft, with some infamous warbirds on display, again in cinematic quality scenes, including an impression Lockheed Hudson plane accurately recreated to appear crashed in the depths of a jungle, as the plane was during the war! This is an incredible experience for Aviation Buffs and non Buffs alike!
