The Motuara Island boat trip wildlife experience was just as exciting as visiting the island itself. From the moment we left the shore, our skipper and guide both ensured we saw as much wildlife as possible along the way.
Hector’s Dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds
One of the biggest highlights of this Motuara Island boat trip was seeing the Hector’s dolphins. These small dolphins are native to New Zealand and are incredibly fast-moving.
Photographing them, however, was a real challenge. The constant motion of the boat combined with their speed made it difficult to focus. Despite this, I managed to capture three images that I was happy with, each one featured in this post. The dolphins remain a challenge for another day.
Shags and Cormorants Along the Coast
Another standout feature of the Motuara Island boat trip wildlife experience was the variety of shags (cormorants) we encountered. We saw three different species, each with its own colony and distinctive features.
Pied Shag
The pied shag was the most familiar to me. These birds are often seen nesting in trees and are easily recognised by their black-and-white colouring and black feet.
Spotted Shag
Next was the spotted shag, a truly unique bird. Its soft grey feathers are covered in delicate black spots, and it has striking yellow feet. This species is endemic to New Zealand.
We were also lucky enough to see some in breeding condition, showing off vibrant blue colouring around their faces.
King Shag
The king shag, also endemic to New Zealand, was the final species we encountered. These large birds are found only in the Marlborough Sounds and are known for their distinctive pink feet.
They proved to be the most difficult to photograph, as many of them were facing away from us, and difficult light. Even so, it was a privilege to observe such a rare species in its natural habitat.
New Zealand Fur Seals
As we continued our Motuara Island boat trip, we came across several New Zealand fur seals. Some were stretched out on rocks, enjoying the sunshine, while others swam gracefully in the water below.
Most of the swimming seals only revealed glimpses of their flippers and tails, making them another tricky subject to photograph.
A Memorable Wildlife Experience
This Motuara Island boat trip wildlife experience may be a mix of different species, but together they tell the story of an unforgettable journey through the Marlborough Sounds.
From fast-moving dolphins to rare seabirds and playful seals, every moment offered something unique. It was a perfect reminder that sometimes the journey can be just as rewarding as the destination.
All the images in this post were taken using my Lumix G9II. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact me through my website, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram.