New Zealand is home to some incredible native wildlife, and while we’re most famous for the Kiwi, it’s highly unlikely you'll see one on your tripunless you plan on visiting Rakiura (Stewart Island).

But, not all hope is lost! I highly recommend visiting Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary, a predator-free island in the Marlborough Sounds. While you won’t spot Kiwi, you will get to see the South Island robin, endangered saddleback (tīeke) and yellow-crowned parakeet (kākāriki). I was here on the first day of the Queen Charlotte Track and it was such a memorable experience.

As it’s an island, you must book a water taxi to get out here. A visit to Motuara Island is usually included in Queen Charlotte Track packages. However, if you’re not doing the full 5 day walk, you can catch a return ferry from Picton.

The half-day tour starts in Picton at 7:30 am and returns around 12:30 pm, which makes it the perfect way to spend the morning. The cruise out to the island takes about 1 hour during which you’ll get stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds and you might even spot dolphins! Once you arrive, you'll have time to explore the island via an easy 800m one-way track.  This starts from the jetty and winds upwards until you reach an incredible lookout with panoramic views over the sounds and out to Ship Cove.