Education
Marlborough Sounds Educational Experiences
Experience the best educational cruises in the majestic Marlborough Sounds with the award-winning local wildlife and conservation experts.
Our Education Program is part of who we are. Learn from staff who are immersed and passionate about Conservation and Wildlife of New Zealand.
We can customise a package for any age group, or any interest level with our team of local experts, from adults down to the young.
Come and learn about New Zealand's best-kept secrets 🙂
Testimonial
Hi Captain Paul & E-Ko staff,
We booked our Year 1- 6 students on your Motuara/Ship cove trip as part of our research for our whole school Education for Sustainability inquiry.
It was a tremendous day!
There was a clear, educational focus delivered very competently by Tania, Captain Andy & Paul throughout the entire tour.
Their knowledge of the Marlborough Sounds flora, fauna & history made every location we stopped at or animal we viewed so interesting.
We were really fortunate to be able to view animals in their natural environment like the Little Blue Penguins, Furs seals, Saddlebacks, Parakeet/Kakariki and cheeky weka but the encounter with the Hectors Dolphins was the most special.
The tour has given the students a great kete of knowledge to use as they begin to plan their next steps in what action they can take to become guardians of their local environment.
Thank you very much for such a fantastic morning!!
The students have made you all a thank you card but it is a bit big to put in an envelope!
We shall figure out a way to get it delivered to you.
Kind regards,
Trish & rest of the staff at Linkwater School.
Captain Cook Education
In conjunction with Guardians of the Sounds Environmental Education, a FREE Captain Cook and the Endeavour school education module has been supplied. This is to celebrate the 250 Year anniversary of Captain Cooks 171 day stay in Queen Charollete Sound.
Downloadable for FREE: Captain Cook & HMS Endeavour for Schools
We take you where the wildlife is!
Here at E-Ko Tours, we have a long history of working with education providers to offer you, and your students a safe, fun and unique learning experience.
You can provide your own educational material and teachers, or have our Degree qualified marine biologists tailor a trip to your needs!
The Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary Experience
$25/student
This 2-hour trip is our exciting new addition to the education program and combines exploration of the Double Cove Marine Reserve and Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding seashore with a short ocean cruise.
Our learning adventure begins at the E-ko Tours classroom in Picton. We then board the boat and head out to Kaipupu Point Sanctuary where we disembark and explore the fascinating flora and fauna of the area.
Education Officers will ensure and assist students to complete a variety of conservation based, fun learning activities addressing the important principles that Kaipupu Point Sanctuary is established upon.
The E-Ko Marine Adventure
$35/student
This quality 3 hour ocean adventure is a great chance for kids and parents to have fun learning about the amazing wildlife of the Queen Charlotte Sound.
Our education staff will begin the experience by preparing students for the day's adventure with a short introduction & educational presentation.
Each child will be supplied with a 'Species Checklist' and as we cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound, we will endeavour to see as many species on that list as possible.
The Motuara Island Expedition
$40/student
This quality 4 hour island and ocean adventure is a great chance for kids to have fun while learning about the amazing wildlife of the Marlborough Sounds!
We begin our experience at the E-ko Tours classroom in Picton. Before we board the boat our Education staff prepare students for the day's adventure with a short introduction and educational presentation.
During the cruise and on the way out to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary, students search for, study and learn about the rare and interesting wildlife encountered.
On the island they join our education staff exploring the predator free sanctuary and discovering a variety of endangered species.
After hours of fun and learning it's time to head for home.
The Whale Exploration Experience
$40/student
From the legend of Paikea to Perano Whaling Station, this 4 hour learning adventure is a great chance for kids to learn all about whales!
From the history of whaling to the importance of their conservation in today's world, students have the rare chance to explore the Perano Whaling Station and learn about New Zealand and whales and current conservation initiatives.
During the Queen Charlotte Sound cruise, and on the way out to Perano Station, students also enjoy the added bonus of learning about the rare and interesting wildlife encountered.
Along the way, students discuss their ideas and impressions while completing a variety of conservation based activities.
Ship Cove for Kids
$40/student
This 4-hour trip is a fantastic chance for students to learn about the flora, fauna and history of the Marlborough Sounds!
We begin our learning adventure at the E-Ko Tours classroom in Picton. Before we board the boat our education staff prepare students for the day's adventure with a short introduction & an educational presentation.
During the cruise and on the way out to Ship Cove, students search for, study and learn about the rare and interesting wildlife encountered.
Training Courses
Project Jonah
Project Jonah is a marine mammal welfare charity, dedicated to protecting whales and dolphins and the oceans they call home.
Each year, hundreds of whales and dolphins strand on our shores. Whilst some are sick or injured, others are healthy and just need a helping hand back out to sea. But saving whales isn't as easy as it looks and successful rescue often depends on properly trained volunteers.
That's where you come in. You can become a Marine Mammal Medic with our one day course. It costs $120 ($85 for students with valid ID) and once trained you'll be added to our national callout list. That means that when a stranding occurs in your region, your lifesaving skills can be called upon.
What We Deliver
Our training courses and workshops are created to enable participants to gain unique skill sets and qualities relevant for practical use in the field. We have worked with participants all over the world, inspiring them about whales and dolphins and enabling them to build new skills in a fun and relaxed environment.
We Can
- Start your career as a top marine educator and guide
- Develop and improve your educating and guiding skills or the skills of your employees
- Create tailor-made workshops and training sessions to match the needs of your company or destination
Please contact our Projects Team for any general queries relating to our training courses or workshops: projects@worldcetaceanalliance.org
Please contact our Discovery and Outreach Coordinator Alex for any queries relating to custom training courses: alex.hughes@worldcetaceanalliance.org