Otago Harbour Wildlife Cruise: Experience New Zealand's Nature Capital in Dunedin
4.9
8 Ratings
Port Chalmers
Embark on an invigorating wildlife cruise in Dunedin's Otago Harbour. Discover New Zealand's Nature Capital and encounter albatross, fur seals, dolphins, and more. Book now!
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Taiaroa Head - You’ll cruise around the beautiful Taiaroa Head. Enjoy the postcard views of the historic lighthouse and spot Royal Albatross and NZ Fur Seals
  • Otago Harbour - See the stunning Otago Harbour. Explore the beautiful bays, islands and fishing villages along the way.
  • Port Chalmers - Shuttle between the cruise terminal and our wharf
What's Included
  • Tea and coffee
  • Complimentary binoculars
  • Complimentary warm and waterproof jackets
  • Wildlife spotters guide
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Come join us in experiencing a refreshing wildlife cruise adventure. By the end of your journey, you’ll understand why Dunedin is recognized as New Zealand’s Nature Capital.

Our excursion will take you around scenic docks and boat houses, followed by a visit to the historical Quarantine Islands. We’ll visit the Careys Bay fishing settlement, showcasing a diverse array of boats, before advancing along the harbor. Make sure to savour a warm beverage along with a delectable biscuit, part of our morning snack offering.

Upon reaching the entrance to Otago Harbour, you’ll witness Aramoana’s tidal flat sands and the breathtaking volcanic cliffs of Taiaroa Head. You’ll be exposed to the royal albatross breeding colony, the only colony of its kind on mainland. Under the watch of a traditional lighthouse, observe a large gathering of fur seals as they swim, frolic and rest on rocky terrains near the boat. We occasionally spot other types of albatrosses and sea birds a short distance out into the sea. Dolphins, sea lions, and blue penguins also make occasional appearances. Don’t leave your camera behind!

  • Guests will need to be able to board the boat via two steps.
Location
Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal
Beach Street
You'll be picked up from the 'Private Tours Area' in the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal. Look for our guide holding a MONARCH sign.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(8 Ratings)
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Deborah_m
Mar 30, 2024
Harbor Birds Everywhere !! - Great day for a harbor cruise ! The captian & mate were very friendly and relayed lots of info regarding the wildlife through out the harbor. They even served us tea & cookies !! Great views of seals, birds and beauty ! Not too long, left us enough time to explore the town.
Review provided by Viator
Judy_m
Mar 25, 2024
Very nice boat ride where... - Very nice boat ride where we saw lots of different birds and also seals. Especially enjoyed the commentary about the area.
Review provided by Viator
M266ejheatherk
Mar 23, 2024
A must do experience - Absolutely gorgeous day, we got to see Albatross nesting and flying, other birdlife, little blue penguin and a fur seal. Great skipper we loads of knowledge.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John_o
Mar 9, 2024
Only way to see the South Island. - Saw a lot of wildlife including pod of 50 + dolphins. Very knowledgeable guide/captain. Best excursion of our cruise.
Review provided by Viator
Diane_l
Feb 29, 2024
Super Half Day Wildlife Excursion - Excellent small group experience! The guide was very knowledgeable as we embarked on a scenic cruise to see seals, albatrosses, and even a sea lion.
Review provided by Viator
Susan_r
Feb 16, 2024
Fun and educational - Beautiful day. Saw seals, a sea lion, albatross and a penguin! Nigel, our captain, was great and Dan our guide was super knowledgeable. I recommend this cruise highly.
Review provided by Viator
Colin_b
Jan 30, 2024
Terrific Day Out - Seeing and hearing about albatrosses and other bird and marine life with an experienced guide and captain.
Review provided by Viator
Angela_r
May 6, 2024
Great way to spend a morning in Port Chalmers - A lovely vessel and was a lovely morning for a cruise in the harbour. Unfortunately there was a storm the night before so there was a big swell and we were not able to head further out to sea. We did see a couple of penguins, seals on the rocks and a dolphin.
Review provided by Viator