Otago Peninsula: Scenic Bus and Wildlife Cruise

Embark on an unforgettable wildlife cruise along the Otago Peninsula, where you’ll encounter majestic albatross, playful fur seals, and breathtaking harbour views. Experience the best of nature and scenery on this guided tour from Dunedin.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours - Cruise along the picturesque Otago Harbour before joining the Monarch Wildlife Cruise
  • Taiaroa Head - You’ll enjoy great views of a historic lighthouse and the world’s only mainland nesting colony of Royal Albatross and other Southern Ocean wildlife.
  • Otago Peninsula - Between the summer months (Oct-Apr)…
What's Included
  • Warm jackets available for all guests
  • On-board WiFi
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Tea and coffee
  • On-board restrooms
  • Complimentary binoculars provided
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Bus across the beautiful Otago Peninsula and enjoy the sights whilst your local guide gives an informative commentary about the area.
Then hop aboard our comfortable boat for an invigorating cruise out past the historic Taiaroa Head lighthouse. You’ll spot rare Southern Ocean marine wildlife, including royal albatross, fur seals and more!
The tour…

Location
Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours
Fryatt Street
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(40 Ratings)
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1 star
Thekeydet
Nov 1, 2025
You need to go!!! - Great time. We saw Albetross who have a wingspan of 3.2 meters., blue penguin and saw two Orkas, a mother and baby. The Orka enter the Harbour to feed on Stingrays. They provided coats which were welcomed today. They also provide a hot beverage which was much appreciated.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Florian254
Oct 9, 2025
Birds - One full day of landscape and animals, well driven and guided and with Albatros chicks. Yes, some fitness is required and with the seals one should keep the distance. And of course comfortable shoes and adequate clothing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tom_m
Mar 11, 2025
Otago Peninsula bus tour with Sea Life viewing and River Cruise - The bus tour was great with amazing views and excellent commentary from the bus driver. The driver was very polite and helpful. The boat cruise outside the harbour was interesting with very informative commentary and plenty of seal and sea bird life viewing. The boat trip back to Dunedin was a very pleasant small group evening cruise which was very relaxing. A tour not to be missed.
Review provided by Viator
Rhonab87
Nov 19, 2024
17 species of bird! - Saw 17 species of bird, a Hector's dolphin and lots of seals. We were lucky enough to see a wild yellow eyed penguin and 3 kinds of albatross. Amazing day out. Unbeatable if you're a nature lover.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amandag5260
Oct 25, 2024
Wonderful - Great trip! We enjoyed it very much. A great way to see the albatross. Highly recommend the full journey catching the boat all the way back to the wharf.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carol_d
Jan 30, 2024
Fabulous - David, the bus driver, the captain of the ship, and ship mate Killarney were all fantastic at their jobs!!! Very kind and welcoming folks! Interesting commentary about the albatross and other wildlife!!!
Review provided by Viator
Cindy_m
Jan 22, 2024
Amazing albatross - Lovely afternoon tour with great naturalist, Alberto, on board, who is very knowledgeable and helpful. We had lovely, albatross sightings, and even saw some little blue penguins on the way back. Limited food on board to purchase so if you’re hungry, bring something with you. Just a few candy bars, chips or sodas for sale. Warm coats and binoculars are available on board to borrow.
Review provided by Viator
Jan_s
Jan 4, 2024
Learned a lot! - Lovely trip, lovely people. Can recommend. Learned a lot about NZ wildlife and the history of Dunedin.
Review provided by Viator
Christinebu9547zh
Aug 19, 2024
Day trip from cruise ship - We are coming on a cruise ship. What time.e does your trip depart please? Do we have to make our way to Dunedin or can we get our own transport there
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ann_b
Jan 27, 2024
Wildlife Tour with transport - Really enjoyed the bus tour and boat cruise to peninsula. However the 1.5 trip back to Dunedin Harbour was rather boring although the crew did offer beverages and a savorie.
Review provided by Viator