Otago Harbour Tour: Albatross Colony and Wildlife

Embark on a thrilling harbour and wildlife cruise on Otago Harbour. Explore historical sites and witness the abundant wildlife, including the majestic albatross colony. Book your adventure now!

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Back Beach - This is the departure point for the Harbour, Albatross, and Wildlife cruise. It’s a favored location for locals to launch their trailer boats. Tour boats embark from here for excursions around the harbour.
  • Otago Peninsula - Journey along the harbour with scenic views of the Otago Peninsula.
  • Otago Peninsula - Experience the…
What's Included
  • Group tour with a maximum of 18 passengers
  • Toilets available at departure/drop off points
  • On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
  • Bottled water
  • Please bring a warm jacket
Additional Information

Join the group tour of Otago Harbour aboard the sightseeing vessel, “Adagio.” This fast, safe, and comfortable journey allows you to explore more of the stunning harbor, rich in history and teeming with wildlife.
Keep an eye out for New Zealand Fur seals, sea lions, little blue penguins, shags, and a variety of seabird species.
The skipper and guide will…

Location
39 Peninsula Beach Road
Peninsula Beach Road
From the Cruise Terminal, turn right and cross the road at the pedestrian crossing. Then turn left and walk back the way you came but across the road. Carry on past the stacked logs till you get to the Back Beach boat ramp. We Leave from one of the floating jetties on either side of the boat ramp.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.5
(26 Ratings)
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Graham_w
Feb 27, 2026
Albatross sights - Great trip- both Rob, and Holly were very knowledgable and so really friendly. Recommend this tour to anyone
Review provided by Viator
Ruth_x
Feb 25, 2026
Can you see too many albatross? - Picked up from Dunedin and dropped at port chalmers. Captain aware that people had to get ships and arrived back on time. This was a fantastic afternoon - we saw dozens of albatross flying overhead then later out on the water close to the boat 20m or so, and one resting at less than 10m on the water. A really memorable trip.
Review provided by Viator
John_r
Feb 14, 2026
Excellent, fun cruise - Take more clothing than you think you will need Excellent cruise, safe and great commentary and flexibility to view wildlife.
Review provided by Viator
Jod59
Feb 8, 2026
Albatrosses up close - What a wonderful trip. Punctual friendly service and the experience exceeded my expectations. Saw many soaring albatrosses as well as those on land plus seals and other seabirds. Our guide ensured we had the best possible views of those birds while looking after our comfort by ensuring we weren't in rough seas. Terrific.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emhanguy
Jan 11, 2026
Great Wildlife Tour - My husband and I were the only people to show up for the tour. I was surprised that we weren’t cancelled. Rob was terrific and took us on a private journey to see the Albatross up close. He gave us an informative talk on their habits and breeding rituals. We also were able to view red billed gulls and fur seals. At the end of the trip he dropped us at Carey’s Bay Hotel so we could enjoy a pint before heading back to our ship.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennypearce9957
Nov 16, 2025
Trip around the harbour - Enjoyable trip around the Harbour. Saw two albatross, one flying right in front of our boat but my photography skills meant I couldn’t capture it. Great commentary, lovely couple, Rob and Holly took care of our needs. Only 3 of us on the boat so it was a very special trip. Saw seals and several different birds.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Arindam_r
Nov 15, 2025
Great Albatross ocean sail - Great for a small boat ride on big ocean waves, escorted by an Albatross. Rob is an excellent boatman. Holly is a free Maori spirit. They are polite, puctual & professional.
Review provided by Viator
Mark_h
Jul 12, 2025
Mark and Karen - A great way to see the harbour and the wildlife in the area, Rob gave us good commentary of the area and pointed out the old pub to have lunch at, all in all definitely do it.
Review provided by Viator
Gabrielet186
Mar 5, 2025
A special afternoon - A tour of the unique Otago Barbour on a well equipped small personalized boat with a knowledgeable and friendly captain and guide. Albatross aplenty - we pulled up to a group of them and they inquisitively ventured right up to the boat! Saw the nesting sites, albatross with 3 metre wing spans in flight close by together with seals and a variety of other birds. Great competitive price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adriana_p
Jan 11, 2026
Not recommended - The instructions as to the pick-up point were confusing. The stated pick-up point was Back Beach, without a mention of it being at Port Chalmers but the detailed directions were to the wharf in the city. The boat was old and grubby. It was small and I did not expect it to go out to the open sea in search of albatross. No life jackets were visible.
Review provided by Viator
From $77
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).