Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

Overview

Available languages

German

Japanese

English

French

mnp

Mobile ticket

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide!

You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. She has had 20 +years experience skippering/guiding/operating commercial vessels on Otago Harbour, including dredger, coastguard, harbourmaster and more.

Modern, comfortable, safe, fast and custom built boat.

Approx 1.5 hours -2 hours in duration.

-Fully commentated.

-Quality binoculars provided.

-We pass by the historic Quarantine Stations and old shipwrecks.

-See and learn about the fishing boats, workboats, dredges and ships as we pass Port Chalmers and Careys Bay.

-Look for albatross, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, marine mammals and more as we cruise past roosting, breeding and feeding areas.

-See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations.

-Cruise around Taiaroa Head, Nature reserve.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please be aware there could be sea spray at times, please dress warmly, just incase.

Please wear a facemask if you have been recently unwell.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Use of high quality binoculars for adults.

Experienced guides

Small-group tours

Live commentary on board

Wildlife Identification sheet provided

Options

Portobello Departure

Duration: 2 hours: Albatross Wildlife and Harbour Cruise, departing from Portobello. 837 Portobello Road, Otago Peninsula.
Starting point:
837 Portobello Road, Portobello, Dunedin 9014, New Zealand
Pickup included

Port Chalmers Departure

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: Albatross Wildlife and Harbour cruise, starts and finishes at Port Chalmers. 5 minutes walk from cruise terminal building.
Starting point:
39 Peninsula Beach Road, Port Chalmers, Dunedin 9023, New Zealand
Pickup included

Reviews

4.83

177 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

162

Won't do this again
DennisL W,
Apr 30, 2025
- Viator
1.00
In 30 years of cruising, this was probably the worst shore excursion that we have ever booked. The tour consisted of a 30 minute high speed boat ride across a bay on a too small boat populated by too many people, and a PA system that was useless. Next we spent 30 minutes looking for wildlife, of which we saw 2 seals, one sea lion, and very little anything else. No Albatross. We saw more shore fishermen than wildlife (maybe they count). This was followed by a 30 minute high speed boat ride back to our starting point - on the too small boat with too many people.
Racheal very...
LGould L,
Apr 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Racheal very knowledgeable and took us to see albatross, seals and other wildlife. Small tour very gd thank you x for the cookies x
Excellent excursion!
Susan R,
Apr 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great short excursion. Got to see seals and many bird species, especially many albatrosses. Our guide pilot was extremely pleasant and knowledgeable. She got us in close to rock formations with adults and baby seals. Excellent narrations
We saw the swooping Albatrosses and NZ fur seals. Great outing worth the money.
irma f,
Mar 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Amazing experience in the bay with Rachel our skipper so competent and knowledgeable I will fo it again one day
The wildlife is not to be missed!
Jonathan T,
Mar 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This was an awesome experience made even more awesome. By our tour guide Rachel, her knowledge of the wildlife, and the birds all around the waterway that she took us through a second to none. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to learn about the unique wildlife in around Port Chalmers especially those with young children. Thank you Rachel for an enjoyable time.

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