Dunedin Wildlife Cruise-Albatross, seals and harbour
Overview
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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.
-Full professional amplified commentary
-Quality binoculars provided.
-Bathroom onboard, heated cabin
-Learn about 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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We depart a 5-10 minute easy walk, from cruise ship terminal building, Port Chalmers.
We do not offer transport from Cruise building. Passengers need to make their own way, a flat easy 5-10 minute walk.
Not recommended for travelers with signifigant mobility problems (must be able to step down into vessel, 300mm)
Please be aware there could be sea spray at times, please dress warmly, just incase.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Otago Peninsula
Scenery, wildlife, shipwrecks, ocean birds, albatross, seals and more.
Albatross, seal, sea birds and much more, by boat.
What‘s Included
Binoculars and jackets
Wildlife information sheets
Restroom on board
Snacks
Options
Portobello Departure
Starting point:
837 Portobello Road, Portobello, Dunedin 9014, New Zealand
Port Chalmers Departure
Port Chalmers pick up
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: From Port Chalmers.
If youd like more time on the vessel this can be arranged on the day for no extra cost.
Port Chalmers, Taiaroa Head
Boat
Starting point:
39 Peninsula Beach Road, Port Chalmers, Dunedin 9023, New Zealand
Reviews
135 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
best and onle way to see these creatures
Scenic549751,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excepional experienmce. We were lucky, soft rain had smoothed the ocean flat. As a rsult of schooling small fishes the albatroses were everywhere, We saw 3 seals , and one blue penguin, I can recommend the informative commentary, the great boat, and the close encouters with these magnificant birds. I have been to the land based albotross viewing and that viewiimg is a joke compared with this cruise.
Great trip, Rachel is very welcoming and mega boat
tomep83,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A really enjoyable trip with Rachel on board her lovely boat the Sootymaster. We were lucky with the weather and got to see some great wildlife. We learnt a lot about the area and history. Would highly recommend for a family outing.
Very enjoyable and...
Mary H,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very enjoyable and educational trip on the Otago Peninsula with Rachel. She is adept at navigating and finding wildlife while engaging all on board. We had a lovely afternoon.
Short walk from cruise...
Thomas H,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Short walk from cruise terminal to port. Guide was very knowledgeable about wildlife in the harbor. Nice short excursion to see the beautiful harbor.
Accurate and timely pick...
Peter S,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Accurate and timely pick up instructions on s that were easy to follow . Tour guide was very knowledgable and explained wildlife and area well .
Awesome experience! Saw...
Mark R,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome experience! Saw sea lions up close hunting fish, albatross soaring overhead, seal pups nursing on the shore, shags & their nests, & amazing scenery. Excellent skipper too! Highly recommend especially on a decent weather day.
This was an amazing...
Morgan M,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing experience! Rachel was such a great captain and so knowledgeable about the area, the ocean, and the wildlife. She made an effort to find all the best wildlife for us. Her boat is very comfortable and she had all items needed (binoculars, etc). Finally, she was very responsive and accommodating to our scheduling needs. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting Dunedin.
Awesome cruise trip
Cliff H,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Saw Albatrosses, Sea Lions, Blue Penguin and many other birds. Rachel the boat owner was very knowledgeable
Dunedin Albatross harbour cruise
LucyNewSouthWales,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Rachel you were wonderful and tried to get us the best experience possible. We were lucky and saw several Albatross, fur seals, shags and their nesting places as well as babies, penguin in the distance, dolphins and many other birds. We would highly recommend this beautiful guide Rachel and all that her tour has to offer. Best Wishes Al & Marie(Australia)
Beautiful Scenery and Experience in Port Chalmers
Kim K,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Rachel is amazing! This was probably one of the best wildlife excursions I have ever been on. The vessel/boat we were on was just amazing. A small group, room enough to get around. You could be inside or you could be outside. Rachel knew exactly where to go to see the Alabatross and the Sea Lion and the Seals. We had a really nice group that were on our tour also. Port Chalmers is a cute little sleepy town with a lot of friendly people. If you love wildlife this is an excursion you should go on if you are visiting Port Chalmers/Dunedin. We really did enjoy this up close and personal tour to see the wildlife. Rachel is amazing watching her multitask, watch for the animals, drive the boat. She was familiar with the entire bay, the wind/weather patterns which really was impressive. It was an easy walk to the marina from our cruise ship.
From NZ$190.00
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Operated by Port To Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours Ltd