Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

Overview

Available languages

German

Portuguese

Chinese

Japanese

English

Italian

French

Spanish

1 hour

Mobile ticket

Hop aboard our sturdy vessel for a one hour Wildlife Cruise, departing from Wellers Rock Wharf on the Otago Peninsula.

You'll travel out through the Otago Harbour to the world's only mainland colony of royal albatross. Have your camera ready as these huge birds soar in from sea, flying past a historic lighthouse as they return to their hillside nests. The skipper will expertly maneuver the boat close to rocky outcrops for great views of the local fur seal population. A short way out to sea and you'll see other albatross and seabird species. Our cruises also frequently spot blue penguins, sea lions and occasionally dolphins!

The crew will provide a full commentary during your cruise about the local history, scenery and wildlife spotted along the way.

Don't be put off by cool & windy weather. These are often the best conditions for wildlife viewing. Especially when it comes to albatross, they love a brisk southerly wind. Binoculars and warm jackets are provided during your cruise.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Live commentary from experienced crew

Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi

Warm waterproof jackets

High-quality binoculars

1-hour wildlife cruise

Food and drinks (available nearby before/after your cruise)

What To Expect

Taiaroa Head

At the end of the Otago Harbour you'll find a beautiful historic lighthouse and the world's only mainland nesting colony of royal albatross. It's also home to other Southern Ocean wildlife like fur seals, sea lions, cormorants & more!

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

One hour Wildlife Cruises departing daily from Wellers Rock Wharf.

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

Reviews

4.64

202 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

162

Beautiful boat trip
Christine H,
Jul 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Was amazing the tour guide was fantastic the staff were also helpful and friendly. Lovely wee shop on board. Definitely recommend
Terrific Thursday
Beverley J,
Mar 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It was a very informative and fun activity and we saw Albertross so that made our day. Don't forget sunscreen is my advice.
Fantastic trip, we were...
Doug V,
Jan 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Fantastic trip, we were lucky enough to have two different type of albatross follow the boat for ages which was amazing! The commentary was informative and entertaining!
Sea safari
gerhard v,
Jan 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Brilliant crew and very knowledgeable. Had a wonderful afternoon out in the ocean! Saw some seals and sea lions. A blue fin shark was spotted. Would recommend.
An afternoon with the albatross
Chris J,
Jan 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We'd booked the one hour cruise with Monarch, but we're staying right opposite the office on Dunedin Harbour. Fiona in the office was brilliant and allowed us to amend our trip. This provided a minibus to Wellers Rock with Ross - who was a superb guide - and a trip back on the boat to Dunedin. SUPERB! The commentary and the pies were utterly brilliant. Can't thank you enough for a really special experience.