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 cruise out of the Otago Harbour, beyond the world's only mainland colony of royal albatross. Have your camera ready as these huge birds soar in from sea on three metre wings.

A historic lighthouse is perched high atop volcanic cliffs. Your skipper will guide the boat close to the rocks below, for great views of playful fur seals.

The boat will travel a short way out into the sea to look for other albatross and rare seabirds. On some trips we might spot little blue penguins, sea lions and occasionally dolphins.

Your local crew will provide a full commentary about the areas history, the volcanic scenery and wildlife spotted during your cruise .

Hot tip - Don't be put off by cool and windy weather. These can often be the best conditions for wildlife viewing and sea conditions. Albatross really love a brisk southerly wind!

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 (snacks can be purchased onboard)

Transport to the wharf from Dunedin city. We have other options if you don't have your own car.

What To Expect

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

214 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

170

Amazing
stanleyd737,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
An interesting tour with a good variety of wildlife. Rob and Austin know what they’re talking about and were very friendly
Highly recommended
Lupus223,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour lasted 6.5 hours, we were driven in a minibus over the Otago peninsula and thanks to the two very competent guides on the way we were made aware of many birds and also learned about the peninsula and the life of the inhabitants there. In the Albatros center I joined a guided tour and watched many albatrosses gliding. On the beach we watched sea lions very close. In the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Place there was only one penguin for treatment, on the beach we could watch as a penguin came out of the sea and waddled to its nest on land. The tour is very entertaining and highly recommended!
Best Service, lots of information
Passport28678126647,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were picked up at the campsite. Our guide Will knew all the wild birds and showed us some animals along the way. His tour to the sea lions was very exciting, we also liked the penguin sanctuary later. Our personal highlight was the boat trip to Albatros Rock. Everything was well organized, a clear recommendation!
Good Outing
donnahM2221LO,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
1 hour cruise - the captain was informative and humorous. As we approached the boat/dock area a tour bus arrived with 30 people. Don’t know the capacity or even how crowded these boats are, but it was crowded once we found a spot on the boat. There were a few people ahead of us who have taken this tour often and had their cameras and spots well covered. However, we saw the 3 species of albatross, seals, a dolphin and many other sea birds (shags, etc). It was a rare calm day and a nice outing, even being stuffed on the boat.
Opportunity to see wildlife in its natural habitat
Passport64449687028,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a lovely still day, we saw at least 3 different types of Albatross - including flying past and close to the boat, giant petrel, sea lions, hectors dolphin, little blue penguin. The commentary was informative and entertaining. Great trip.
Excellent wildlife viewing cruise
Margaret H,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fabulous trip; saw excellent wildlife up close. Very interesting and informative commentary by lovely professional crew. Would highly recommend.
Fabulous wildlife cruise - recommend highly
lkb20182018,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An excellent one hour boat trip - we had numerous albatross fly in from the ocean low and next to our boat, and saw seals on the headland, and a dolphin, alongside informative commentary from Nigel and wildlife spotting from his team. Recommend highly.
Breaktaking wildlife experience - thoroughly recommend
donnahL3848BW,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely outstanding. A six-hour tour and our guide Danny, who was one of the most knowledgeable we’ve ever come across, didn’t flag once. Tour comprised of a bus tour, several walks, and a boat trip. We saw fur seals, penguins, a dolphin, sea lions, albatross, and had the amazing fortune to see an Elephant seal. What a day!
Wonderful commentary in...
Trudie C,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Wonderful commentary in an authentic boat great way to see the Royal Albatross- we saw one in flight spectacular.
Albatross
Amanda B,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
We paid adult prices for our 15 and 16 year olds. Student prices should be offered. Albatross was interesting. Was expecting to see more varied wildlife including marine animals considering we paid $240 for the four of us. Disappointing.