Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch
Overview
Available languages
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
Contact us if you are concerned about mobility or in a wheelchair
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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!
One hour Wildlife Cruises departing daily from Wellers Rock Wharf.
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.
Options
Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch
Reviews
242 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A recommended way to see Otago seabirds
Greenfielder,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip was one of the highlights of an extended New Zealand holiday, booked as part of a Triple Combo with the Albatross Centre and The OPERA - I got off the boat exhilarated! Credit must first of all go to the Captain who started the fun by welcoming us by name (we were the last arrivals!). I was sat right at the stern, one of the few places still left as we were last, in what seemed a most unpromising position but turned out to be brilliant. The Captain gave the commentary which I could hear clearly, contained some dry humour but was also VERY informative. The other aspect I really appreciated was the way he manoeuvred the boat to ensure all on board were able to share the same experiences. We didn't see any penguins (nor did we really expect to), nor did any dolphins or whales come to join us. However, the range of sea birds was terrific with three types of albatross, petrels, shearwaters and even terns, along with more familiar gulls and shags. Many of the albatrosses were floating on the water and weren't troubled by the boat going close so a good photo was possible with a phone camera. We were fortunate our trip was in lovely weather with quite calm waters and there was a lot of bird activity. We can see how it could not always be like this but these factors are outside the control of the operator.
Ask best time of day to view before booking
694starn,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We took the 1 hour 1:30 wildlife boat tour. Boat was clean and right on time. A restroom on board was nice to know about. The brightness of the sunny day made some land sightings difficult b/c of glare. We saw a few Albatross flying, a small band of bottle nose dolphins for just a minute, a couple seals on the rocks, and if you looked at the perfect spot at the perfect time a blue penguin on the water. The only deal was we saw all those except the dolphins during the same day on hikes. We had a full boat but there was room to move around. The staff was pleasant, helpful with viewing, and they had binoculars & heavy jackets for any that wanted to use them. The open waters out of the cove was very rough at times. Very rough. We, thankfully, had no sea sick people problems.
Captain is a blast!
A6704BOpatrickm,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great time! Captain was funny and informative, we had the best Royal Albatross viewing, feeding chicks, soaring over lighthouse, taking off from the water. Lucky day, weather was great. Seals, shags were in evidence, but this day no dolphins or penguins.
For wildlife lovers with sea legs
thetartanpassport,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you’re someone who typically gets sea sick I would definitely sit this one out, the waves were unbelievably choppy but my partner and I were loving it. We were so impressed by the skill of the captain, we felt so safe on the boat. The tour is great and we loved getting to see the albatross up close. Would definitely recommend for any wildlife lovers who have their sea legs.
It's not close, it's only distant.
purpleunicorn bj,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good thing: The service is well-equipped, the sea is windy and free wind jackets will be provided. Things to note: There are only a few limited parking spaces around the assembly area, probably 5-6. Fortunately: we saw not only the albatross, but also two little blue penguins fishing on the surface. Advice to the operator: I hope to have free hot water on board.
Albatross colony was fab
X7684KLdavidg,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Friendly staff, easy to book, knowledgeable crew and comfortable voyage. Warm coats are provided if needed and also binoculars to view the wildlife and the albatross colony
See Dunedin from sea
andersonjudy16,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Another amazing boat trip. This is my 4th trip taking friends who visit our city. Saw so many albatross flying, seals on the shore and a bird and fish feeding frenzy at sea. The crew are very good and make sure everyone has a great trip, learning heaps from our area. Looking forward to my next one in a few weeks.
Albatross experts!
Graham G,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really great cruise, we saw lots of Albatrosses, other birds and seals. Really knowledgeable skipper and helpful staff. The skipper knew exactly where to go and took time to allow the birds to come to us. They were especially good at identifying and explaining the wildlife we saw. We left wishing it were longer!
Don’t miss out Dunedin is waiting
Resort49407998509,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best trips in Dunedin.Staff were very good and so Knowledgeable going home having learned so much about Otago, and lots of memories
Disappointing
Jo M,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Disappointing trip. Conditions not the best and we saw very little. Crew were good and tried to spot things but nothing close up. Provided binoculars and warm jackets but our outing really wasn’t worth it.
From NZ$70.00
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Operated by Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours