Monarch Wildlife Cruise: Explore Otago Harbour’s Albatross Colony

Embark on a thrilling Monarch Wildlife Cruise in Otago Harbour to witness the majestic royal albatross colony, fur seals, blue penguins, sea lions, and possibly dolphins. Enjoy a full commentary and provided binoculars and jackets for the best wildlife viewing experience.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 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!
  • Monarch Wildlife Cruises - Wellers Rock Wharf - One hour Wildlife Cruises departing daily from Wellers Rock Wharf.
What's Included
  • Complimentary wifi
  • Use of high-quality binoculars
  • Complimentary warm and waterproof jackets
Additional Information

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….

Location
813 Harington Point Road
Harington Point Road
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(183 Ratings)
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Cjcs74tj
Feb 11, 2025
Great trip for wildlife lovers. - Had a lovely time! Both the captain and guide were very knowledgeable and were always on the search for wildlife. Managed to observe Petrals, shearwater and a number of species of albatross as well as a few Hectors dolphin following a fishing boat returning to harbour. Great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luna999
Feb 4, 2025
Not to be missed - On the same day we had three different experiences organized on the peninsula and without doubt the cruise was the best and the only one really unmissable: we could observe the albatrosses gliding numerous around the boat, settling on the water and then taking off again. The boat is comfortable and spacious compared to the number of passengers which is deliberately limited. The captain provided interesting information and useful explanations. To try
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Triciawq30vx
Feb 2, 2025
Outstanding! - We had a fabulous time: the weather cooperated: there was enough wind that we saw three species of albatross, New Zealand sea lions and fur seals plus a wide variety of other birds: all up close. The staff were very knowledgeable and provided a great commentary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Doug_v
Jan 24, 2025
Fantastic trip, we were... - 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!
Review provided by Viator
Alitravels355
Jan 23, 2025
Great trip - highly recommend it - Great trip, saw many albatross bobbing about on the water and low flying over the water. There were sea lions, fur seals and lots of bird life. Felicity our guide was a great spotter and identified them all and answered all our questions,
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gerhard_v
Jan 23, 2025
Sea safari - 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.
Review provided by Viator
A6509jywalterg
Jan 22, 2025
Beautiful nature experience with great guide - Seal, sea lion, many bird species seen in an hour. Most impressively the albatrosses in flight and at sea. I had the impression that they gave us a special performance! At least 10, partly also swam directly on the boat
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris_j
Jan 13, 2025
An afternoon with the albatross - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Stefftodd
Feb 8, 2025
Birds and seals - Saw the cliffs and lighthouse from a different angle , also seals on the rocks and several different types of wild birds in there natural habitat ....commentary was good about the local history of the area and the birds and seals we did see ,but disappointed that we didn't go on the monarch ( tht was what it was about really )but a different boat was on duty that day ....15 or so of us jammed outside on the back deck which wasnt overly big was a little squishy .....if you haven't seen these wildlife before then it's a good opportunity but if you live in Dunedin then it wasn't a big deal hahaha we are lucky to live here !!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
699davinap
Jan 30, 2025
Royal Albatross aplenty! - From a cold overcast day, we were blessed to the skies shining bright in time for our trip on the water. Staff were lovely, seas were calm - and we saw many Royal Albatross in flight and also landing very close to the boat! Saw several other species of birds also. Saw sea lions on the rocks but too far to appreciate them. Overall, this was worth the trip and a lovely afternoon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
February 2025
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