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
(148 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
152jiml
Nov 25, 2024
Well worth seeing the Albatross from the water. - We had a great ride. It was raining and windy to start the trip, but they had really good and warm rain gear for everyone, so it was comfortable. And the Albatros cooperated for us. The skipper and crew were quick to spot the birds on the water, and they started to fly, often right over us. It was really interesting to see them from the water, not just the observation deck at the Albatross Centre (which is also worthwhile)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janetsx634yx
Nov 13, 2024
What a wonderful experience! - The crew was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient, and we were blessed with good weather. We saw numerous dolphins, albatross, and a wide variety of other shore birds. A magical hour that we could have spread to several!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
409deannap
Nov 13, 2024
You must go on the Monarch - The guide was excellent commenting on all the wild life and pointing out where they were. The ground staff, especially the young girl in the office were very friendly and made you feel welcome
Review provided by Tripadvisor
266kdi
Nov 7, 2024
Beautiful boat ride - This was a wonderful boat ride. Just getting to the monarch location on the Otago peninsula is a treat. The scenery is spectacular. The boat ride was leisurely and we saw many albatross & other birds, including a small whale & seals. The view of the lighthouse with the birds flying around was lovely. Great staff & captain.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tinahn4343ba
Nov 5, 2024
A+ DO NOT MISS THIS EXPERIENCE! - A fabulous hour out to the heads ! Wonderful to experience the albatross arriving from sea and catching the updrafts to their breeding sites. We have amazing photos of them circling together above and around the stunning old lighthouse. Thrilling too to watch the Hectors dolphins riding on the bow of Monarch. Thanks to skipper & wonderful staff who made it a memorable highlight of our friends gathering in Dunedin
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jenny
Nov 3, 2024
Fabulous hour on the water . - Saw so much, Albatrosses, petrol, snags, spoonbill and loads of other sea birds. Fur seals, sealions and were briefly joined by Hectors dolphins. Really informative skipper and Nigel on the deck . A real highlight of our South Island experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catherine
Oct 31, 2024
Recommended boat trip - Very enjoyable trip. The crew was knowledgeable and very helpful. The tour lasted about an hour and we saw all the creatures that were advertised. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
1966piet
Nov 9, 2024
OJ New Zealand 2024 - It was a nice and fun trip Nice and friendly people. Well organized. Warm jackets and binoculars on board. We enjoyed it very much
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pravinbh1
Oct 16, 2024
Monarch Cruises...the best. - Very happy to have booked this cruise as it gave me a lifetime experience & the adrenaline rush I was looking for. Very experienced, friendly & cordial crew. They took us in a little rough weather with ease. The captain was very skilled & maneuvered the vessel quite effortlessly while commenting on spotting the royal northern albatross & other birds, wildlife. Was ecstatic to watch the royal bird in its full glory. Highly recommend Monarch Wildlife Cruise. Wish them all the best.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ks358
Nov 11, 2024
Waste of Money - Waste of money. Nothing you cant see from the lookout points at The Albatross Center. Go there for free. We saw all the birds corcling around the lighthouse as well as the nesting gulls with chicks 1/4 metter from the walkways. The Albatross center also has the best Blue Penguin viewing anywhere. Seems this Monarch is part if The OPERA penguin company and that was slso a total waste.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
January 2025
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