Wildlife Cruises & Tours - Monarch Dunedin
from NZD$49.00
About
Description
See the best of the Otago Peninsula attractions
An unforgettable experience awaits your Dunedin visit with unrivalled wildlife viewing in its natural environment.
Otago Peninsula was described by internationally acclaimed environmentalist Dr David Bellamy as "the finest example of eco tourism in the world”.
Tour Options
Tour 1 - Wildlife Cruise from Wellers Rock Wharf (1 hour cruise)
This tour departs from Wellers Wharf which 45 minutes from Dunedin and you must make your own way there.
Experience unrivalled viewing of the exciting diversity of wildlife which abounds on spectacular Taiaroa Head; the only mainland nesting place for Northern Royal Albatross in the world, and home to N Z fur seals, and eight other nesting bird species. You may also see, dolphins, sea lions and a fascinating array of rarely seen ocean birds including other species of albatross, penguins and marine mammals in their natural environment.
Tour 2 - Peninsula Cruise (half day tour)
Cruise the length of the beautiful Otago Harbour, taking in the historic fishing village of Careys Bay and the working port of Port Chalmers; experience the Wildlife Cruise and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Peninsula by bus.
Tour 3 - Otago Peninusla Package (full day)
This premier package includes the full Otago Harbour and Taiaroa Head Wildlife Cruise, scenic Otago Peninsula bus tour, and guided tours of the Royal Albatross Colony, the Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve and a visit to wading bird habitats. Options include a tour of Larnach Castle, one of Dunedin’s great landmarks and the only castle in NZ.
Trip Includes
Tour 1
- 1 hour wildlife cruise
Tour 2
- Scenic bus tour
- 1 hour wildlife cruise
- Otago harbour cruise
- Informative commentaries and fact sheets
- Complimentary jackets and binoculars
- Dunedin city accommodation transfers
- Optional - Yellow Eyed Penguin reserve tour
Tour 3
- Scenic bus tour
- Wading bird wetlands
- Guided land tours of Royal Albatross Colony & Yellow
Eyed Penguin reserve (Penguin Place) - 1 hour Wildlife Cruise
- Otago harbour cruise (not included in winter)
- Informative commentaries and fact sheets
- Complimentary jackets and binoculars
- Dunedin city accommodation transfers
- Complimentary refreshments
- Optional - guided tour of Larnach Castle & gardens (NZ's only castle)
Duration
- Tour 1 - allow 1 hour
- Tour 2 - allow 3.5 hours
- Tour 3 - allow 8 hours
Departures
- Tour 1 - 10:30am, 12pm, 2pm, 3:15pm, 4:30pm (2:30pm in winter)
- Tour 2 - 9am & 3:30pm (1pm in winter)
- Tour 2 + penguins - 9am & 1:30pm (1pm in winter)
- Tour 3 - 11am
- Tour 3 + Larnach Castle - 9am
- Summer timetable operates Oct - Mar and Winter is Apr - Sep
- Free pick up from your Dunedin city accommodation (tours 2 & 3 only)
- Operates all year round
Other Information
- If you book Tour 1 you will need to make your own way to Wellers Rock Wharf which is located 45 minutes drive from Dunedin
- For Tour 3 you can bring your own lunch or grab some food from the cafe
- Children under 5 years are free
- Operating since 1983 and winner of three NZ Tourism Awards
- Member of the NZ Birding Network
- DOC Marine Mammals Viewing Permit