Skip to content
Tripsora

Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

4.8(209)Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 209 reviews2 hFree cancellationBy Port To Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours Ltd
Passenger photo Andy Cunningham (this one made it onto TV news!)

About this activity

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide!

You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. She has had 20 +years experience skippering/guiding/operating commercial vessels on Otago Harbour, including dredger, coastguard, harbourmaster and more.

Modern, comfortable, safe, fast and custom built boat.

Approx 1.5 hours -2 hours in duration.

-Fully commentated.

-Quality binoculars provided.

-We pass by the historic Quarantine Stations and old shipwrecks.

-See and learn about the fishing boats, workboats, dredges and ships as we pass Port Chalmers and Careys Bay.

-Look for albatross, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, marine mammals and more as we cruise past roosting, breeding and feeding areas.

-See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations.

-Cruise around Taiaroa Head, Nature reserve.

What's included

  • ✓Experienced guides
  • ✓Use of high quality binoculars for adults.
  • ✓Small-group tours
  • ✓Live commentary on board
  • ✓Wildlife Identification sheet provided

Meeting and pickup

  • 400 metres before the Portobello township if coming from Dunedin. Look for the small brown boatshed with a signage reading 'Wildlife and Ferry'. Please use Google Maps for accurate address position, not Apple Maps.
  • A 5-10 minute flat, easy walk from the Cruise Ship Terminal building, Port Chalmers. Please dont use Apple Maps, use Google Maps instead. We depart from the floating pontoons right by the Port Chalmers Yacht Club building and carpark (If you get to a gravel road, you’ve gone a little bit too far.)

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please be aware there could be sea spray at times, please dress warmly, just incase.
  • Please wear a facemask if you have been recently unwell.

Cancellation policy

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

More things to do in Port Chalmers

Dunedin Harbour Ferry-Port To Port

Its a mini tour of the harbour as we cross from one side to the other. The scenery is stunning, there are many birds to see on the way. The skipper gives a commentary about the history and volcanic nature of the area, as well as the other interesting aspects we see on the way. Comfortable custom built vessel, cushioned seats, heated cabin.

5.0(236)Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 236 reviews10 minFree cancellation

From £21.38 per person

Garden and City tour

This is a short tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers but anyone can participate so long as it is a cruise ship day. The tour stops at all locations mentioned with a chance to get off and have a walk around. Comfortable vehicles and a commentary is provided. A full refund will be offered if at the conclusion of the tour the customer is d…

4.8(252)Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 252 reviews5 hFree cancellation

From £25.66 per person

Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour

Discover top attractions and iconic sites and lookouts around the city of Dunedin on this half-day city tour. Explore Dunedin with a guide and take in key sites of interest such as the World famous Baldwin Street, University of Otago, Olveston Homestead gardens and Dunedin's Grand Railway Station. Awesome lookouts over Otago Harbour and from Signal Hill. Visit the Octagon (city centre) for some s…

4.8(154)Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 154 reviews4 hFree cancellation

From £62.01 per person