4.7 / 5Otago Harbor Wildlife Cruise
Price: $85.00
Summary
Shore Excursion Size 
Small
SmallShore Excursion Type Scenic, Water/Beach
Shore Excursion Duration 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Activity Level
Easy
EasyShore Excursion Leaves From
The Cruise Pier Area.
The Cruise Pier Area.Food/Beverage Provided Morning tea is included.
Recommended Dress We recommend guests wear comfortable and layered clothing that may be removed.
Restrictions Guests must be able to step on and off the boat and bus.
Otago Harbor Wildlife Cruise
This tour sets off from the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal and shuttled to our boat, the Vivienne J.
On this excursion you will enjoy a 2-hour cruise along Otago Harbor and beyond. Here you will get a beautiful view of the historic Careys Bay and experience a wildlife cruise around Taiaroa Head.
Enjoy a hot drink and a biscuit as you travel through the beautiful Quarantine Islands and past the historic Careys Bay. The cruise then continues past the Aramoana cliffs and tidal sandflats, past the picturesque Taiaroa Head lighthouse, and out to sea.
You'll get close to royal albatross, fur seal and cormorant breeding colonies. You may also see blue penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and other rare Southern Ocean animals. By the time you're dropped back to your ship you'll know why Dunedin is the Nature Capital of NZ.
/ 5 | 11 ReviewsReview This Tour
Otago Harbor Wildlife Cruise and Dunedin Highlight
February 16, 2020
This was a delightful cruise to see seals, penguins and other fish in the sea. The captain was a delight, as was his driver, with both having vast very knowledge of the area. After the cruise they drove us into Dunedin where we had time to explore before returning to our cruise ship.
Reviewer: Julie Jacobson
Brilliant Wildlife Cruise
February 10, 2020
Everything about this tour was outstanding. Most of the target species of wildlife even co-operated!
Reviewer: Peter Mack-Heaven
Iris Panasiuk
February 08, 2020
Our first tour off the ship. Onto a smaller vessel!! A bit confusing as ship was late getting docked. waited awhile for the tour guide, she took us to the dock where the boat was and we were greeted by a tour guide and boat driver. They did not give us life jackets or told us where they were. They had NO bottle water for us, my daughter said the water tap water was very salty and not cold. She didn't drink it. We boated over to another dock where they picked up more passengers as we were just 4. The tour was amazing to see the wild life in their natural habitats. The highlight of the trip was the Albatross...up close a personal. We saw many other types of wild life, a great tour to recommend. Note water and life jackets are a must.
Reviewer: Iris Panasiuk
Interesting and Informative
January 26, 2020
The harbor cruise was quite interesting as we saw a good number of birds, including albatross, seals and sheep at a distance, of course. Our guide was knowledgeable and was able to answer numerous questions from those on the tour.
The water was quite rough but the captain was skilled in getting us close to birds sitting on the water but avoiding the rocks nearby.
The journey back to Dunedin by way of the narrow mountain-top road was very interesting and our views of the harbor and ocean on the other side quite beautiful. Our driver/guide was difficult to hear and understand, and his efforts to increase the volume the system unsuccessful. We fortunately had a nice day, which started out cold and rainy but gradually improved. We were dropped off in town and walked to the train station and were serenaded there by a musician playing her bagpipe.
Reviewer: Sandra
Tour Guide Goes Above & Beyond Expected
December 20, 2019
Seeing the Great Southern Albatross was a highlight for me. It was one huge bird!
The train station in Dunedin was unbelievable, the architecture is beautiful. Our tour guide gave us a tour that was way more than what was advertised. Thank You
Reviewer: Don Smith
Loved the Albatross!
November 09, 2019
Our wildlife cruise was wonderful! It was a cold windy day when we went out and the boat crew provided us with hot drinks and big warm coats. We spent a good amount of time near the albatross breeding grounds and the crew was so friendly and informative as we learned about these amazing birds and sea lions. We loved it!
Reviewer: Amy Grandelli