Highlights
- Guided wildlife tours & cruises
- See albatross, penguins, sea lions & marine life
- Scenic bus tours & stunning scenery
- Explore the harbour by bus or on the Otago Harbour Cruise
Description
Dr David Bellamy (the internationally acclaimed environmentalist) once described the Otago Peninsula as ‘the finest example of eco tourism in the world!’, so you know you’re in for a treat when you tour this magnificent area with Monarch Wildlife Cruises!
Operating since 1983, Monarch Cruises are experts when it comes to showing off this Peninsula, and that is because each and every guide is deeply passionate about the area and its wonderful inhabitants – albatross, penguins, marine mammals, and ocean birds. After each tour, you will walk away with a smile on your face and new knowledge of the history and geology of the Dunedin area.
Tour 1 - Wildlife Cruise from Wellers Rock Wharf (1 hour cruise)
Departing from Wellers Wharf (only 45 minutes from Dunedin) this one hour cruise will open you up to a world of wonder. With unrivalled views of Taiaroa Head, you will see an amazing diversity of wildlife, including New Zealand Fur Seals, eight nesting bird species and the only mainland Northern Royal Albatross nesting place in the world! If you’re lucky, you will also see dolphins, sea lions, penguins, other marine mammals and some of the rare ocean birds and albatross that visit or inhabit this area.
Tour 2 - City to Sea Tour (half day tour)
You will be amazed at the beauty as you cruise along the entire length of the amazing Otago Harbour. Along the way, you will enjoy views of the historic fishing village, Careys Bay, as well as the working port of Port Chalmers. The Wildlife Cruise (as described above) will allow you to see an amazing variety of marine mammals and birdlife and the bus trip displays some gorgeous scenery along the Peninsula.
Tour 3 - Peninsula Encounters (full day tour)
Experience more of Dunedin's renowned wildlife on the Peninsula Encounter tour, with a guided tour of the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve and a choice between a 1 hour wildlife cruise or entry to the Royal Albatross Centre. Take a scenic bus tour along the scenic high road from Dunedin to a remote beach on the Otago Peninsula, where you can take a guided walk with opportunities to spot sea lions and enjoy rugged scenery. Continue your bus tour to stop off at each of your wildlife encounters before taking the Otago Peninsula low road along the harbour back to Dunedin.
Tour 4 - Castle to Cruise Tour (full day tour)
Combine your Dunedin sightseeing tour and wildlife encounters with a visit to the picturesque Larnach Castle. Starting in Dunedin, your scenic bus tour takes the high road above the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, built in 1871. Enjoy a guided tour of this top Dunedin visitor attraction, as well as free time to explore the grounds and cafe at your leisure. Then board a 1 hour Wildlife Cruise at Wellers Rock Wharf, where you can look out for fur seals, royal albatross, volcanic cliffs and lighthouses, before a return Otago Harbour Cruise back to Dunedin. You can also choose to add on a guided tour of the Penguin Place Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve, in which case you will return to Dunedin by bus.
Trip Includes
Tour 1 - Wildlife Cruise from Wellers Rock Wharf
- 1 hour Wildlife Cruise
- Informative commentaries & fact sheets
- Self drive only
Tour 2 - City to Sea Tour
- Scenic Bus Tour (summer only, cruise both ways in winter)
- 1 hour Wildlife Cruise
- Otago Harbour Cruise
- Informative commentaries & fact sheets
- Dunedin city accommodation transfers
Tour 3 - Peninsula Encounters
- Scenic Bus Tour over high road
- Guided walk along a remote beach with sea lions & scenery
- Choice of 1 hour Wildlife Cruise or Royal Albatross Centre
- Guided tour of Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve
- Return bus tour following the Harbour on the Otago Peninsula low road
- Informative commentaries & fact sheets
- Dunedin city accommodation transfers
Tour 4 - Castle to Cruise Tour
- Scenic Bus Tour over high road to Larnach Castle
- 1 hour guided tour of Larnach Castle
- Free time to explore Larnach Castle gardens & cafe
- 1 hour Wildlife Cruise
- Return Otago Harbour Cruise
- Optional add-on: guided tour of Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve (return by bus)
- Informative commentaries & fact sheets
- Dunedin city accommodation transfers
Duration
- Tour 1 - allow 1 hour
- Tour 2 - allow 4 hours
- Tour 3 - allow 7 hours
- Tour 4 - allow 7 hours
Departures
- Tour 1 - 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm & 5:00 pm (2:30 pm only in winter)
- Tour 2 - 4:00 pm (1:00 pm in winter)
- Tour 3 - 2:00 pm (11:00 am in winter)
- Tour 4 - 10:30 am (11:30 am in winter)
- Summer timetable operates Dec-Mar & Winter is Apr-Oct
- Free pick up from your Dunedin city accommodation (tours 2-5 only)
- Operates all year
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 4 - if adding a guided tour of the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve, you will return to Dunedin via bus
- For Tour 4 - you can bring your own lunch or grab some food from the cafe (additional cost)
- Children under 5 years are free
- Child rates (5-14yrs) apply
- Operating since 1983 & winner of three NZ Tourism Awards
- Member of the NZ Birding Network
- DOC Marine Mammals Viewing Permit
Normal Retail Prices
- Tour 1 - Wildlife Cruise:
- Adult NZD$58.00
- Child (5-14yrs) NZD$23.00
- Tour 2 - City to Sea Tour:
- Adult NZD$96.00
- Child (5-14yrs) NZD$40.00
- Tour 3 - Encounters + Cruise:
- Adult NZD$185.00
- Child (5-14yrs) NZD$90.00
- Tour 3 - Encounters + Albatross:
- Adult NZD$185.00
- Child (5-14yrs) NZD$90.00
- Tour 4 - Castle to Cruise:
- Adult NZD$145.00
- Child (5-14yrs) NZD$70.00
- Tour 4 - Castle to Cruise + Penguin:
- Adult NZD$199.00
- Child (5-14yrs) NZD$90.00
All prices shown in NZD$.
