Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours

Be fascinated and exhilarated with the wealth of wildlife, dramatic views, so close, so natural – the only way to see it all – Otago Peninsula, Otago Harbour, Taiaroa Head with three time New Zealand Tourism Award winners Monarch Cruises!

Activity Options

One Hour Wildlife Cruise

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 NZ 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.

See what cannot be seen from land. Experiencing this cruise is a must whilst exploring the Peninsula!

Peninsula Cruise from Dunedin – Half Day Scenic Bus Tour, Harbour Cruise & Wildlife Cruise

Cruise the length of the beautiful Otago Harbour, passing by the historic fishing village of Careys Bay and the working port of Port Chalmers. Continue your tour to the tip of the Otago Peninsula for the One Hour Wildlife Cruise. Enjoy unrivalled wildlife viewing. See what cannot be seen from land: Albatross, New Zealand Fur Seals and up to 20 species of bird and marine life in their undisturbed and otherwise inaccessible environment. Learn the fascinating history and geology of the area.

• Add a guided tour of the Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve to see the rarest penguin in the world found only on the south east coast of New Zealand.

• Add a fully guided tour of New Zealand’s only castle, built in 1871. Learn the scandalous, exciting and tragic history of Larnach Castle. This tour does not include the Harbour Cruise, available in summer only.

Otago Peninsula Package from Dunedin – Full Day

Experience all the Peninsula has to offer! Enjoy a scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula, seeing various species of wading birds in their natural habitats. Take a guided tour at the Royal Albatross Centre, viewing the Northern Royals from the observatory. See the world’s rarest penguin, the Yellow-Eyed during a guided land tour of Penguin Place. Board mv Monarch for a Wildlife Cruise and relax on a harbour cruise return to the city.

• Add a fully guided tour of New Zealand’s only castle, built in 1871. Learn the scandalous, exciting and tragic history of Larnach Castle. Enjoy the beauty of the gardens of international significance and breathtaking views.

• Add a City Sightseeing Tour showcasing Dunedin’s heritage buildings. Your guides will show you the University of Otago which is the oldest University in New Zealand and you’ll be able to take a picture of one of the most photographed buildings in the world: the Dunedin Railway Station. You can also climb up Baldwin Street which is the world’s steepest street!

Departures & Duration

Wildlife Cruise from Wellers Rock

• Departure Point: Wellers Rock Wharf, Otago Peninsula, 45 minutes drive from City
• Duration: One hour
• Departure Time Summer: October to April: 10.30 am, 12 pm. 2 pm, 3.15 pm & 4.30 pm
• Departure Time Winter: Mid April to September: 2.30 pm (3.30 pm as required)

Peninsula Cruise from Dunedin – Half Day

• Departure Point: Courtesy pick up from city accommodation
• Departure Time Summer: October to April: 9 am – 12.30 pm or 3.30 pm – 7 pm
• Departure Time Winter: April – September: 1 pm – 5 pm

Peninsula Cruise from Dunedin plus a guided tour of the Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve

• Departure Point: Courtesy pick up from city accommodation
• Departure Time Summer: October to April: 9 am – 2 pm or 1.30 pm – 7 pm
• Departure Time Winter: April – September: 1 pm – 6 pm

Peninsula Cruise from Dunedin plus a guided tour of Larnach Castle

• Departure Point: Courtesy pick up from city accommodation
• Departure Time Summer only: October to April: 9 am – 2 pm

Otago Peninsula Package from Dunedin – Full Day

• Departure Point: Courtesy pick up from city accommodation
• Departure Time Summer & Winter: 10 30 am – 7 pm (Winter return time 6 pm)

Otago Peninsula Package from Dunedin – Full Day plus either a guided tour of Larnach Castle or a City Sightseeing Tour

• Departure Point: Courtesy pick up from city accommodation
• Departure Time Summer & Winter: 9 am – 7 pm (Winter return time 6 pm)

Location

Full and ½ day tours depart from 20 Fryatt Streets Dunedin. One hour cruises depart from Wellers Rock wharf (40 minutes drive from Dunedin City on the Otago Peninsula).