Highlights
- Half day City to Sea Tour in Dunedin
- Scenic Otago Peninsula bus tour (summer only)
- Wildlife cruise from Otago Harbour
- Great for families & wildlife lovers!
Description
Experience the magic of Dunedin's natural wonders on the City to Sea Tour with Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours. This Otago Peninsula tour includes a scenic journey from Dunedin out to the peninsula, before embarking on a wildlife cruise from Otago Harbour to Taiaroa Head and Port Chalmers. Perfect for wildlife lovers or families looking for things to do in Dunedin.
Wildlife Cruise with Transport - Summer
In summer months, your Dunedin City to Sea adventure begins with a scenic bus tour along the picturesque Otago Peninsula, where your knowledgeable driver will provide captivating commentary about the area's sea creatures and early settlers.
Once the tour arrives at Wellers Rock Wharf, your wildlife cruise takes you out to the iconic Taiaroa Head. Witness the spectacle of royal albatross, the world's only mainland nesting population, gracefully flying in from the ocean to their hillside nests. You will also spot the historic lighthouse perched atop dramatic volcanic cliffs as your skipper guides the boat close to their base.
Below these cliffs, look out for playful fur seals on the rocky outcrops. The cruise will venture further out to sea where you will see rare ocean birds, including various albatross species, petrels and cormorants, all rarely seen from the shore. Keep an eye out for other marine creatures like dolphins, sea lions and blue penguins, as they might also make an appearance during your journey!
On the way back to Otago Harbour, you will pass the historic fishing village of Careys Bay and the busier Port Chalmers, where you can learn about the Maori and European history of these areas. The tour will finish back at Fryatt St Wharf in central Dunedin.
City to Sea Wildlife Cruise - Winter
In the winter months, the bus tour is replaced with a scenic harbour cruise straight from central Dunedin down the Otago Harbour, where your wildlife cruise begins.
This Otago Peninsula bus tour & wildlife cruise and the City to Sea Wildlife Cruise tour with Monarch Cruises both offer an exclusive opportunity to connect with Dunedin's captivating wildlife and landscapes. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this unique region, enriched by informative commentary from your guide and, of course, breathtaking scenery.
Trip Includes
- Scenic bus tour from central Dunedin to the Otago Peninsula (in summer only)
- Harbour cruise from central Dunedin down the Otago Harbour (in winter only)
- Wildlife cruise from Otago Harbour
- Chance encounters with marine wildlife, including seals, albatross, penguins & dolphins
- Complimentary tea & coffee onboard
- Return cruise back to Fryatt St Wharf in central Dunedin (all year round)
- Informative guides
Duration
Departures
- 4:00pm (returns by 7:30pm) in summer
- 1:00pm in winter (returns by 5:00pm)
- Departs from the Monarch Wildlife Office on Fryatt Street, central Dunedin
- Operates daily all year
Other Information
- Children under 5yrs travel free of charge
- Child rates apply (5-14yrs)
- Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours have been operating since 1983 & winner of three NZ Tourism Awards
- Member of the NZ Birding Network
- DOC Marine Mammals Viewing Permit
- You are welcome to bring your own food & non-alcoholic drinks on the tour with you
- Licensed bar available onboard, bring spending money
- Please bring your camera, warm jacket and sturdy footwear
- Please note, wildlife viewing is not guaranteed
Normal Retail Prices
- Wildlife Cruise with Transport:
- Adult NZD$110.00
- Child (5-14yrs) NZD$47.00
- City to Sea Wildlife Cruise:
- Adult NZD$110.00
- Child (5-14yrs) NZD$47.00
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