City to Sea

Explore New Zealand’s most picturesque harbour and discover it’s rare wildlife.

Bus out from Dunedin, mid-afternoon, with an expert local guide. Travel along the beautiful Otago Peninsula roads and enjoy an interactive commentary as you go. Hear stories of sea creatures and early settlers as you pass quaint little townships and rolling farmland. Keep an eye out your window for great views of the harbour and rugged coastline.*

Your driver will drop you at Wellers Rock Wharf and you’ll hop aboard the MV Monarch.

The boat will cruise out of the Otago Harbour, to Taiaroa Head. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the world’s only mainland nesting place of royal albatross. Watch as these huge birds glide in from the ocean and soar high above their hillside nest sites.

Your skipper will guide the boat close to the base of dramatic volcanic cliffs, with a historic lighthouse perched high above. Beneath the cliffs you’ll see fur seals play on rocky outcrops and swim in tidal pools. A short cruise out at sea and you’ll spot rarely seen ocean birds including other albatross species, cormorants and petrels. We sometimes spot sea lions, blue penguins, dolphins and other marine mammals.

Continuing back down the Otago Harbour, you’ll go past Careys Bay, a historic fishing village and then see the busy wharves of Port Chalmers. The boat will cruise through the Quarantine Islands and past the beautiful bays, hills, farmland and forests that surround the harbour. Our crew will tell interesting stories about the harbour’s volcanic geology and its Maori and European history. Take in the sights with a drink or snack from our fully licensed galley.

Depart from Dunedin. Travel from the city to the sea and discover rare wildlife and stunning beauty along the way.

You’ll go through the Quarantine Islands and past the bays, hills, farmland and forests that surround the harbour.

See Careys Bay, a historic fishing village and then the busy wharves of Port Chalmers. Our crew will tell interesting stories about the harbour’s volcanic geology and its Maori and European history. Take in the sights with a drink or snack from our fully licensed galley.

The boat will cruise out of the Otago Harbour, to Taiaroa Head. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the world’s only mainland nesting place of royal albatross. Watch as these huge birds glide in from the ocean and soar high above their hillside nest sites.

Your skipper will guide the boat close to the base of dramatic volcanic cliffs, with a historic lighthouse perched high above. Beneath the cliffs you’ll see fur seals play on rocky outcrops and swim in tidal pools. A short cruise out at sea and you’ll spot rarely seen ocean birds including other albatross species, cormorants and petrels. We sometimes spot sea lions, blue penguins, dolphins and other marine mammals.

The tour ends after travelling back to Dunedin along the Otago Harbour.

We ask our passengers to check-in 15-minutes prior to departure at our 20 Fryatt Street, Dunedin office.

Accommodation pickups are available on request. We collect from central Dunedin hotels, motels, backpackers, holiday parks and the iSite Visitor Centre. No Airbnbs or private residences. Pickups can be requested when making your booking.