CRUISE SHIP
SHORE TOUR

Cruise to
Sea Wildlife

A special 2.5 hour experience
designed to suit the schedules of
cruise ships visiting Dunedin.

Adult: $130.00
Child (5-14yrs): $110.00

Tour Start & Finish: 10:00am - 12:30pm
Includes pickup & dropoff from the cruise terminal

  • This tour is only for passengers travelling aboard cruise ships visiting Dunedin.

    We’ll pick you up from the Port Chalmers cruise terminal and shuttle you 5-minutes to our boat, the Vivienne J. Once aboard the boat your expert crew will take you on a Wildlife Cruise around the Otago Harbour and beyond.

    The cruise will travel around beautiful wharves and boatsheds, then through the historic Quarantine Islands. You’ll see the Careys Bay fishing village and its motley collection of boats before continuing along the harbour. Enjoy a nice hot drink and biscuit for morning tea.

    As you arrive at the entrance to the Otago Harbour you’ll see the tidal Aramoana sandflats and the spectacular volcanic cliffs of Taiaroa Head. You’ll see the royal albatross breeding colony, the only mainland colony in the world. Beneath a picturesque lighthouse you’ll find a large population of fur seals, watch as they swim, play and sleep on rocky platforms close to the boat. A short way out to sea we often spot other species of albatross and seabirds. We sometimes see dolphins, sea lions and blue penguins. Don’t forget your camera!

    When you get back to your ship you’ll know why Dunedin is the Nature Capital of NZ!

  • We will arrange a full refund if your ship doesn’t arrive in Dunedin, or if it is late to berth and you miss the tour.

    Cancellations made more than 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour start time will be given a full refund. Any cancellations within 24 hours will not be issued a refund.

    If we cancel the tour for any reason (e.g inclement weather) we will provide a full refund.

  • This tour’s pickup time is generally 10:00am. It will be confirmed via email from our staff once you’ve completed your booking.

    You will be collected by one of our staff holding a Monarch Wildlife Cruises sign. You’ll find them in the ‘Private Tours Area’ within the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal. It is located approximately 100-metres from where you disembark your ship.

    You will be dropped off at the same location at the end of the tour.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • You don’t have to book in advance, but to avoid disappointment we recommend it. This tour takes a maximum of 16 people each day and frequently sells out.

  • Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes. We recommend wearing a few warm layers of clothing. We can supply warm and waterproof jackets to anyone who needs one.

  • No, we serve a complimentary tea and coffee with a biscuit during your cruise. We recommend having a good sized breakfast before joining us as food cannot be taken from the ship. Upon your return Port Chalmers has several nice cafes and supermarkets for purchasing food.

  • Unfortunately not, all of the species we see are wild and don’t operate to a schedule. We are very likely to see albatross and fur seals but all other species come and go at their discretion.

    Our team will always endeavour to give you the best possible viewing experience.

    • Transfers from the Cruise Terminal.

    • 2.5 hour tour aboard the Vivienne J.

    • Complimentary hot drink and snack.

    • Interactive commentary from skipper and crew.

    • Multi-language information sheets.

    • Complimentary warm jackets & binoculars.