ONE HOUR

WILDLIFE
CRUISE

BOOK NOW

PRICES $NZD:

Adult: $66
Child (5-14yrs): $26

DEPARTS FROM:

Wellers Rock Wharf
813 Harington Point Road, Otakou

Allow 45-60 minutes when
driving from central Dunedin.

SUMMER TIMES:
1 Oct - 31 Mar

1:30pm
3:30pm
5:00pm

WINTER TIMES:
1 Apr - 30 Sep

2:30pm

Tour Description:

Drive yourself out from the city, along the beautiful Otago Peninsula and join a one-hour Wildlife Cruise from Wellers Rock Wharf (813 Harington Point Road, Otakou).

Sit back and enjoy the scenery as our sturdy boat explores the stunningly beautiful and rugged coastline near the entrance of the Otago Harbour. Our crew will give you a full commentary during your cruise about our local wildlife, history and geology.

The trip will travel past the beautiful Aramoana Beach and it’s tidal sandflats. We often spot sea lions here, sprawled out, basking in the sun. These impressive animals can weigh almost half a tonne. After nearly being wiped out by early settlers they have recently started returning to the sandy beaches around the southern coastline of New Zealand. The sealion population is now growing steadily.

Across the other side of the harbour channel you’ll see remnants of the areas military history. Several lookout posts and gun emplacements were built in to the rocky hill, connected by tunnels. They are now a popular spot for local fisherman.

You’ll see uninterrupted views of the world's only mainland colony of royal albatross. We want to get you close to the albatrosses as they soar and glide on their huge three metre wingspans. Watch as they fly in low from the ocean, then use updrafts from the hillside to get up high and land at their nest.

Enjoy postcard views of the lighthouse, perched high above the volcanic cliffs of Taiaroa Head. This historic lighthouse was the first one built on the South Island of NZ, back in 1864. Your expert skipper will get you up-close to rocky outcrops that stretch out to the ocean. This is where we find a large New Zealand fur seal colony. Watch them sleep, fight and play on the rocks and swim in the water around this breeding rookery.

We then cruise a short way out into the Pacific Ocean. Here you can spot rarely seen ocean birds including other smaller albatross species, cormorants and petrels. We also sometimes see blue penguins, dusky and hectors dolphins and other marine mammals.

Hot tip: Don't be put off by cold or windy days, the local wildlife love it - Viewing is often fantastic with a cool, brisk southerly wind! It generally smooths off the ocean, providing great cruising conditions and perfect updrafts to help the royal albatross return to their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Yes, please note it is a 45-60 minute drive from the city to Wellers Rock Wharf, leave plenty of time for your travel. Fuel up before you leave the city.
Have a look at our other tours, they provide all your transport needs and most include a Wildlife Cruise. The City to Sea tour is a great option to look at first.
We provide complimentary warm and waterproof jackets, high quality binoculars and multi-language information sheets.
Your crew will help point out all the wildlife during the trip and the skipper will give a full commentary.
We operate in a fairly sheltered area. However we do venture out into the ocean and occasionally encounter a bit of rock and roll.
If you are concerned we recommend taking a motion sickness tablet one hour prior to travel. These can be bought from local pharmacies. Pressure point wristbands can be bought on the boat.
Yes, we have wheelchair ramp for people in collapsible wheelchairs (unfortunately it’s not suitable for electric chairs).
Our staff can also help those who can walk but need assistance with the step on to the boat.
Contact us in advance if you have any special requirements.
We don’t stop for the rain and neither does the wildlife. We have covered areas on the boat and waterproof jackets for anybody who needs one.
Yes, feel free to bring lunch on the boat with you. We also sell a range of snack options like chips and chocolate from our galley.
No, we are a licensed facility and sell alcoholic beverages aboard the boat. They are priced reasonably and will only be served before leaving the harbour.
We often find the best trips coincide with a southerly wind. That wind direction is perfect for the albatross to return to their colony and also improves the sea state for smooth cruising conditions.