Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours

The best way to see Dunedin’s famous royal albatross colony is from the water. Join a Monarch Wildlife Cruise from Wellers Rock Wharf and explore around the entrance to the Otago Harbour. The headland hosts nesting sites of nine other seabirds including blue penguins, royal spoonbills and otago shags (cormorants). Below the historic Taiaroa Head Lighthouse we find a large colony of NZ fur seals. The skipper will expertly guide the boat close to their rocky haul-outs for great views and photo opportunities. Sometimes we spot impressive NZ sea lions, sometimes swimming around the boat or sitting on the soft sands of Aramoana.
A short way out to sea and we find a unique range of albatross and seabirds. We frequently see southern royal, white-capped, bullers, salvins and black-browed albatross. Other seabirds we spot include giant petrels, cape petrels, sooty-shearwaters, terns and more. Some trips feature dusky and hectors dolphins and the occasional visit from different whale species.
The mv Monarch has been cruising in Dunedin for over 35 years. Longer tours can include a relaxed harbour cruise from the city. Resident and migratory wading birds and other beautiful sights are seen along the way. A scenic bus tour of the Otago Peninsula and inlet eco-systems can be added, with visits to the Royal Albatross Centre, Penguin Place, Larnach Castle and Blue Penguins Pukekura.

Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours Contact Details

Birds seasonally seen