Port To Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours Ltd

Explore Taiaroa Head and Dunedin's iconic wildlife from the water. Our catch phrase 'Look wildlife in the eye' comes from the ability for us to get low and close to animals on the water, from onboard our fast, maneuverable and low custom built boat, 'MV Sootychaser'. (Built 2018.) Named after the Sooty Shearwater, this vessel is able to maneuver smoothly and swiftly alongside the albatross and other seabirds as they glide past, enabling a longer viewing period and photo opportunities. Being low to the water gives us this advantage.

We have an open after deck for outdoor viewing, and a large enclosed cabin with large opening windows for indoor viewing and seating for 21 passengers. We only take 12 passengers on the wildlife cruises to allow comfort and space for passengers, and room for everyone inside the heated cabin, incase the weather turn cold.

Your camera gear will stay dry even in the windiest and wettest conditions.

Our expert skippers have being been delivering wildlife tours in this unique area for many years. We have the knowledge and experience to know where to find the wildlife, whether it be on Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve, or on the harbour or at sea.

We only take small groups, allowing passengers to interact directly with their skipper/ guide. This means we have the opportunity to find out exactly what it is you are interested in seeing.

The tours are 2 hours in duration, allowing plenty of time to be spent with the animals we find.
There is a heated cabin and bathroom onboard, with comfortable and modern facilities.
High quality binoculars (7/50) and warm jackets are available.
Colour wildlife sheets are given out to take home.
The skipper will mark off the species you've seen on it, so you can remember what you've seen long after you've left.

Rachel the skipper/owner has recently embarked in this new business venture after many years experience in similar operations in eco-tourism and much varied experience in commercial boating such as on Port company workboats, local marine search and rescue, and national pollution control. Her experience, enthusiasm and passion for the area she lives and works in is contagious. The core of the business is build around these aspects of professional boating and quality wildlife viewing. The staff share the enthusiasm and thrive on sharing this area with visitors and locals.

Allow 2 hours for the cruise when departing for Portobello, or 1.5 hours when departing from Back Beach, Port Chalmers

Port To Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours Ltd Contact Details