About This Tour
Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. She has had 20 +years experience skippering/guiding/operating commercial vessels on Otago Harbour, including dredger, coastguard, harbourmaster and more. Modern, comfortable, safe, fast and custom built boat. Approx 1.5 hours -2 hours in duration. -Fully commentated. -Quality binoculars provided. -We pass by the historic Quarantine Stations and old shipwrecks. -See and learn about the fishing boats, workboats, dredges and ships as we pass Port Chalmers and Careys Bay. -Look for albatross, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, marine mammals and more as we cruise past roosting, breeding and feeding areas. -See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations. -Cruise around Taiaroa Head, Nature reserve.
Photo Gallery
Royal Albatross
Skipper/owner Rachel McGregor
Blue Penguin-Photo Sean Heseltine
MV Sootychaser underway
Passenger photo-Andy Cunningham
Passenger photo Andy Cunningham (this one made it onto TV news!)
TopTours Insights
Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise
This cruise focuses on spotting albatross, seals, and other seabirds in their natural habitat, offering an intimate wildlife viewing experience. It's well-suited for nature enthusiasts and those who appreciate a quieter, observational approach to wildlife tours.
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What's Included
Additional Information
Meeting Point
400 metres before the Portobello township if coming from Dunedin. Look for the small brown boatshed with a signage reading 'Wildlife and Ferry'. Please use Google Maps for accurate address position, not Apple Maps.
A 5-10 minute flat, easy walk from the Cruise Ship Terminal building, Port Chalmers. Please dont use Apple Maps, use Google Maps instead. We depart from the floating pontoons right by the Port Chalmers Yacht Club building and carpark (If you get to a gravel road, you’ve gone a little bit too far.)
Special Instructions
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund • If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
✓ Free cancellation due to bad weather
Tour Operator
Port To Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours Ltd
Official supplier for this experience. Bookings are handled directly through Viator with verified partners.
Viator Certified
Trusted local operator
Guest Ratings
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
Based on 198 verified reviews
Average rating
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise
Who operates this experience?
This experience is operated by Port To Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours Ltd, a local water sports provider.
What's included?
This tour includes Experienced guides, Use of high quality binoculars for adults., and Small-group tours. Additional amenities and services are included. All inclusions are provided by the tour operator.
How long is this tour?
The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours to 2 hours, giving you time to fully enjoy your chosen activity.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund. If weather conditions are unsafe, the tour may be canceled by the operator. In such cases, you'll be offered a refund or reschedule.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. All necessary equipment is provided by the tour operator.
Is this tour worth it?
Yes, this experience has a 4.8-star rating based on 198+ reviews, making it a highly rated option.
What to expect on this tour?
This water sports experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours to 2 hours and includes all necessary equipment and guidance. You'll have access to Experienced guides and more.
What's the best time to do this tour?
Morning and early afternoon are typically the best times for water activities, as conditions are usually calmer and visibility is better.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Swimming ability requirements vary. Life jackets and safety equipment are provided. Please check the tour details or contact the operator if you have concerns about swimming requirements.
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