For DUNEDIN LOCALS DISCOUNT see bottom of description.

Professional skipper/owner operator, Rachel has had 21 years plus experience in operating and working on commercial craft in this area. And even longer in tour guiding and experience with the local wildlife on Otago Harbour. 

Custom built vessel.

Quality binoculars, to borrow, on board.

Wildlife information sheets provided to keep.

Enclosed cabin, able to be heated. As well as outside viewing

Experience for yourself the unique natural attractions that Dunedin has to offer by joining our world class,  Wildlife and Otago Harbour Cruise. 

We look for:

WILDLIFE
Albatross-Northern Royal Albatross, 3 metres in wingspan. They nest On Taiaroa Head, Nature Reserve. We usually see albatross on the nests (all year round) and often also in flight over the headland or at sea.

We also look for other type of visiting albatross too, increasing our chances of seeing flying albatross .

Fur Seals-Adults and pups in breeding areas all year round. We expect to see fur seals every trip.

Shags and Cormorants-There are 3 species that breed in the area and another 2 species that visit.

Blue Penguins-We are always looking for them, but they are shy, fast and blue! We often see them, but its never guaranteed. If they show up, it is a bonus.

Dolphins-Hectors, Dusky or Bottle-nosed. They are here when they feel like it! And when they are in the mood to play we might see them! Never guaranteed, but we always hope!

New Zealand Sea Lions-The rarest sea lions in the world! Large, playful and boisterous. Sometimes they approach the boat to have a look at us, sometimes they are sleeping on a distant beach, sometimes we dont see them at all! Another animal we dont expect but are grateful for when they show up. Which is quite often, but not always.

Sea Birds-Depending on the season, weather, tides and much more, we look for and hope to see different species including shearwaters, petrels, prions, gannets, skuas, terns and much more.

Wading and Harbour Birds-Spoonbills, oystercatchers, Black Swans, herons, godwits, stilts and much more. Best seen at low tide. Binoculars which are provided come in handy as these may be distant in some cases.

OTHER THINGS WE TALK ABOUT/SEE:

Taiaroa Head Lighthouse-One of the oldest stone lighthouses in New Zealand

Former search light and gun emplacements from 1880s and WW1 and WW2 scare. Never used in anger, remains can be seen.

Port Chalmers-working port-We talk about (and usually see) ships, tug boats, pilot launches, dredgers and more. We are passionate about the workboats and we talk alot about them!

Owner/operator Rachel is a former dredge worker and is especially passionate about the history of dredging on the Otago Harbour.

Quarantine Island and Quarantine History-From 1848 Otago Harbour had seen the quarantine of passengers entering Dunedin. Using hulks and islands as quarantine stations. We talk alot about this.

Whaling and sealing history-One of the largest whaling stations in New Zealand was once operating from Wellers Rock. We'll point the area out to you. 

Southern Right Whales as well as fur seals and sea lions where once hunted to a localised extinction here.

Historic pilots houses-harbour pilots house that still exist on the end of a sandspit. We talk about those and the harbour pilots, past and present.

Harbour Hulks (ships)-Learn about the hulks that were once used as floating quarantine stations and prisons.

Geology-We travel right through the centre of Dunedin extinct volcano. We point out the different rocks formations as we go.

Other History-Including early Māori, European settlement and much more!

What to bring/what to expect

• You only need to bring yourself, your camera and your enthusiasm. Quality binoculars are provided for your use (adults only) and wildlife information sheets are yours to take home, free of charge.
• Please dress warmly to ensure you will be comfortable throughout the duration of the cruise. As some seating is outdoors. There is also indoor seating, but as we are heading out into the harbour and sometimes a short distance out to sea, please expect that there could be some sea spray and wind and dress accordingly.
• Please also bring your understanding that we always do our best to provide you with the best views that we can. BUT the wildlife is WILD and we cannot control how much you see or don't see. Or what the the animals do or don't do. We are experts and know the best paces to be, but we are not miracle workers and the animals are not performers. 
• our vessel is a small vessel which gives us many advantages such as being able to get in close to wildlife in places that larger vessels may struggle or not be able to get to. You will be within earshot of your skipper so you can see and ask questions about the boat, navigational equipment and anything else. Its quite personal.
• Being a small boat, we are surveyed for 20 passengers but we limit the numbers to approx 12 passengers for the wildlife cruises to allow some space and comfort for you. But even with a numbers of spare and empty seats, we will still be sitting close to each other. If you would like to boom at a time where there is more space or a private cruise option please enquire for the best time to come to do this. 

PLEASE USE A BATHROOM BEFORE YOU JOIN US. And allow extra time to do this as we always leave exactly on listed departure time, we cannot wait for late passengers, due to timetable commitments.

 You will start and finish at the same location, unless you would like to finish in a different location, then please ask us:)

DUNEDIN LOCALS DISCOUNT

If you have lived in Dunedin for at least 8 months of the year or more, or you are a full time student living primarily in Dunedin, you may be eligible for a local's discount. Please use voucher code LWLALL (for this product) and bring NZ photo ID with you on the day.

Discount ($10 per person, not including infants) .

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If your order is pending and you haven't heard (and have checked spam!) Please feel free to get in touch to confirm your booking .