Winter is one of the most spectacular times of the year to visit Taiaroa Head.

For a limited time, join us on a heavily discounted Sunday afternoon Wildlife Cruise and witness something few people ever see – the Northern Royal Albatross chicks at their biggest and learning to fly!

We will be 'Cheering On The Chicks'!!

Will a complimentary glass of bubbles, beer or juice. Small individual pizza is available (at extra cost).

This is special late afternoon cruise and for a limited time!

These incredible albatross youngsters can grow larger than their parents, reaching up to 12kg with an impressive 3-metre wingspan. During winter they're constantly jumping, stretching, flapping their enormous wings and learning to fly. As they begin exercising, they gradually slim down before taking their first flight, which takes them to sea for up to 5 years!.

Winter is the only season you'll see these giant chicks.

To make your Sunday outing even more enjoyable, your cruise includes a complimentary glass of bubbly, beer or a juice to toast them as they hop and hover. 

If you'd like something toasty to eat too, pizzas are available to purchase at your own cost and will be delivered to the baot prior to departure.

These are from Santosha Cafe, Port Chalmers and will be delivered to the boat before departure.

They are single serve, so make a great snack. Or get a couple and make it a meal.

Here are the flavours:

Margarita

Tomatoes, cheese, pesto, tomato sauce

The Fun Guy

Mushrooms, Feta, Cheese, Tomato sauce

Pepperoni

Pepperoni, cheese, sauce and BBQ swirl

When booking please select the food you'd like. We will name your parcels and you'll receive them individually.

(You are otherwise welcome to bring own food onboard.)

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Why Cruise With Us?

• Heavily discounted pricing for this cruise only (July–September, Sundays only)
• Family-owned and operated by Rachel, with 21+ years' commercial boating and local guiding experience
• Purpose-built vessel designed for Otago Harbour
• Small groups (approximately 12 - 14 guests) for a personal experience
• Quality binoculars provided to borrow
• Complimentary wildlife identification sheets to keep
• Comfortable enclosed heated cabin plus outdoor viewing areas
• Informative live commentary throughout the cruise

Wildlife We Look For

Every trip is different, but we regularly see for:

• Northern Royal Albatross – nesting all year at Taiaroa Head, with winter's giant chicks being the seasonal highlight.
• New Zealand Fur Seals – adults and playful pups throughout the year.
• Blue Penguins – always a bonus if they appear.
• New Zealand Sea Lions – the world's rarest sea lion.
• Dolphins – Hector's, Dusky and Bottlenose when they visit the harbour.
• Shags, cormorants, seabirds, waders and migratory birds depending on the season and tides.

As always, wildlife is wild. While we know the best places to look, sightings can never be guaranteed.

More Than Just Wildlife, we also go past the Port of Otago and talk about the maritime history and the workboats and much more!

-Rachel's extensive experience working on Otago Harbour means every cruise is packed with local knowledge, stories and opportunities to ask questions.

A Small Boat Makes a Big Difference

Our custom-built vessel is small enough to access areas larger boats often can't reach, allowing closer wildlife viewing and a far more personal experience.

Although surveyed for 20 passengers, we normally limit wildlife cruises to approximately 12 -14 guests for extra comfort and space.

What to Bring

Bring:

• Warm clothing
• Camera
• Sense of adventure

Binoculars are supplied for adults, and wildlife information sheets are yours to take home.