Reviews and travel ratings on Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours in New Zealand (90% from 34 reviews) albatross, penguins, seals & much more
South Island > Coastal Otago > Dunedin
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For unrivalled viewing of Dunedin’s world renowned wildlife, Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours bring you close.
See Albatross, seals, penguins and up to 20 species of bird and marine life on and around the Otago Peninsula
Email: [email protected]
Website: Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours
Phone: 0800 MONARCH (0800 666 272)
Phone (intl): +643 477 4276
Dunedin Address:
Corner Wharf & Fryatt Streets, Dunedin & at Wellers Rock on Otago Peninsula
Moeraki Lighthouse Walk, Penguin + Seal Viewing
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93%(out of 100)
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Sandfly Bay Walk - Otago Peninsula
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Cathedral Caves Walk - Waipati Beach Scenic Reserve
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79%(out of 100)
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Otago Peninsula walks
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74%(out of 100)
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Tunnel Beach Track
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70%(out of 100)
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Grahams Bush Track - Mount Cargill
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43%(out of 100)
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Moeraki Lighthouse Walk, Penguin + Seal Viewing
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93%(out of 100)
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Sandfly Bay Walk - Otago Peninsula
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Otago Peninsula walks
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74%(out of 100)
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Yellow Eyed Penguin Viewing Hide - Bushy Beach - Oamaru
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67%(out of 100)
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Mount Taranaki Summit Track - Egmont National Park
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91%(out of 100)
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Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
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Cape Reinga Walk
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90%(out of 100)
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Tongariro Alpine Crossing
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90%(out of 100)
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Cathedral Cove Walk
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88%(out of 100)
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Ohakune Old Coach Road - NZ Cycle Trail
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88%(out of 100)
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Ohakune Old Coach Road - NZ Cycle Trail
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88%(out of 100)
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The Redwoods - Mountain Bike tracks
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84%(out of 100)
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Mangapurua Track - Bridge to Nowhere - NZ Cycle Trail
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72%(out of 100)
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Ohakune Mountain Road - Cycling
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65%(out of 100)
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42nd Traverse - NZ Cycle Trail
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65%(out of 100)
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Fishers Track - NZ Cycle Trail
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55%(out of 100)
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Otago Central Rail Trail
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87%(out of 100)
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Queen Charlotte Track - Cycling
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73%(out of 100)
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Clutha River Track (Alexandra to Clyde)
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67%(out of 100)
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McLeans Island Park and tracks
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64%(out of 100)
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Christchurch - Little River Railtrail
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60%(out of 100)
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Moonlight Track - Arhturs Point to Moke Lake
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55%(out of 100)
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Moeraki Village Holiday Park |
91%(out of 100)
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Kakanui Camping Ground |
89%(out of 100)
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Waitaki Waters Holiday Park |
83%(out of 100)
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Portobello Village Tourist Park |
79%(out of 100)
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Leith Valley Touring Park - Dunedin |
77%(out of 100)
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Dansey's Pass Holiday Park |
74%(out of 100)
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Leith Valley Touring Park - Dunedin |
77%(out of 100)
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Chillawhile Backpackers & Art Gallery |
68%(out of 100)
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VAGABOND
Ranking: 10/10
Initially, I thought the $89.00 cost was somewhat expensive, but once I was aboard and on my way - albeit I was the only…
Initially, I thought the $89.00 cost was somewhat expensive, but once I was aboard and on my way - albeit I was the only passenger for the first part of the journey, I began to appreciate my new surroundings. A neat little wooden [former] fishing vessel, the MV Monarch was the ideal boat to undertake this particular harbour trip. Detailed information was offered by Ed' and the [lady] skipper about Otago Harbour and the surrounding countryside. The biting wind was largely neutralised by complimentary padded wind-breakers and the sights magnified by binoculars. Once Taiaroa Heads was insight the magnificent albatrosses came into view. And, not just the everyday variety but, according to Ed' and the skipper, species not regularly observed, along with numerous other bird-life that delighted in skimming the surface and flying alongside. Hundreds of birds rest and nest on the Heads with barking seals sunning themselves on the rocks below. For a landlubber like myself it was quite an emotional reckoning to see such special wildlife living their lives in natural and secure surroundings and being taken care of by caring and responsible people such as those who operate the MV Monarch, My return boat journey concluded at Wellers Rock from where I was driven back to the city which permitted magnificent views of the Otago Peninsula and Dunedin City itself.
Geoff Shutt
Ranking: 10/10
A dull wet day brought alive by the trip to see albatross, dolphin and other wildlife.
Well informed and helpful crew m…
A dull wet day brought alive by the trip to see albatross, dolphin and other wildlife.
Well informed and helpful crew made it such a worthwhile time.
Juergen Wolf
Ranking: 7/10
Seen Yellow Eyed Penguins, Royal Albatross and seals.
Seen Yellow Eyed Penguins, Royal Albatross and seals.
chrissie2011
Ranking: 10/10
An unplanned trip but one I was very glad to have made. The boat was fine and it was really good to have the jackets and…
An unplanned trip but one I was very glad to have made. The boat was fine and it was really good to have the jackets and binoculars. Most important the captain and crew (I think it was Nigel and Craig - apologies if names wrong) were both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all the wildlife and went out of their way to get the boat to where we would see the most. We saw the nesting great albatross from a distance but lots of other albatross and other birds out at sea and also a spread of krill which was attracting the birds. We saw the spoonbills nesting and great groups of seals and had excellent explanations about behaviours - the beach masters and so on. All in all an excellent trip and good value.
Lizzie
Ranking: 8/10
I did this trip in the rain in 1997 and again in sunshine (and quite a swell) this month. We had wonderful views of the …
I did this trip in the rain in 1997 and again in sunshine (and quite a swell) this month. We had wonderful views of the albatrosses, seals and other wildlife and of the beautiful Otago Harbour and Peninsula. And for a flatlander from Western Australia it was great to see the peninsula with a local expert driving on those steep winding roads. Highly recommended.
Wendy
Ranking: 10/10
I joined the first morning cruise on 11th December when we saw plenty of interesting wildlife, including nesting albatro…
I joined the first morning cruise on 11th December when we saw plenty of interesting wildlife, including nesting albatross, but none in flight. For this reason, a free repeat cruise was offered which I took at 3:15 p.m. What a treat! Another dream came true, when the Skipper spotted a fishing trawler surrounded by pelagic birds. There, at last, I saw my first Buller's Mollymawk. Many thanks for adding to such a fantastic tour of New Zealand. Wendy, USA
davidm
Ranking: 9/10
It was recommended by a colleague and we are glad to have gone. This boat trip around Tairoa head was excellent value wi…
It was recommended by a colleague and we are glad to have gone. This boat trip around Tairoa head was excellent value with knowledgeable commentary about the birds, seals etc....
Annette
Ranking: 10/10
Monarch’s ‘tour 3 full day Otago peninsula package from Dunedin’ was a great and economical way to see some of the…
Monarch’s ‘tour 3 full day Otago peninsula package from Dunedin’ was a great and economical way to see some of the region’s natural treasures. Ample time was spent at each of the three destinations and very scenic routes were taken to get to these destinations. Got to sea plenty of wildlife, including the albatross and yellow eyed penguins, despite it being towards the end of the viewing/fledgling season (March). Having a different guide/driver for each leg of the journey was entertaining and all were very friendly and knowledgeable – there was no scripted relentless twaddle which many tour guides robotically deliver. Monarch’s customer service in booking this trip was fantastic, as was the pre- and post tour hotel pick up and drop off service.
Rosemary Macdonald
Ranking: 9/10
Fantastic cruise, saw penguins, albatross, seals up close, staff great
Fantastic cruise, saw penguins, albatross, seals up close, staff great
John Winter
Ranking: 9/10
Cruise from Dunedin. Pickup from campsite. V.good knowledge of the boat crew re birds, local history etc. Good tour of y…
Cruise from Dunedin. Pickup from campsite. V.good knowledge of the boat crew re birds, local history etc. Good tour of yellow eyed penquin colony organised as part of tour.
Terry Phillips
Ranking: 10/10
1 1/4 hr trip of Otago Peninsular. $45 each. Boat took us out to Pacific Ocean, saw seals,penquins,albatrosses,many sea …
1 1/4 hr trip of Otago Peninsular. $45 each. Boat took us out to Pacific Ocean, saw seals,penquins,albatrosses,many sea birds. Brilliant. Captain & Crew excellent.
purplekat99
Ranking: 8/10
A great afternoon on the water! If you love albatross, this is for you. Didn't see any penguins or dolphins on my trip, …
A great afternoon on the water! If you love albatross, this is for you. Didn't see any penguins or dolphins on my trip, but it's nature, so what can you do. Every trip is different.
HovingL
Ranking: 9/10
Wildlife cruise, Otago Peninsula.
Wildlife cruise, Otago Peninsula.
Gerald Veldink
09 November 2010.