Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours

45 Rankers Reviews

28 Face-to-Face

13 Penguin Watching

Maps

Photos

Unrivalled wildlife viewing
See the Yellow Eyed Penguin.
Northern Royal Albatross - An endangered species

Information

Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours

albatross, penguins, seals & much more

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

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

Monarch Wildlife Cruises

Commercial organisation

Location

South IslandCoastal OtagoDunedin

Categories

  • Activity__bird_watchingBird Watching
  • Activity__boat_cruisesBoat Cruises
  • Activity__penguin_watchingPenguin Watching

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-45.879373

170.506697

Latitude
-45.879373
Longitude
170.506697

Reviews

    • See what cannot be seen from land.
    • Start from Otago Peninsula.
    • Good activity with kids.
    • Cruise from Dunedin.
    • Okay but rather pricey for a 60 minute trip.
    Rating Count Percentage
    10/10 20
    44%
    9/10 11
    24%
    8/10 10
    22%
    7/10 3
    7%
    6/10 1
    2%
    5/10 0
    0%
    4/10 0
    0%
    3/10 0
    0%
    2/10 0
    0%
    1/10 0
    0%
  • 4.0/5

    Nice and friendly staff on a one hour boat trip around Otago Peninsula.

    Saw lots of Albatross and seals.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017

    SWITZERLAND
    Sevi's avatar

    Sevi

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Good activity with kids.

    Very interesting and the best way to see all the amazing wildlife. Friendly crew.

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago

    GERMANY
    Chris's avatar

    Chris

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    This was a fabulous tour (T3) which enabled us to pack a lot of wildlife viewing into one day.

    The staff were friendly and knowledgable and ensured that my husband got his binoculars back after leaving them in the minibus. The driver stopped at viewpoints to enable us to take photos and gave clear instructions of when to be where for collection for transport to the next location. We were able to get close to the albatrosses and penguins and lots of information was given about them. The boat trip enabled us to get good views of the seabirds and seals. The little snack pies on the trip back to base were unexpected and very tasty. I have already recommended Monach to other people we met on our holiday.

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago

    Des Corner's avatar

    Des Corner

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Nice, affordable cruise passed seals, different species of birds and if you are lucky albatross and dolphins, with professional explanation from the guide.

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago and experienced in December 2015

    NETHERLANDS
    Martin Bakker's avatar

    Martin Bakker

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    Well worth the drive to landing stage and boat captain kept us all interested.

    Heavily reliant on the wildlife playing their part but if you are lucky it is a fun trip.

    Reviewed almost 12 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    David's avatar

    David

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    Okay but rather pricey for a 60 minute trip.

    Reviewed about 12 years ago and experienced in March 2012

    SWITZERLAND
    Hilbert vanEssen's avatar

    Hilbert vanEssen

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    A shorter boat trip, was really worth the money.

    nice and very informed guiding, well organised and equipped.

    Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013

    GERMANY
    Peer Krumrey's avatar

    Peer Krumrey

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Start from Otago Peninsula.

    Team knows a lot and very good in spotting animals. Prepare everything - warm clothes (jacket as well as binoculars).

    Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013

    GERMANY
    Stefanie Menz's avatar

    Stefanie Menz

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    One of the real highlights of our 6+ weeks.

    The Northern Royal Albatross in flight near the point would have been worth it. To then see also Whitecapped and Bullers followed up by some Hectors Dolphins made it "Sweet As".

    Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in February 2013

    UNITED STATES
    Jim Woodruff's avatar

    Jim Woodruff

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    Nice and friendly staff on a one hour boat trip around Otago Peninsula.

    Saw lots of Albatross and seals.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017

    SWITZERLAND
    Sevi's avatar

    Sevi

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Good activity with kids.

    Very interesting and the best way to see all the amazing wildlife. Friendly crew.

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago

    GERMANY
    Chris's avatar

    Chris

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    This was a fabulous tour (T3) which enabled us to pack a lot of wildlife viewing into one day.

    The staff were friendly and knowledgable and ensured that my husband got his binoculars back after leaving them in the minibus. The driver stopped at viewpoints to enable us to take photos and gave clear instructions of when to be where for collection for transport to the next location. We were able to get close to the albatrosses and penguins and lots of information was given about them. The boat trip enabled us to get good views of the seabirds and seals. The little snack pies on the trip back to base were unexpected and very tasty. I have already recommended Monach to other people we met on our holiday.

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago

    Des Corner's avatar

    Des Corner

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Nice, affordable cruise passed seals, different species of birds and if you are lucky albatross and dolphins, with professional explanation from the guide.

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago and experienced in December 2015

    NETHERLANDS
    Martin Bakker's avatar

    Martin Bakker

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    A shorter boat trip, was really worth the money.

    nice and very informed guiding, well organised and equipped.

    Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013

    GERMANY
    Peer Krumrey's avatar

    Peer Krumrey

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Start from Otago Peninsula.

    Team knows a lot and very good in spotting animals. Prepare everything - warm clothes (jacket as well as binoculars).

    Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013

    GERMANY
    Stefanie Menz's avatar

    Stefanie Menz

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    One of the real highlights of our 6+ weeks.

    The Northern Royal Albatross in flight near the point would have been worth it. To then see also Whitecapped and Bullers followed up by some Hectors Dolphins made it "Sweet As".

    Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in February 2013

    UNITED STATES
    Jim Woodruff's avatar

    Jim Woodruff

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    Well worth the drive to landing stage and boat captain kept us all interested.

    Heavily reliant on the wildlife playing their part but if you are lucky it is a fun trip.

    Reviewed almost 12 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    David's avatar

    David

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    Okay but rather pricey for a 60 minute trip.

    Reviewed about 12 years ago and experienced in March 2012

    SWITZERLAND
    Hilbert vanEssen's avatar

    Hilbert vanEssen

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    See what cannot be seen from land.

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago and experienced in November 2011

    DENMARK
    Dorthe's avatar

    Dorthe

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Great guides, saw seals and albatross etc.

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago and experienced in November 2011

    NEW ZEALAND
    Lydia McLean's avatar

    Lydia McLean

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    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.

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    VAGABOND's avatar

    VAGABOND

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    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.

    Reviewed over 13 years ago and experienced in May 2011

    UNITED KINGDOM
    Geoff  Shutt's avatar

    Geoff Shutt

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    Seen Yellow Eyed Penguins, Royal Albatross and seals.

    Reviewed over 13 years ago

    GERMANY
    Juergen Wolf's avatar

    Juergen Wolf

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    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.

    Reviewed almost 14 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    chrissie2011's avatar

    chrissie2011

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    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.

    Reviewed almost 14 years ago

    AUSTRALIA
    Lizzie's avatar

    Lizzie

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    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

    Reviewed almost 14 years ago

    UNITED STATES
    Wendy's avatar

    Wendy

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    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....

    Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in May 2010

    CANADA
    davidm239's avatar

    davidm239

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    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.

    Reviewed over 14 years ago

    AUSTRALIA
    Annette's avatar

    Annette

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Fantastic cruise, saw penguins, albatross, seals up close, staff great

    Reviewed almost 15 years ago and experienced in January 2010

  • 4.5/5

    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.

    Reviewed almost 15 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    John Winter's avatar

    John Winter

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    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.

    Reviewed almost 15 years ago

    Terry Phillips's avatar

    Terry Phillips

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    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.

    Reviewed almost 15 years ago and experienced in January 2009

    UNITED STATES
    purplekat99's avatar

    purplekat99

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Wildlife cruise, Otago Peninsula.

    Reviewed over 15 years ago and experienced in February 2009

    NETHERLANDS
    HovingL's avatar

    HovingL

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Very friendly staff, very enthusiastic about the wildlife, good with kids.

    Reviewed over 15 years ago and experienced in March 2009

    NETHERLANDS
    DimitriD's avatar

    DimitriD

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Excellent Commentarty - but not clear enough sighting of Albatross in flight.

    Reviewed over 15 years ago and experienced in February 2009

    UNITED KINGDOM
    ChristineM's avatar

    ChristineM

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Very interesting - staff tried hard to find flying Albatross.

    Reviewed over 15 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    GrahamM1's avatar

    GrahamM1

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    Boat trip to Otago-peninsula.

    Not bad, the Albatross were fantasic. Expensive.

    Reviewed over 15 years ago

    SWITZERLAND
    SimonR's avatar

    SimonR

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Very imformative quide.

    Reviewed almost 16 years ago

    SWITZERLAND
    Max's avatar

    Max

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    Friendly and knowledgeable staff.

    Very small group on the boat. A little more time to watch the seals would have been nice.

    Reviewed almost 16 years ago

    GERMANY
    stephanie's avatar

    stephanie

    Customer