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 over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2012