Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise
Overview
Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide!
You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. She has had 20 +years experience skippering/guiding/operating commercial vessels on Otago Harbour, including dredger, coastguard, harbourmaster and more.
Modern, comfortable, safe, fast and custom built boat.
Approx 1.5 hours -2 hours in duration.
-Fully commentated.
-Quality binoculars provided.
-We pass by the historic Quarantine Stations and old shipwrecks.
-See and learn about the fishing boats, workboats, dredges and ships as we pass Port Chalmers and Careys Bay.
-Look for albatross, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, marine mammals and more as we cruise past roosting, breeding and feeding areas.
-See/learn about the historic pilots houses, search light and gun emplacements and the old whaling stations.
-Cruise around Taiaroa Head, Nature reserve.
What's Included
- Use of high quality binoculars for adults.
- Small-group tours
- Live commentary on board
- Wildlife Identification sheet provided
- Experienced guides
Meeting and Pickup
Please specify on booking whether you would like to be picked up at Portobello (837 Portobello Road) or Port Chalmers (39 Peninsula Beach Road). Default location is Portobello. Please use Google Maps for accurate address position.We do not offer transport from Cruise building. Cruise Ship passengers need to make their own way, a flat easy 5-10 minute walk.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Port To Port Cruises and Wildife Tours
Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Please wear a facemask if you have been recently unwell.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Please be aware there could be sea spray at times, please dress warmly, just incase.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-103532P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.85 out of 5 stars based on 202 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Use of high quality binoculars for adults.
- Small-group tours.
- Live commentary on board.
- Wildlife Identification sheet provided.
- Experienced guides.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Please wear a facemask if you have been recently unwell.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Use of high quality binoculars for adults.
- Small-group tours
- Live commentary on board
- Wildlife Identification sheet provided
- Experienced guides
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Please wear a facemask if you have been recently unwell.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Please be aware there could be sea spray at times, please dress warmly, just incase.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
