Albatross Classic + Monarch Wildlife Cruises!

Duration

Albatross Classic Tour (1 hour)
Monarch Wildlife Cruise (1 hour)

About

Drive yourself out along the beautiful & scenic roads of the Otago Peninsula and combine a Royal Albatross Centre land tour with an invigorating Monarch Wildlife Cruise.

Royal Albatross Centre – Make your way to the Royal Albatross Centre to enjoy an Albatross Classic Tour. Home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross – watch these magnificent monarchs of the ocean at their nests from within the Pukekura (Taiaroa Head) nature reserve.

Monarch Wildlife Cruise – Afterwards, enjoy a wildlife cruise aboard the Monarch, which takes you around the spectacular Taiaroa Head to see what can’t be seen from land – several species of albatross, fur seals and other marine mammals and ocean birds are often sighted.

This is a self-drive package. Itinerary will be provided once booking has been made. Due to availability of spaces and seasonal timing limitations, the sequence of tour activity may change.

Please note: October is difficult to guarantee albatross sightings as chicks depart the headland in September and new season nests are built in late October.

During tours in October, we hope to see some new season adults either on the ground, in the air or both, but there is a small chance we may not see any.

Where to find us

Royal Albatross Centre is located at the tip of the Otago Peninsula at 1259 Harington Point Road, a 50 minute scenic drive from the Dunedin city.
Monarch Wildlife Cruises departure point is located at Wellers Rock at 813 Harington Point Road, 3kms before the Royal Albatross Centre.

Things to Know

• Please check in 15minutes prior to each tour.
• Photography is allowed on tours, but no flash. Viewing of the albatross inside the nature reserve is behind a double glazed, one way glass system to reduce disturbance to the albatross and wildlife.
• The weather at Taiaroa Head can prevail, please bring warm and if possible, waterproof clothing.
• Albatross Centre Cafe is open all day, make sure you allow time to enjoy a delicious meal and beverage.