Albatross Cruise & Natures Wonders
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Port
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$350
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Departing Port Chalmers by Albatross Express catamaran catamaran, you will pass along the shores of Otago Harbor and out past the Otago Peninsula. Skirt the pretty coastline to Taiaroa Head. Seasonally, more than 10,000 seabirds nest here, including the world's largest seabird -- the northern royal albatross. Endemic to New Zealand, this bird is now an endangered species. At Taiaroa Head, the boat will bring you up close to the only mainland albatross colony in the world.
Pass Taiaroa Head's historic lighthouse before docking at Weller's Rock. Here, you'll leave the boat and board a fou-wheel drive coaster bus headed to a private working farm owned by the Reid family. Their self-funded ongoing conservation effort ensures that their land is preserved for future generations to enjoy by protecting the penguins, fur seals and other wildlife here.
At the farm, half of the group will board an 8-wheel-drive Argo vehicle for a scenic off-road journey to view some of the Otago Peninsula's most spectacular wildlife inhabitants. The Argo takes you places other vehicles would find difficult to access. Highlights include seeing the New Zealand fur seals that live on the rocks and the sea lions that are naturally sand dwellers. Yellow-eyed and blue penguins heading back and forth from their burrows are also a common sight. The other half of the group remains on the four-wheel-drive coaster bus to traverse the farmland.
Halfway through the tour, two groups will swap transportation and view the remainder of the terrain.
Please note:
Dress warmly in layered clothing; outer layer should be windproof and waterproof. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed. The Argo ride carries six guests, and the approximately 15-minute ride is across open countryside, involving some steep and bumpy off-road driving. Guests who are pregnant and those with a back or neck condition are not allowed to participate. The breeding season for yellow-eyed penguins, blue penguins, and cormorants is between September and early April.