Wildlife Discovery Cruise
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Port
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$160
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 2½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Cruise Otago Harbour to the landmark of Taiaroa Head. This outing is designed to familiarize you with Otago and its wildlife. More than 10,000 seabirds nest here seasonally. Otago Harbour itself offers stunning scenery, and an informative on-board commentary explains the area's geology, history and people.
View the 1860s lighthouse and 100-year-old Fort Taiaroa, which has a secret network of tunnels.Your outing includes a view of a breeding area for one of the world's largest seabirds -- 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 colony in the world. The colony was established to protect this giant pelagic seabird, whose impressive wingspan is almost 10 feet, from extinction. The first Taiaroa-reared albatross chick hatched in 1938, and now this protected reserve has an established colony of around 250 birds. Marvel as they soar overhead, enacting impressive aerial displays. You may also be lucky enough to observe courtship, nest-building, and chick-rearing behaviors.
You'll also see a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals and Hooker's sea lions and view up to twenty marine bird species, possibly including little blue penguins.
Your cruise ends back in Port Chalmers with just a short coach transfer back to your ship.
Please note:
Dress warmly in layered clothing; outer layer should be windproof and waterproof. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed.