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Embark on an unforgettable voyage with Port to Port Wildlife Cruises and discover Dunedin’s spectacular coastline teeming with rare wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Embark on an unforgettable voyage with Port to Port Wildlife Cruises and discover Dunedin’s spectacular coastline teeming with rare wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Highlights

  • Cruise the stunning Otago Harbour and experience Dunedin’s wild side from the water
  • Spot rare and iconic wildlife including New Zealand fur seals, sea lions, albatross, penguins, and a variety of seabirds
  • Enjoy fascinating commentary from knowledgeable local guides

Step aboard a Port to Port Wildlife Cruise and experience the best of Dunedin’s wild beauty and rich maritime history in one unforgettable journey. Glide across the sparkling waters of Otago Harbour and discover a world teeming with life — from soaring Northern Royal Albatross and playful New Zealand fur seals to the occasional visit from Hector’s, Dusky, or Bottlenose dolphins. You might spot Blue Penguins, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds including petrels, gannets, and skuas, all set against the dramatic cliffs of the Otago Peninsula.

As you take in the scenery, your skipper shares fascinating stories of the harbour’s past. See the historic Taiaroa Head Lighthouse, 19th-century gun emplacements, and Dunedin’s working port in action — complete with ships, tugs, and dredgers. Owner-operator Rachel, a former dredge worker, brings the harbour to life with her insider knowledge and passion for its history.

Hear about Quarantine Island, once used to isolate new arrivals to Dunedin, and learn about the area’s whaling and sealing heritage, historic pilots’ houses, and harbour hulks that once served as floating quarantine stations. Along the way, admire the striking volcanic landscape — you’re literally travelling through the heart of an ancient volcano.

A Port to Port Wildlife Cruise is the perfect blend of nature, history, and local storytelling — an authentic Dunedin experience you’ll never forget.

Itinerary

  • Port To Port Wildlife Tours leave from Portobello Wharf or Port Chalmers, returning to the same location afterwards
Adult $130.00
Child $75.00 (5 - 15 years old)
Infant 0 - 4 $35.00

What's included

  • Quality binoculars, to borrow, on board.
  • Two hour cruise
  • Wildlife information sheets provided to keep.
  • Enclosed cabin, able to be heated. As well as outside viewing

Duration

  • Allow approximately 2 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • 837 Portobello Road
  • Portobello
  • Dunedin

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Bad Weather Refunds

  • If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the bad weather, safety concerns, unscheduled maintenance etc) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

  • PLEASE USE A BATHROOM BEFORE YOU JOIN US. And allow extra time to do this as we always leave exactly on listed departure time, we cannot wait for late passengers, due to timetable commitments..

    Please note there are two departure points for the cruise. Make sure to select the correct one.

    Tour duration is 1.5-2 hours.

    1.5 hours if joining from

    Port Chalmers.

    39 Peninsula Beach Road, Port Chalmers. By the Port Chalmers Yacht Club building.


    Or up to 2 hours if joining from

    Portobello.

    837 Portobello Road. PORTOBELLO

    By the small brown boatshed with signage, 'Wildlife and Ferry'.

Available Bookings from 23 Oct to 5 Nov 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Thu 23 Oct
Fri 24 Oct
Sat 25 Oct
Sun 26 Oct
Mon 27 Oct
Tue 28 Oct
Wed 29 Oct
Thu 30 Oct
Fri 31 Oct
Sat 1 Nov
Sun 2 Nov
Mon 3 Nov
Tue 4 Nov
Wed 5 Nov

  • Adult$110.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00

  • Adult$110.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00

  • Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00

  • Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00

  • Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00

  • Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00

  • Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00

  • Adult$104.00
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00

  • Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00

  • Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00

  • Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00

  • Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00

  • Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00

  • Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$75.00
  • Infant 0 - 4$35.00
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Qualmark Certification

This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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