5 Wildlife Tours in Dunedin & Otago to Build a Day Around

1.Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 531 reviews · from $139Our pick

Small-group Otago Peninsula wildlife tour near Cape Saunders, with private viewing spots, binoculars, rain gear, and chances to see penguins and seals.

“It was amazing and we saw baby seals playing, sea lions, various birds and yellow eyed penguins. We were very luck and saw one coming back from the ocean. The tour guide was very professional and knowledgeable. It was a great tour.”

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2.Wildlife and Penguin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 239 reviews · 1h 30m · from $44

A 90-minute eco-reserve tour on Otago Peninsula to learn penguin conservation, visit a rehab centre, and spot wildlife on a guided 2 km walk.

“We learned a great deal about the efforts to restore habitat and wildlife populations including blue penguins and yellow eyed penguins. It was fascinating and fun”

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3.Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 227 reviews · from $43Best value

Otago Peninsula wildlife cruise with Monarch: warm jackets, top binoculars, and a one-hour shot at dolphins and royal albatross near Taiaroa Head.

“Brilliant crew and very knowledgeable. Had a wonderful afternoon out in the ocean! Saw some seals and sea lions. A blue fin shark was spotted. Would recommend.”

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4.Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 189 reviews · from $105

Small-group wildlife cruise from Port Chalmers with Captain Rachel, binoculars, and onboard ID help for albatross, seals, penguins, and more.

“This was an awesome experience made even more awesome. By our tour guide Rachel, her knowledge of the wildlife, and the birds all around the waterway that she took us through a second to none. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to learn about the unique wildlife in around Port Chalmers especially those with young children. Thank you Rachel for an enjoyable time.”

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5.Dunedin Wildlife Cruise-Albatross, seals and harbour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 115 reviews · from $105

Small-group Dunedin harbor cruise to Otago Peninsula and Taiaroa Head. Live commentary, binoculars, warm jackets, 90-120 minutes.

“Absolutely brilliant trip. Rachel the skipper was so knowledgeable and kept us informed from the start and not just about the wildlife, but also about the area and history. Not an avid birdwatcher but the whole trip was fascinating and we had the added benefit of a very close visit from an albatross. Rachel provided binoculars to assist us and even baked cookies for the group. Information sheet provided afterwards to confirm what birds and seals we’d seen.. brilliant trip and host and excellent value for money”

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