Port Chalmers Birdwatching Tours: Our Top 4

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

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

Join Rachel of Port To Port Cruises aboard the Sootychaser for a 1.5 to 2-hour wildlife cruise through Otago Harbour. Expect a small group of up to 14, heated cabin, open deck, binoculars, identification sheets, and commentary on seabirds, seals, port activity, shipwrecks, and the Otago Peninsula.

“This was a fantastic excursion. Rachel was very kind and accommodating. She knows see where to find sea life and we were thrilled to get some great up close pictures of albatross, seals and the fur seal. We learned a lot about the environment and loved the cruise!!”

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2.Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & a Guided Penguin Reserve Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 77 reviews · from $198

Spend about six hours with a guide such as Teresa, Asta, or Warren, combining Dunedin landmarks, the Botanic Garden, scenic Otago Peninsula stops, and a guided visit to the OPERA wildlife reserve. Expect a full day in a small vehicle, plenty of commentary, and the possibility of seeing penguins, seals, and sea lions.

“Dunedin was charming and quaint. You felt like you were in Scotland. The Otago Peninsula and Opera Penguin Preserve was a real gem. Teresa, our guide was attentive, knowledgeable, friendly and super helpful. It felt like we had an old friend show us all the must see sights in one very full day. We would highly recommend this tour !”

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3.Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 33 reviews · from $245

Spend seven hours with guides such as Kim, Jo, Greg, or Alan exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. Visit a private wildlife reserve for yellow-eyed penguins and fur seals, stop at the Royal Albatross Centre, and see Baldwin Street and Dunedin Railway Station. Small groups, hotel or port transfers, and short walks on uneven paths make this an easy nature day with some physical demands.

“Probably a 4 and a half, instead of a 5, but very, very good. The mountain top was shrouded in clouds not the tour company's fault, and the penguins and Albatross center were VERY enjoyable, but not as much to see as we had hoped. Other sights were fine, nothing speactacular, and always a little rushed, but all in all, very nice!”

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4.Clearwater Private Penguin & Wildlife Tour from Port Otago (5hrs)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews

From Port Chalmers, Rachel and the Clearwater team take your private group by 4WD across a working farm to Cape Saunders. Expect fur seals and pups, sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins, albatross, birdlife, coastal views, binoculars, warm jackets, and about four to five hours outdoors.

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