Quick Details
Albatross Classic + Monarch Wildlife Cruises!
Drive yourself out along the beautiful & scenic roads of the Otago Peninsula and combine a Royal Albatross Centre land tour with an invigorating Monarch Wildlife Cruise.
Royal Albatross Centre – Make your way to the Royal Albatross Centre to enjoy an Albatross Classic Tour. Home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross – watch these magnificent monarchs of the ocean at their nests from within the Pukekura (Taiaroa Head) nature reserve.
Monarch Wildlife Cruise – Afterwards, enjoy a wildlife cruise aboard the Monarch, which takes you around the spectacular Taiaroa Head to see what can’t be seen from land – several species of albatross, fur seals and other marine mammals and ocean birds are often sighted.
This is a self-drive package, i.e. you will need your own car to get to each location for the tours. Itinerary will be provided once booking has been made. Due to availability of spaces and seasonal timing limitations, the sequence of tour activity may change.
Please note: Guided tours may not see albatross in October!
October is difficult to guarantee albatross sightings as chicks depart the headland in September.
New season nests are built in late October and eggs are laid in November, until an egg is laid there is no guarantee adult birds will be on the headland / at their nest site.
During tours in October, we hope to see some new season adults either on the ground, in the air or both, however there is a chance we may not see any. Majority of tours have seen some form of albatross so far this month – there is a higher chance of seeing them during windy conditions as they are heavy seabirds and need lift! Keep this in mind when booking your tour with us and if you have questions, email us!
Where to find us
- Royal Albatross Centre is located at the tip of the Otago Peninsula at 1259 Harington Point Road, a 50 minute scenic drive from the Dunedin city.
- Monarch Wildlife Cruises departure point is located at Wellers Rock at 813 Harington Point Road, 3kms before the Royal Albatross Centre.
Things to Know
- Please check in 15 minutes prior to each tour.
- Photography is allowed on tours, but no flash. Viewing of the albatross inside the nature reserve is behind a double glazed, one way glass system to reduce disturbance to the albatross and wildlife.
- The weather at Taiaroa Head can prevail, please bring warm and if possible, waterproof clothing.
- Albatross Centre Cafe is open all day, make sure you allow time to enjoy a delicious meal and beverage.