The second time we've done this tour and it was better than the trip a few years ago as the wind was high (40 knots maybe) and there were 4 varieties of albatross in the air and even on the water. Also, being a little later (4 March instead of February) we saw young albatross sitting waiting for food to... More

We joined the tour on 28th March where we were picked up from our motel by our tour guide Bruce - who was outstanding with his knowledge of not just of the places visited but also gave a fantastic running commentary along the way. We took the opportunity of visiting Larnach Castle before joining the boat trip and were lucky... More

We had considered going to the albatross observatory at Taiaroa Head but as we love being on the water we opted for the boat trip instead. It also meant a pick up from our Dunedin hotel rather than a 45 minute drive to the observatory which was nice on a holiday that had involved so much driving. We were really... More

We joined the tour on 21 Feb. 2013. I feel embarrassed that I forget the name of the tour guide but she was so nice and knowledgable. She told us that we were truly lucky because we could see so many albatrosses flying in the sky. The timing was just perfect when there's a fishing boat nearby where albatrosses flew... More

We took the Monarch boat from Wellers Rock, near the end of the Otago Peninsula, out to Taiaroa Heads where we met the open sea. The boat has lots of character and felt strong and safe. We were supplied,as we arrived in the boat, with warm waterproof jackets and binoculars. The skipper told us everything that was happening around us,... More

Great value day with Monarch! Began with a prompt pickup at the wharf by Bruce then off to Lenoch Castle with great dialogue about local points of interest....a knowledgable tour of the castle with opportunities to explore and take pictures...we were then taken for a fabulous boat tour of the breeding grounds for Albatross and then out to sea to... More

Booked a tour with Monarch on 22 Feb 2013. Pick up was punctual but later the timing was upset by a group of Japanese tourist who were late. The tour went on and the tour guide (can't remember her name) was very knowledgable and friendly. Good introduction and briefing on the wildlife and we managed to get glimps of Albatrosses.... More

Terrific tour on February 1st, a sunny day with little wind. Saw Albatrosses (tho at long distance), seals, and with the Penguin tour add on, we saw Yellow Eye penguins up close and personal. Guides on the boat and on the penguin tour very friendly and informative. The boat was comfortable and the surrounding scenery enthralling. Strongly recommend the Y.E.... More

I wholeheartedly agree with all the other glowing reviews on the boat tour itself. We saw dolphins, albatrosses, seals, and sea lions. But I was really impressed with the customer service. My travel agency assurred me before leaving the states that transportation would be provided for the one hour boat tour. I had my doubts from the description on my... More