Excursion Nature's wonders tour at Port Chalmers

Stunning scenery and viewing seals, penguins and other marine birds are the highlights of this off-road experience in a specially-designed six-seater Argo vehicle. Argos are amphibious, all-terrain, off-road vehicles that venture into areas others cannot.

Otago Harbour

Depart the pier via coach with your driver-guide, travel from Port Chalmers along the shore Otago Harbour and Sawyers Bay to Dunedin. From there, continue out to Otago Peninsula and along the pretty coastline to Taiaroa Head. Taiaroa Head is unique for the diversity of wildlife which abounds on this small headland and includes the only mainland albatross colony in the world. Historically, the headland was in use by the Maori as a defensive retreat, long before being fortified by European settlers in the 1880s.

Taiaroa Head

At Taiaroa Head, board your argo vehicle for a special one-hour tour to view the many wildlife inhabitants in the area. Highlights of the journey are the New Zealand fur seals that live on the rocks and the sea lions that are naturally sand dwellers. Experience the thrill of the ride on the Argo that takes you places other vehicles would find difficult to access. Half way through the tour, the groups will switch over and continue the tour via 4WD coaster bus.

Re-board the coach and return to the ship via the Otago Peninsula's High Road.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Port Chalmers, Otago Harbour and Peninsula, Sawyers Bay, Taiaroa Head, Otago Peninsula's High Road, Seals, Sea Lions, Penguins, Albatrosses (sighting of wildlife cannot be guaranteed)

Note

Please note: This tour involves off-road exploring in an all-terrain vehicle, over undulating, unpaved tracks. The ride will be rough and guests may experience bumpy, jerking motions. This tour is not recommended for guests with back/neck problems, limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. The drive to the Otago Peninsula is approximately one hour on winding roads. Therefore, this tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from motion sickness. Flat-soled shoes and a windbreaker are recommended. Rain jackets if needed are available at the vehicle station. Remember to bring your camera. Argo vehicles are not air-conditioned. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife and marine life sightings are not guaranteed.