The primary reason we drove to Dunedin was to see an albatross. Sitting at home poring over guidebooks, researching all the places to see and things to do in New Zealand, this came up at the top of the list. We booked a cruise with Monarch well in advance to make sure we could get on board. Our cruise was at 15:00, which proved to be smart because the wind was just starting up then, and that's just what an albatross is waiting for – we learned on board.
Time to head for Wheeler's Wharf to make our boat trip with Monarch. Fantastic tour – perfect timing – the wind was picking up so the albatross were able to soar overhead! We could also see them nesting at the colony. We saw three types of albatross – the crew were wonderful at pointing them out, identifying them – they were getting a kick out of it, too. We also saw two types of cormorants on the cliffs and fur seals perched on the rocks. The captain even spent a bit of extra time out so that we could see as many birds as possible. Not easy to photograph on a moving boat!
We purchased a tour at the Royal Albatross Colony through Monarch so it was all arranged at 4:30 – had barely enough time to drive there once the boat returned to shore. Perfectly sequenced – now we were ready to learn more about the albatross and what the centre does to help the colony survive there. After the talk and video, we are escorted by a guide to the viewing centre – must be absolutely QUIET! Fantastic to see them so close. Incredible devices to help them hatch – irrigate the nests so that the father or mother doesn't overheat while sitting on the egg!
We stayed on Otago Peninsula for fish and chips at Portobello. A long wait – but worth it. Blue cod with beer-batter. In general, we enjoyed fish and chips more on the South Island than the North because they use blue cod.
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