Port To Port Cruises and Wildife Tours
Port To Port Cruises and Wildife Tours
Port To Port Cruises and Wildife Tours
5
Boat ToursFerriesOther Nature & ParksSightseeing ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Full view
About
Join skipper and owner/operator Rachel McGregor and her experts, onboard custom built vessel Sootychaser! Modern, fast comfortable and safe, this vessel is the perfect platform to view albatross, seals, penguins and anything else that may pop up on Port To Port's famous wildlife cruises! You wont find a wildlife guide/skipper on Otago Harbour with more experience on Otago Harbour than Rachel. Since 2004 she has worked as a guide/crew/skipper on tourist launches, harbour dredger, marine pollution response vessels, search and rescue vessels, harbourmaster vessels and much more. Benefit from her knowledge and experience by joining Rachel's 1.5 - 2 hour cruises around the Otago Harbour and Taiaroa Head, wildlife capital of New Zealand. We also offer a harbour ferry service from Portobello to Port Chalmers, return. Or one way with bikes when cycling the Otago Harbour Loop.
Port Chalmers, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Port To Port Cruises and Wildife Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
215 reviews
Excellent
208
Very good
6
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
VonBadger
Germany114 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This was recommended by another tourist that we met en route and again in the restaurant on our first evening. We tried to book the 1.15 p.m. trip but got refused as there were no other passengers. However we took the 4 p.m. one, which we were told would be better for the albatrosses and it certainly was. Rachel is a great guide and steers the boat to the places, where you will see all the birds and seals. When we got towards the albatrosses, she even knew how to move the boat so that the albatrosses literally circled around the boat, only a few metres away. The people up on the cliffs 200m away missed out! Also got very close to the fur seals. Rachel also made sure the Japanese passengers on board knew what we were seeing and did a great job. Small boat with max. 10 passengers. I stayed out the back at the beginning, despite her warnings and got a bit wet. As I then found out, the view from inside is very good and you can always go our back for photos. All passengers get provided with binoculars and Rachel‘s commentary keeps everyone aware of the local history and wildlife. Full of interesting facts on the way back as well. Definite value for money. Call on advance to secure a place.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your detailed and generous review! I remember you both and am very grateful that you took the time to write this, thank you:)
Im so pleased you had a great time and were able to return for the later trip! And that we saw what we did!
I hope you had a great rest of your holiday!
Thanks again:)
Rachel:)
Written 6 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
422iana
Dunedin, New Zealand3,610 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Parked at the teeth which is near Bunnings. We were cycling to Portabello and decided at the last moment to do the loop. At the boat ramp phoned the company and the times were different to that on the board saying leaving at 1.15 pm rather than 12.35 pm, but cycled along to Portabello for some lunch after confirming 2 mountain bikes $17 per person. Just paid in cash on the boat to be picked up at Portabello and dropped off at Port Chalmers. Some comentary on the way and found out about the krill or juvenile squat lobsters as they are known. Mainly visable in the summer months before they sink and spend the time on the bottom as adults. Some of the ride is on the road, but they are building paths all the way in the next few years with only Port Chalmers to St Leonards is on a faster road.
Written 19 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to review!
We require bookings and advise this on publications and advertising.
For the reason that sometimes we adjust the timings so we can manage numbers on the day and work in with what people want.
Prices :
Person $12
Bike $5 road type
$10 electric
Each way
(For other peoples reference)
Thanks again for coming along:)
Rachel
Written 2 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christine D
United Kingdom6 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
What a lovely little trip we had. Even though the weather was not great (for us) the wildlife didn’t seem to mind. The Sooty Chaser only takes half a dozen or so passengers so well worth booking ahead to secure your spot. Rachel was so knowledgeable and we learnt a lot. Fortunately she gave us an identification chart at the end, marked off what we had seen as there was too much for us to remember.
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew S
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We did the Quarantine Island treasure hunt and our party was two grandparents and 4 grandchildren 7-12 years. The tour was well organized and great fun for the grandchildren. As advised we took a picnic tea and had a couple of interesting and enjoyable hours exploring the buildings and the land. Rachel did a great job with the ferry and the arrangements and was popular with the children - especially with the ‘treasure’ reward at the end of the hunt.
We would recommend this as a great way spend a morning or afternoon close to the city.
We would recommend this as a great way spend a morning or afternoon close to the city.
Written 20 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this! I really appreciate your time and efforts to write a review! Im so happy to hear you enjoyed your time on Quarantine island:)
Thanks again for coming with me!:)
Rachel
Written 31 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Craig Holmes
Dunedin, New Zealand25 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
What a way to finish the new walkway/cycleway around Otago Harbour! From Portobello it's an easy hour's cycle into Dunedin, even against he wind then another easier hour out to Port Chalmers with the wind up yer chuff.
Booking online for Rachel's Port to Port ferry service aboard Sootychaser is really easy. She was there at Back Beach in Port Chalmers well before time. We loaded the bikes and sat in the warm cabin for a trip across to Portobello in an atrocious squall that ran up the harbour as we crossed.
Sootychaser is a great sea boat and Rachel is an experienced skipper. The trip across was exciting but pretty smooth, given the sea conditions on the harbour and the disembarkation was quick and smooth so we spent minimum time in the last of the squally weather.
A great service which we will be sure to use again and again.
Booking online for Rachel's Port to Port ferry service aboard Sootychaser is really easy. She was there at Back Beach in Port Chalmers well before time. We loaded the bikes and sat in the warm cabin for a trip across to Portobello in an atrocious squall that ran up the harbour as we crossed.
Sootychaser is a great sea boat and Rachel is an experienced skipper. The trip across was exciting but pretty smooth, given the sea conditions on the harbour and the disembarkation was quick and smooth so we spent minimum time in the last of the squally weather.
A great service which we will be sure to use again and again.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this detailed review! So much apprecaited and lovely to read! Thank you so much!!
Rachel:)
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris T
6 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We pre-booked the bike ferry from Port Chalmers to Portobello. We were on a cruise ship so this was the start to our day of cycling around the harbour. The ferry was right on time, Rachel helped us load our bikes, and gave us interesting commentary while we made the 10 minute crossing. Thank you for this great memory!
Written 30 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thank YOU for coming! It was absolutely my pleasure to help you have a great day, by providing the service!
Rachel:)
Written 15 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David55Sa
Auckland Central, New Zealand24 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We arrived at the ferry after cycling out from Dunedin in pouring rain and a very cold southerly wind. We were greeted by Rachel, with a big smile, and immediately she offered us to come inside the cabin and warm up and get some of our wet clothing off to dry a bit. There were supposed to be two other riders booked but they never showed up, even though Rachel waited a few extra minutes for them. Rachel on-loaded our not so light e-bikes while we warmed up. Then it was off across the harbour to Portobello. Rachel's friendly but knowledgeable patter about the history of the two islands we passed and her directions to the nearest cafe in Portobello were very personable and much appreciated. We felt like good friends when we off-loaded 15 minutes later in Portobello.
Written 5 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this! And for braving the cool, wet day!
I do remember you and youre right, it did feel like friends, by the time you needed to head off for your next bit! I really appreciate your support and your time to write this indepth review for me!
I hope your memories of the day and cycling the loop where as happy as they were soggy!
You would have been glad to have hung your wet socks up at the end of the day too!
Thank:)
Rachel
Written 20 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
674alisono
5 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We had a great morning out with Rachel on the MV Sootychaser. The weather was kind - sunny and flat calm - so we were also able to venture out beyond Taiaroa Head.
Rachel is very knowledgeable about the wildlife we saw and was keen eyed in spotting things for us to see. She also provides binoculars too.
We saw fur seals, blue penguins, albatrosses and petrels to name a few, along with many other birds.
Rachel was also able to explain the history of the area and point out some of the landmarks.
The Anzac cookie on the way back was welcome too.
I’d recommend this tour - it was certainly smaller and more personable than the equivalent one off our cruise ship.
Rachel is very knowledgeable about the wildlife we saw and was keen eyed in spotting things for us to see. She also provides binoculars too.
We saw fur seals, blue penguins, albatrosses and petrels to name a few, along with many other birds.
Rachel was also able to explain the history of the area and point out some of the landmarks.
The Anzac cookie on the way back was welcome too.
I’d recommend this tour - it was certainly smaller and more personable than the equivalent one off our cruise ship.
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this!
Your time in writing this lovely review is so much appreciated!
How nice to hear all of this! There are not many that know an Anzac biscuit when they see one!
Im really pleased you had such a positive experience:)
Many thanks again:)
Rachel
Written 20 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ciciHouston
Houston57 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We took this tour today and really enjoyed it. An easy walk from our cruise ship to the harbor meeting point. Rachel & her crew were top notch - did a good job of pointing out birds, & seals. We were lucky to have beautiful weather & saw a lot in a relatively small amount of time, giving us the afternoon free to explore Dunedin or Port Chalmers. We are birders and appreciated the checklist she gave us at the end so we could add the sightings to our Ebird list.
Written 26 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you!!
And you are so welcome for the checklist!
Do you know that the wildlife sheet I gave you is almost ALL photos from passengers on my boat? Even more special! Andy C who took most of them is a regular and has compiled many photos from his many trips with me!
I truely appreciate this review and your time and thoughts, to write it.
Thanks!!
Rachel:)
Written 21 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Voyager38050204323
Ashburton, New Zealand1 contribution
May 2024 • Friends
Outstanding service. We were coming from Ashburton to cycle the harbour loop. Rachel helped fit us on the harbour cruise at a time that meant our commute, harbour trip, and bike ride would be seemless with no waiting around. Communications with us were great, and reassured us when we took a wrong turn (Apple Maps) and thought we’d be late.
The actual trip across the harbour was beautiful, with great informative commentary, and our bikes were well looked after whilst loading and unloading.
100% recommend, thanks for helping make our trip very memorable, from Jann, Caryn & Jenny.
The actual trip across the harbour was beautiful, with great informative commentary, and our bikes were well looked after whilst loading and unloading.
100% recommend, thanks for helping make our trip very memorable, from Jann, Caryn & Jenny.
Written 15 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you all so much, Jann, Caryn and Jenny! I really appreciate this! What a lovely review.
Its my pleasure to help fill the gaps so it can be as easy as possible for you. Thank you so much for coming with me and your time taken here, to write this for me:)
All the best:)
Rachel:)
Written 20 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I arrive at Dunedin on December 8 at 07:30 on Celebrity's Millenium and leave at 17:00. What tour times do you have during this time and do you pick-up passengers at the Cruise Ship? Thank you! Bob Hare
Written 21 November 2019
Hi Robert,
Apologies for the delay, I didnt realize there was a message here for us!
There are a couple of options.
One is to join us for a wildlife cruise of approx 1.5 hours from Port Chalmers.
You will see albatross, seals, sea birds and maybe penguins. Cost is $90 per person.
At 1:25pm is best, but if you would like to do this in the morning this is also possible at 10:10am. However the morning trip is alot busier than the afternoon trip on this day.
If youd like to also visit Larnach Castle or the Maritime Museum and free time in Portobello, we can accommodate this also. You will also get the wildlife cruise mentioned above. Then you will move on to the other activity, Time will be 10am until 3:30pm (museum) or 10am until 4pm (castle).
Prices are $125 (museum) or $239 (castle).
Prices are for each person.
Please let me know how else I can help? Once I know roughly what you are after I can give you more details on these tours:)
Many thanks
Rachel:)
Written 24 November 2019
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