About Us

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Our Vision

To be New Zealand's best boat-based wildlife experience.

Our Mission

To operate a profitable and susatainable business -economically, envrionmentally and socially- which is enriching for our staff and which consistently delivers a quality and memorable customer experience, exceeding their expectations.

Westpac Awards

Our Company

  • Winner of three NZ Tourism Awards
  • Winner of Westpac Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award
  • Operating since 1983
  • Privately owned and operated by John & Jenny Milburn since 2002
  • Member of the NZ Birding Network
  • DOC Marine Mammals Viewing Permit

Our Crew

Our Owners

Our Boat

  • M.V. Monarch - MSA No 100392MV Monarch
  • Registered Port - Dunedin
  • Registered Owner - John Milburn
  • Area of Operation - Otap encloded and inshore waters
  • Lengh - 16.5 metres
  • Beam - 4 metres
  • Draught - 1.8 metres
  • Top Speed - 9 knots
  • Power - HM 6-71 2 cycle diesel giving 160hp
  • Propulsion - Single screw 4 blade propellor
  • Gearbox - Twin disc driving 75mm shaft
  • Launched in 1952

Our Facilities

What others say about us...

"Aloha from Hawaii!
We had a wonderful time on a tour with you all in March this year. Thank you!
Your driver James was extremely knowledgeable and friendly.  He made the tour very memorable with his commentary and genuine interest in the wildlife.
Many thanks,
Brooke Loughridge and family"
(19 April 2011)

"I went out on the Monarch on Saturday for the wildlife tour from Wellers Rock into town. I have grown up on the Otago harbour sailing, swimming etc and uncountable times watching the Monarch cruise by, I thought I knew a bit about the place so I had high expectations that were far exceeded.  I learnt so much and had such a fantastic time so thank you to your staff and the whole service it was great; I can’t wait to take my English partner and his family aboard your wonderful vessel and a Dunedin Icon." (9 Spetember 2010)

"Nearly 3 weeks ago we booked a full day wildlife tour with your company. Our tour guide for the day was Craig. We just wanted to let you know that he was outstanding. He made us feel a part of his New Zealand family, was extremely knowledgable, friendly and had a great sense of humour. So from the Sands (Rodman) family in Australia, Thank you. You made the first day of our holiday the best day of our holiday." (28 August 2010)

"My wife and I undertook your morning cruise on Tuesday November 25th. May we thank you for a super morning - despite deteriorating conditions? We really enjoyed seeing the albatrosses, the blue penguin, yellow-eyed penguins, the seals and other birdlife. Your crew were really super and the refreshments on board most welcome. We have now returned to the UK with many memories of New Zealand wildlife - and hospitality - and on both counts your excursion made a significant contribution. Many thanks, Terry Phillips" (January 09)

"Thank you for a wonderful cruise this afternoon. I think that it was a once in a lifetime experience. Saw such a good variety of your wildlife. Had a great time. I was very impressed with the friendly, informative and intelligent crew. Thanks for taking me out. Wish you all the best in the future."
Kind regards, Peter Johnson"
(October 08)

Our Awards

New Zealand Tourism Industry Award - 2006

Westpac Otago Chamber of Commerce
Business Skill Award - 2006

The Michelle McCormack
Tourism Personality of the Year Award - 2007

Qualmark Quality Assured Endorsed Visitor Activity

Qualmark Enviro Bronze Rating

Rankers Traveller voted Penguin Watching Award -
2009, 2010 & 2011

Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for Year 2011

Business Excellence Awards Finalist
for Tourism and Sustainability - 2010

Certificate of Membership in the
New Zealand Tourism Industry

Contact Monarch Wildlife Cruises

Monarch Wildlife Cruises Ltd
20 Fryatt Street
PO Box 383, Dunedin, New Zealand
Phone +64 3 477 4276 • Fax +64 3 477 4275
Email: monarch@wildlife.co.nz

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