M.V. Monarch

An iconic vessel on the Otago Harbour, and locally owned and operated business.

Built in 1951, in Picton, M.V. Monarch was the largest vessel to be built by A.J. Morgan Boat Builders. She spent her early years sailing the notorious waters near Stewart Island, operating as a fishing vessel, and also running as a ferry between the mainland and Stewart Island, shifting everything from supplies to sheep!

M.V. Monarch was delivered to the Black's in 1984 where she began her time in Dunedin, plying a well beaten path up and down the Otago Harbour. Initially operating with cruises to Taiaroa Head to view the Northern Royal Albatross and the rest of the abundance of wildlife that Dunedin is blessed with.

Current Owners John and Jenny Milburn took over the helm of the business in 2002; M.V. Monarch took on a new set of colours and extended the hours of operation changed creating a variety of half and full day tour options which encompasses the entire, beautiful, Otago Peninsula.

Under the guidance of John and Jenny, Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours gained another Tourism Industry Award, Chamber of Commerce Award winner, became Green Globe Bronze Benchmarked, and was also the first Dunedin operator to be endorsed by Qualmark.

Now in 2010 Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours is still operating its daily tours to Taiaroa Head, and full day tours which can include City Sight-seeing, Larnach's Castle, Wading Bird Habitats, and Yellow-Eyed Penguin Viewing. Also half day tours which can also include Yellow-Eyed Penguin Viewing and Larnach's Castle. All of which enjoy the popular one hour wildlife cruise onboard M.V. Monarch and a cruise on the Otago Harbour.