Port To Port Cruises And Wildlife Tours

03/09/2026

Thanks for curious questions and support about today's Otago Daily Times Article, which I appreciate but need to correct a few things.
To answer and clarify a few things:

The truth is that for many years , on super busy days I have always overflowed , but with nowhere to put my overflowing passengers that I can't take once I'm full.
These are pretty much on super busy double cruise ship days when everyone wants to go at the same time slot. This is the case for most other tour operators too.
They also overflow and need to turn people away.
In up until now I haven't had anywhere to put these people other than to send them onto the Monarch instead, who are usually full as well.
So often those people will end up hopping onto a bus and going into town instead.
But now I've managed to arrange to work with another quality operator where I am able to hire their boat and put my passengers on that as well, but with a Port To Port guide so the quality and expectations of a trip will be similar, with Port To Port values of CONNECTION between people especially the guide, QUALITY of information and a guide that is an EXPERT in a particular and relevant field, and ENTHUSIASM.
Overflowing onto another vessel is something I've been trying to do for the last three years, and have had trouble finding the right overflow boat and a good person to work with.
In terms of quotes , some of the quotes in article did not occur exactly as that , or are variations of what I said!
The fur seal comments where put to me, with variations of what I said in response, printed!
It's true though that people making for seal noises can be irritating to me😅 (maybe even to the fur seals too?!)
The amount of time my business has been operating is actually approx 8 years (est 2017, operating boat from 2018), though I personally have worked on the harbour for more than 20 years.
Anyway, the photo is good! the article is partially accurate ,and the title should probably read 'Port to Port is overflowing onto another boat'!
As wanting or not wanting an extra boat isn't really the story.
🤗 🚢 🚢
Thanks for support and interest: )
And for taking that pinch of salt before reading!
🤗

26/08/2026

8 years ago, Sootychaser arrived in Dunedin!
Built in Nelson, custom build 8.8m long and 2.8m wide.
The neighbour of the second Queenstown water taxi, in the workshop.
Wow, look at her brand new-not a single dent!😅
Time flys!!

23/08/2026

Sheep on the boat?
Is this a joke?
You'll have to decide for yourself!
Priscilla was a very obliging sheep onboard Port to Port's Sootychaser!
And a great ambassador for Dunedin last season!
Book your sheep in too, when you book your ferry seats 😅💞🤗🐑
Iconic Tours NZ
Dunedin NZ

Video
Source: Facebook https://share.google/m99Kq6PtxWk5maZgt

06/08/2026

I was presented this today!! 😅
A picture of me on Sootychaser!
And so we had to take a picture of me holding the picture 😅
There's quite a lot of purple here! And way too many Rachels 😅❤️
If there is such a thing!!
Thank you John Burke and Inner Focus Photography!
This was John's photo that Women's Weekly used last year for a Port to Port Cruises And Wildlife Tours story.

04/08/2026

Rachel's Port To Port Ferry Sootychaser all covered in snow at the boatramp this morning! The Port To Port Ferry hardly ever cancels and will still sail in most weather conditions, even in the snow!! That is a reliable Dunedin Ferry service indeed! In saying that, there were no cyclists spotted on the cycleway yet on this snowy Dunedin day!! But there were people staying at Quarantine Island on this magical, cold and beautiful day!
Little Sooty Snowman wasnt fazed and also refused to slide off the bow, on the way across the harbour this morning!

31/07/2026

A New Zealand Fur Seal has made itself quite at home in Otago Harbour!
Normally found many miles from here and at the harbour entrance, right now he is within easy reach!
He's quite used to curious visitors! Sometimes we see his fluffy face, sometimes it's furry bottom!
If neither his face or bottom are in view the day you come along on this discounted and special cruise and the seal is not home at all, we will invite you back free of charge another day instead!
Regardless, you'll still receive the popular Port to Port Mini Harbour Cruise of approx 25 mins to see shipwrecks, birds, boats and much more!
Expert commentary from your friendly skipper Rachel:)

Selected dates only-Sunday August 2nd
Book here:
https://porttoportcruises.rezdy.com/774732/seal-on-a-rock-and-mini-harbour-tour?_ga_data=e30%253D

26/07/2026

Boaties trick for self unlatch on the boat and trailer-It releases the boat hook for you without you needing to get back off the boat. Here's an old video I made! Bungy cord is all you need!

One person launching trick for any trailer boat.And low tide launc...

23/07/2026

This winter we are Cheering On The Chicks! With albatross sized discounts and onboard Sootychaser, with pizza from Café Santosha and with a complimentary bubbly or beer in your hand!

The Northern Royal Albatross Chicks are in the last couple of months of jumping, flapping, stumbling and learning to fly before they depart for oceans near South America, for the next 3-5 years! They are easy to spot as they stand on the grassy hills on Taiaroa Head, as they are even bigger than their own parents right now! Some chicks have checked in at around 12kgs, the adults are approx 7kgs.
We see all other wildlife too, seals, sea birds, hopefully penguins and sea lions if the pop up!

With hot pizza on your lap, glass of bubbly in hand and albatross chicks in your sights, come along for this limited edition cruise! This Sunday and other Sundays until fledging time!

Limited seats, amazing specials.

Use the direct booking link below for info and to receive your discounts.

https://porttoportcruises.rezdy.com/773531/albatross-chicks-and-wildlife-cruise-with-drinks-and-pizza?_ga_data=e30%253D.