Discover New Zealand’s Otago Peninsula: Iconic Wildlife Tour Featuring Yellow Eyed Penguins
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for individuals in good health comfortable with moderate walking on uneven terrain
Overview
Explore the Otago Peninsula on a 7-hour wildlife tour featuring endangered Yellow Eyed Penguins and a chance to visit the unique Royal Albatross Colony. Experience New Zealand’s rarest birds in their natural habitat.
ICONIC WILDLIFE TOUR with Yellow Eyed Penguins
Albatross Tour or Wildlife Cruise Add-on Options available!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a breathtaking 7-hour journey through Dunedin and the stunning Otago Peninsula. Experience the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguins in their natural habitat, explore scenic landscapes, and enjoy optional guided tours of the Royal Albatross Colony. This unique adventure combines wildlife encounters with picturesque views, making it truly unforgettable.
Iconic Cruise Tour - Otago Peninsula + Yellow Eyed Penguin Tour
Rates
Adult (Ages 18+): $ 245 Child (Ages 17 & Under): $ 145
*price includes Yellow Eyed Penguin Tour
Add-On Options
OPTION 1: + Albatross Tour: $60 per adult, $30 per child Full-day tour as above including Yellow Eyed Penguin tour with additional 1 hour guided tour at the Royal Albatross Colony.
OPTION 2: + Wildlife Cruise: $80 per adult, $40 per child Full day tour as above with Yellow Eyed Penguin tour with additional 1 hour Pelagic Wildlife Cruise
Duration
7 hours
Highlights
Start from Toitu Museum 9:30am. Visit some Dunedin City highlights with stops for photos and brief walk-about. Take on Baldwin Street if you love a challenge! We then travel from Dunedin City out onto the picturesque Otago Peninsula. For lunch we have a couple of options, either we stop at a local bakery where you can purchase a picnic lunch, or we book a table at the Royal Albatross Centre cafe. Experience the pristine views of the Otago Peninsula. Awesome photo opportunities as we tour along this interesting and beautiful landscape. We arrive at Penguin Place, now known as The OPERA, a conservation reserve for the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguins and other penguin species.
The guided tour involves an introductory presentation on the life and ecology of the Yellow Eyed Penguin. You are then transported on a short bus ride over the hill to the secluded Pipikaretu Beach for a walking tour of the Penguin's habitat. There are a number of gentle steps leading into the reserve. Walking tracks are over gently rolling terrain through an innovative series of camouflaged tunnels and hides. The tour also passes a colony of New Zealand Fur Seals providing good viewing of seals on nearby rocks.
After the Penguin Place tour we head to the very end of the Otago Peninsula for a chance to see Royal Albatross in flight. We can also include a visit to the Albatross Centre (info gallery, cafe and gift shop) which is free entry. If you would like to do the guided Albatross Nesting Area Tour here, please make sure to select the Albatross Tour Add-on feature when making your booking. We then depart for Dunedin City, often taking an alternative route back along the Otago Peninsula. *Add on options are Albatross Colony Tour and/or Pelagic Harbor Cruise.
What to know
- Chilled spring water is available for those with their own re-usable water bottles. We are no longer providing plastic single-use bottles.
- Meals & other refreshments: own cost.
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- PLEASE NOTE; this tour involves short walks with steps, not suitable for those with limited mobility*
Adventure Tips
Respect Wildlife Viewing Guidelines
Maintain a quiet presence and keep a safe distance to avoid disturbing Yellow Eyed Penguins and other wildlife.
Wear Layers for Coastal Weather
The Otago Peninsula’s weather can shift quickly; dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
Bring Binoculars and Cameras
Opt for zoom lenses or binoculars to capture detailed wildlife photos without approaching too closely.
Use Waterproof Footwear
Expect uneven, sometimes damp terrain near penguin habitats—sturdy, waterproof shoes improve safety and comfort.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- New Zealand Fur Seal
- Royal Albatross
History
Otago Peninsula hosts New Zealand’s only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony, established to protect this species from predators.
Conservation
The tour operates with strict guidelines to minimize human impact on endangered wildlife and support ongoing habitat preservation efforts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Dunedin
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Protect your feet and provide traction on rocky, wet coastal paths.
Windproof Jacket
Blocks chill ocean breezes common on the peninsula.
Binoculars
Enhance wildlife viewing without disturbing animals.
Camera with Zoom Lens
Capture close-up shots of penguins and albatrosses from a distance.