Witness the rare Yellow-eyed Penguins as they head to sea at dawn with Catlins Tours’ Sunrise Tour in Otago. Experience intimate wildlife viewing at a private coastal location with expert guides.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves a moderate walk on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
The Catlins region has a rich Maori heritage and was historically frequented by coastal communities drawn to its abundant sea life.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to protect the delicate nesting habitats of the Yellow-eyed Penguin, one of the world’s rarest penguin species.
Catlins Tours
Witness the rare Yellow-eyed Penguins as they head to sea at dawn with Catlins Tours’ Sunrise Tour in Otago. Experience intimate wildlife viewing at a private coastal location with expert guides.
Catlins Tours is a tour operator based in Owaka, Otago, offering guided experiences across the Catlins coastline and hinterland. The operator runs a selection of curated day trips that highlight the region’s coastal scenery, native wildlife and waterfall walks. Catlins Tours lists three core experiences: the Beach, Bush & Waterfall Tour, the Catlin's Coastal ATV Experience, and a Sunrise Tour focused on early-morning wildlife viewing.
Each itinerary emphasizes close encounters with local wildlife and iconic Catlins locations. The Beach, Bush & Waterfall Tour is a six-hour outing that includes views from Nugget Point Lighthouse, sea lion sightings and walks to scenic waterfalls, with opportunities to tailor the route to guest interests. The Catlin's Coastal ATV Experience is a three-hour guided ATV ride across farmland and coastal terrain, with chances to see grazing sheep and cattle and to learn about local farming landscapes. The Sunrise Tour offers access to a private viewing location at dawn to observe Yellow-eyed Penguins heading to sea and to watch seabirds in their natural habitat.
Tours operate from Owaka and focus on small-group, guided exploration of the Catlins. Descriptions emphasize wildlife, coastal viewpoints and photographic stops. Catlins Tours promotes direct wildlife viewing, coastal landscapes and waterfall walks as core elements of its offerings.
Base Location
Owaka, Otago
Central hub for Catlins tours
Typical Durations
3h & 6h
Guided tours range 3 to 6 hours
Tours Offered
3 Experiences
Beach, ATV and Sunrise tours
Wildlife Viewing
Yellow-eyed Penguins & Sea Lions
Wildlife encounters featured on tours
Reserve a Beach, ATV or Sunrise tour today to secure wildlife viewing and coastal photo opportunities.
Bring warm, layered clothing
Early mornings are crisp and can be damp; layers help you stay comfortable while waiting for wildlife.
Wear sturdy walking shoes
The 20-minute walk to the viewing hide is on natural terrain, so good shoes are important for stability.
Keep noise to a minimum
Silence is key to avoid disturbing penguins and seabirds during their crucial morning routine.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp
Tours start before sunrise, so having a light helps navigate paths safely in the dark.
Waterproof jacket
Protects from morning dew and unexpected rain showers common in Otago.
fall
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
Provides traction on slippery or uneven paths leading to the viewing hide.
Headlamp or flashlight
Helps navigate safely during pre-dawn meeting times.
Insect repellent
Helpful for keeping bugs at bay during warmer months.
summer