See Yellow‑Eyed Penguins and Help Restore Native Forest at Harington Point

The OPERA — Otago Peninsula wildlife tours and conservation

Discover Harington Point wildlife and conservation with The OPERA, an ecotourism operator offering guided experiences on a private eco-reserve at Harington Point, Otago Peninsula. These tours prioritize native forest restoration, penguin protection, and immersive interpretation for visitors who want meaningful wildlife encounters.

Key tours and experiences

• Native Forest Tour — 45-minute guided walk during Wild Dunedin Festival of Nature through restored native bush and wetlands.
• Your Tree Here — donation program supporting planting over 100 hectares of native trees with five-year care and geolocation details for donors.
• Twilight at The OPERA — 90-minute sunset tour combining education and wildlife viewing with opportunities to observe endangered yellow-eyed penguins.
• Canopy to Coast Tour — guided walk through restored forest to coastal shoreline, highlighting habitat restoration and wildlife.
• Wildlife & Penguin Tour — 1.5-hour guided nature walk in a private eco-reserve focused on penguin conservation and broader marine life.
• Private Tour — tailored interpretive visit with a dedicated guide, rehabilitation centre visit, and scenic nature walk.

Conservation and habitat restoration

The OPERA connects visitor experiences with active restoration. The Your Tree Here program supports planting across more than 100 hectares of Otago Peninsula landscape, with five-year maintenance pledged for planted trees and geolocation information provided to donors. Tours emphasize habitat restoration techniques, native-species recovery, and long-term ecosystem resilience on the Otago coastline.

Wildlife focus — Hoiho and coastal species

The OPERA offers guided opportunities to observe the endangered hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) along with seals, seabirds, and other native fauna in natural habitats. Interpretive guides present facts about penguin biology, habitat needs, and conservation actions that visitors can contribute to through donations and participation in restoration activities.

Why choose a tour at Harington Point?

• Private eco-reserve access for focused wildlife viewing.
• Guided interpretation that links biology, restoration, and visitor impact.
• Range of options from short festival walks to twilight and private tours.
• Direct conservation support through the tree-planting program and donations.

Planning and practical information

Tours vary in length (45 minutes, 90 minutes, and 1.5 hours) and are suitable for visitors prepared for short to moderate walking on uneven terrain. The OPERA’s experiences are located at Harington Point on the Otago Peninsula, a region known for coastal wildlife and native forest restoration work.

Bookings and how to support

Visitors can review tour descriptions, schedules, and booking details where The OPERA is listed on The Adventure Collective. Donors interested in the Your Tree Here program receive geolocation details and a five-year stewardship commitment for planted natives. Participating in a tour provides a direct way to learn about and support conservation efforts by experienced guides in a protected reserve setting.

Keywords: Harington Point tours, Otago Peninsula wildlife tours, yellow-eyed penguin viewing, hoiho conservation, native forest restoration, guided eco-reserve walks, Twilight at The OPERA, Your Tree Here tree planting.