Wildlife Twilight Tours with The OPERA on Otago Peninsula
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable walking 2km over uneven ground and climbing steps.
Overview
Join The OPERA’s Twilight tour on New Zealand’s Otago Peninsula for a close-up look at endangered yellow-eyed penguins at sunset. This 90-minute guided walk blends wildlife viewing with conservation storytelling in a unique coastal reserve.
Twilight at The OPERA
For all ages! • 1 hour 30 mins • Native wildlife with the changing light at sunset.
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About This Adventure
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Otago Peninsula at sunset with the Twilight at The OPERA tour. This 90-minute adventure combines education and wildlife viewing, offering a chance to see endangered yellow-eyed penguins and other marine species up close, all while exploring a stunning eco-reserve in their natural habitat.
Come and join us as the sun sets on the Otago Peninsula.
Duration
1.5 hours
About
Our Twilight at The OPERA tour provides a unique opportunity to experience our nature reserve at sunset. Like our penguin tours during the day, this tour offers the most exclusive opportunity in New Zealand to view the endangered, hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins), in their natural habitat.
This 90-minute guided tour consists of three parts. Our guests begin their experience in a theatre setting, where they learn about the hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) and our conservation efforts to protect them.
Guests then move into our rehabilitation centre where hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins) and other penguin species can be seen up close (when birds are in our care). Finally, guests take a short bus trip into our reserve where they are guided on an approximately 2km (1.25 mile) nature walk with the potential to see numerous plants and animals, including yellow-eyed penguins and little penguins, fur seals, sea lions, and several species of shore and land birds, all of which reside in the reserve.
Things to Know
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It is important that guests feel physically capable of a 2km (1.25 mile) walk over uneven terrain and more than 100 steps, which may be experienced within our reserve. If individuals are claustrophobic, please note that portions of the tour may pass through a trench system (which is narrow at times) and opens into dug out viewing hides which allow for observing wildlife at eye level. Your guide will determine the best area to visit during the tour to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Please note that penguins are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed on tour.
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Please check in 15 minutes prior to the tour departure time to confirm your arrival.
What to bring
- Dress warm for the days forecast and bring a waterproof layer. The weather can be unpredictable at times and we highly recommend being ready for all conditions.
- Extra jackets are available if needed. We suggest wearing sturdy and comfortable footwear.
- Also, be sure to bring your camera and/or binoculars to capture the incredible beauty of New Zealand native flora, fauna, and vistas within our reserve.
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy footwear
The 2km walk covers uneven terrain and over 100 steps; good shoes are essential.
Bring warm, weatherproof layers
Coastal weather can change quickly at sunset; dress to stay comfortable and dry.
Carry binoculars and camera
Penguins and marine life often appear at a distance; optics improve viewing and photos.
Be prepared for narrow viewing hides
Portions of the tour navigate trench viewing hides that may be tight or claustrophobic.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins)
- New Zealand fur seals
History
The Otago Peninsula has long been a sanctuary for endangered wildlife, with The OPERA contributing significantly to hoiho conservation since its establishment.
Conservation
The OPERA’s work focuses on protecting native fauna through habitat restoration and rehabilitation, emphasizing low-impact tourism that supports long-term species survival.
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Adventure Hotspots in Dunedin
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Ensures safe footing on variable terrain during the 2km nature walk.
Waterproof jacket
Coastal weather can shift rapidly; a rain layer keeps you dry and warm.
all specific
Warm layers
Evening temperatures drop quickly at sunset; dress in layers to stay comfortable.
fall|winter|spring specific
Binoculars
Helpful for spotting shy wildlife from hides and along the shoreline.