Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour
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From $142.05
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Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Safety measures
7 hours (Approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Overview
Peer at rare yellow-eyed penguins and visit nesting grounds of the northern royal albatross during a full-day tour of the Otago Peninsula and Dunedin. Spend your morning sightseeing in Dunedin’s city center, including highlights of the Octagon, followed by a visit to the gardens of Larnach Castle, with the option to go inside and buy lunch. In the afternoon, immerse in the natural beauty of the Otago Peninsula and the scenic coast along Taiaroa Head. Numbers are limited to 19 people to allow for personalized attention from your informative guide.
- Full-day tour of Dunedin city center and Otago Peninsula wildlife viewing, from Dunedin
- See Dunedin highlights like Baldwin Street, Otago University, Dunedin Railway Station, the Octagon and Signal Hill lookout
- Visit a yellow-eyed penguin reserve and get up close to this rare penguin species
- Walk around Taiaroa Head to view the northern royal albatross
- Pickup and drop-off available from Dunedin hotels or Port Chalmers cruise port
- Small-group tour with a maximum of 19 people allows customized attention from your guide
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See the highlights of Dunedin, Larnach Castle and the penguins of the Otago Peninsula — all in one day. After morning pickup from your Dunedin hotel or the Port Chalmers cruise port, your guide transports you by minivan throughout the city.
Get a look at steep Baldwin Street, the University of Otago and Dunedin Railway Station, renowned for its ornate Renaissance Revival design. You’ll pass Dunedin Town Hall and St Paul's Anglican Cathedral in the Octagon — the lively city center — and step out at the Signal Hill lookout for a wider view.
Next, explore the extensive Larnach Gardens with your guide before free time to meander at your own pace. Opt to tour the mansion for a historical overview, including rumors of its haunting (choose the Castle option when booking). You can purchase lunch at the ballroom cafe adjacent to Larnach Castle before continuing on.
Upon arrival at a nearby nature reserve on the Otago Peninsula, you’re greeted by a naturalist guide for a tour to observe New Zealand’s yellow-eyed penguins. A moderate walk plus a descent of 90 steps takes you through hides for close-up viewing of the nesting site without disturbing the world’s rarest penguins.
Then rejoin your minivan for the drive to Taiaroa Head to visit nesting grounds for the northern royal albatross. Search for seabirds with the widest wingspans gliding over the headlands. Then marvel at the coastline on the return to Dunedin where your day trip ends.
Get a look at steep Baldwin Street, the University of Otago and Dunedin Railway Station, renowned for its ornate Renaissance Revival design. You’ll pass Dunedin Town Hall and St Paul's Anglican Cathedral in the Octagon — the lively city center — and step out at the Signal Hill lookout for a wider view.
Next, explore the extensive Larnach Gardens with your guide before free time to meander at your own pace. Opt to tour the mansion for a historical overview, including rumors of its haunting (choose the Castle option when booking). You can purchase lunch at the ballroom cafe adjacent to Larnach Castle before continuing on.
Upon arrival at a nearby nature reserve on the Otago Peninsula, you’re greeted by a naturalist guide for a tour to observe New Zealand’s yellow-eyed penguins. A moderate walk plus a descent of 90 steps takes you through hides for close-up viewing of the nesting site without disturbing the world’s rarest penguins.
Then rejoin your minivan for the drive to Taiaroa Head to visit nesting grounds for the northern royal albatross. Search for seabirds with the widest wingspans gliding over the headlands. Then marvel at the coastline on the return to Dunedin where your day trip ends.
Itinerary
We go to the castle primarily for the gardens however you will be given the option during the booking process to go inside. The gardens are of international significance and have some of the finest views of the harbour. Lunch (not included) can be ordered in the 'Ballroom Cafe'
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Your nature guide will take you into a unique reserve to look for the third largest and rarest penguin in the world - the Yellow-Eyed Penguin, listed as 'critically endangered'. You are alos likely to come across NZ fur seals and Little Blue Penguins
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Traveler Photos
Traveler Tips
- "Though Dunedin is out of the normal driving path for tourists, do not miss this tour." See review
- "Back to Nature Tours provides a complete tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula (showing more in one day than any other company we found) at an extremely reasonable price." See review
- "After that a drive to try and see the albatross but unfortunately none where around for the 15 minute stop-but that is nature." See review
Reviews
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Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour
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Free Cancellation
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