Quite possibly the best overall nature and wildlife experience in New Zealand! Come find out!

Duration

Approx. 7 Hours

This tour might not be suitable for young children due to it’s long duration and because it visits sensitive conservation areas that require silence at times.

About

A small-group bus tour from Dunedin. Join our local guide for an exploration of the Otago Peninsula. Travel over the high road with postcard views of the harbour and coast. You’ll travel past quaint communities and rural farms. Spot wading birds as your mini-bus explores around the inlets and the wetland eco-systems.

Your tour will visit a remote Otago Peninsula beach. A short walk from the mini-bus will provide dramatic views of rugged coastal cliffs, offshore islands and perhaps some huge sea lions.

The trip continues to Wellers Rock Wharf, for a one-hour Wildlife Cruise. You’ll travel out of the harbour, around Taiaroa Head, and out to sea. Watch royal albatross glide across the water and return to their breeding colony. Beneath a historic lighthouse is a colony of playful furseals. You’ll spot other rare seabirds and maybe blue penguins or other marine mammals.

The final stop is at a Yellow-eyed Penguin conservation reserve. Visit the on-site rehab centre before entering the reserve. You’ll take trails through native bushland, walking through tunnels and trenches to different viewing hides scattered around the reserve. We hope to watch as the world’s rarest penguin returns ashore and interacts around it’s nest.

Throughout the tour your guide will also discuss the conservation work being done to help save this special penguin species. The tour ends with a relaxed drive, following the harbour, back to Dunedin.

Inclusions:

• Bus tour over the Otago Peninsula and around the Harbour
• Explore around Hoopers & Papanui Inlet ecosystems
• Visit a remote beach in search of sea lions
• Monarch Wildlife Cruise
• Walking tour through a yellow-eyed penguin conservation reserve.

Exclusions:

• Food is not provided.

We recommend that our guests bring pre-packed food & drink with them on tour. We also suggest having a good sized lunch before the tour departs Dunedin.

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.