Peninsula Wildlife Tour

This is a comprehensive, informative and fun approx. 6hr tour of the very best of the local wildlife on the Otago Peninsula. We can't guarantee you'll see everything but opportunities on tour include: NZ Fur Seals, Hooker Sea Lions, resident and migratory shorebirds and wading birds, Northern Royal Albatross, Yellow-eyed Penguins, Blue Penguins and more!

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"Incredible visit, amazing guide!" Claudia on TripAdvisor

Description:

Departing from the city we promptly head for the beautiful Otago Peninsula. Taking in views along the high road, learn about Dunedin's pioneers and early european settlers who arrived in the 1840's.

Winding our way down to the bays and inlets of the Otago Peninsula we will be keeping a close eye out for any wildlife spotted along the way. We have many resident and migratory shorebirds in the area and hope to encounter a number of these on the way.

Each month is different at The OPERA Penguin reserve so please use the chart to get an idea of what might be happening at the time of your visit and read below for the latest update:

October 2026 – update: We are currently experiencing record low numbers of Yellow-eyed Penguins - a 76% decrease in the total population over the last two and a bit decades has been devastating. Viewing will be variable and we never expect to see quantity but rather we focus on best the viewing available at the time you visit. 

We are coming into the breeding and chick raising season. Given the predicament of the Yellow-eyed Penguins this is going to be a tough viewing season (read more here). At this stage we do not expect to see Yellow-eyed Penguins in the wild on daytime tours (e.g. this Peninsula Wildlife Tour itinerary). As the breeding season progresses we expect to have a significant number of Yellow-eyed Penguins and various other penguins in rehabilitation for a range of ailments and we are fortunate to be able to get up close views of these penguins at this facility on tour. Little blue penguins and NZ fur seals are still and are expected to be a major and regular attraction in the wild. 

The Yellow-eyed Penguin is at severe risk. This is a penguin whose prognosis is potential mainland extinction within the next 10-20 years! Your entrance fees to The OPERA (included in the tour price) go directly towards the conservation of these wonderful creatures...you can help save the Yellow-eyed Penguin from extinction by joining us on tour! If you would like any further updates on the expected viewing before booking please email us

*We cannot guarantee any or all of the wildlife will be seen on every tour - it is wild after all, and that's the way we want it to stay! But we are confident you will experience some special viewing moments whilst learning about and enjoying the best of what's on offer on the day of your tour*

Duration:

6 hours (approx.)

What is included:

• Transport (Hotel to Hotel, or iSite, Octagon, Dunedin)
• Mateo - your local guide offering expert commentary and keeping you comfortable all afternoon
• Entrance fee and guided tour at The Royal Albatross Centre OR The OPERA wildlife conservation reserve
• Bottled Water

What to bring:

• A warm, waterproof jacket
• A sunhat and sunscreen
• Your camera
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Money/Credit Card for gifts/souvenirs

Our promises to you:

• untamedNZ pride ourselves on small group touring - we guarantee you will have 12 or fewer people in your tour group.

Departure:

Departure times from Dunedin City (Hotel pickup) or Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal for this tour are 9.30am

Minimum Tour Numbers:

• This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants

Cancellations:

For this tour our standard cancellation policy appplies:

• Cancellations more than 1 week before departure - 90% refund
• Cancellations more than 48 hours before departure - 50% refund
• Cancellations less than 48 hours before departure - no refund
• If your cruise ship does not dock - full refund

Cancellations can be made by email to [email protected] with a subject line of 'CANCELLATION'. Please include your booking reference number in your email.