PENINSULA
ENCOUNTERS

+ WILDLIFE CRUISE

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PRICES NZD:

Adult: $230
Child (5-14yrs): $165

SUMMER TIMES:

1 Oct - 31 Mar
2:00pm to 8:30pm

WINTER TIMES:

1 Apr - 30 Sep
11:00am to 6:00pm

TOUR DEPARTS:

20 Fryatt Street,
Dunedin

UNRIVALLED VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES ON LAND AND SEA - Our top wildlife experience!

Bus out from Dunedin, over the Otago Peninsula. Enjoy postcard views of the harbour and coast as you travel past quaint communities and rural farms. Spot wading birds as your mini-bus explores around the inlets and the wetland eco-systems.

Your first main stop will be at a remote and beautiful beach. A short walk from the mini-bus will provide dramatic views of rugged coastal cliffs, offshore islands and hopefully some huge resident sea lions - the large males weigh almost half a tonne.

The tour continues by bus to Wellers Rock Wharf, for a Monarch Wildlife Cruise. You’ll travel out of the harbour, around Taiaroa Head, and out to sea. Watch as royal albatross glide across the water on their three metre wingspans and return to their hillside breeding colony. Beneath a historic lighthouse is a colony of playful fur seals. You’ll spot other rare sea birds and sometimes see little blue penguins or other marine mammals.

The final stop is at The OPERA - a wildlife conservation reserve focused on saving the world’s rarest penguin, the Yellow-eyed. Your guide will take you for a brief behind-the-scenes look at the on-site rehab centre before heading into the reserve. You’ll take trails through native bushland, walking to different viewing hides scattered around the reserve. We hope to see penguins within the reserve, or watch as they return ashore after their day spent fishing at sea. 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 Otago Harbour, back to Dunedin.

Yellow-eyed Penguin | Hoiho
The world’s rarest and most endangered penguin.
Living on the South-east coastline of New Zealand.

Northern Royal Albatross | Toroa
You’ll see the only mainland breeding colony
in the world from the water on this tour.

Where do we check-in for our tour?
We ask that our guests check-in at 20 Fryatt Street, Dunedin 15-minutes before the scheduled start time of your tour. Free carparks are available around this location.
Do you offer hotel pickups?
Accommodation pickups can be requested from central Dunedin hotels, motels, backpackers, holiday parks and the iSite Visitor Centre. We can also collect people from Larnach Castle or Portobello Store on the Otago Peninsula. Sorry, no Airbnbs or private residences.
Will I get sea sick on the boat?
The area we cruise around is fairly sheltered from swell, however some wind and tide combinations can cause a little rock and roll. Sea sickness medication can be purchased pre-trip from local pharmacies if you’re concerned.
Is this tour suitable for children and infants?
The tour is long and not suitable for some children (generally infants). It visits sensitive conservation areas where noise levels need to be restricted. Ultimately, we allow parents to decide if their child is up for it.
Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility or wheelchair users. It feature a decent amount of walking on sandy beaches and uneven bush tracks. Stairs are often encountered in the penguin reserve.
Is wildlife viewing guaranteed?
Unfortunately not, wildlife viewing is never guaranteed. We will always do our best to ensure the best possible viewing chances. Yellow-eyed Penguins are the rarest of all the world’s penguin species. Unfortunately, numbers are continuing to decline and viewing does vary throughout the year and day-to-day. Your tour patronage supports the ongoing conservation work to help save these special birds.
What should I wear?
We suggest wearing sturdy and comfortable footwear. 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.
Is food provided?
No, food is not provided during this tour, you are welcome to bring your own food & drink with you on tour. We recommend having a good-sized meal before checking-in and starting the tour.