This small group full day nature tour takes you on a journey you will always remember. The Otago Peninsula is a scenic treat and home to some of the rarest wildlife in NZ. Get up close to the endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin, fur seals, Royal Albatross and other common visitors. We take you to the places the big buses can't. Learn about the forest plants of NZ as we stroll around the 'temperate rainforest' garden at Larnach Castle. We also show you the City of Dunedin, giving you a taste of the wonderful Edwardian and Victorian buildings such as The Dunedin Railway Station, Otago University and Baldwin Street.

Adult $231.00*           Child $145.00

Itinerary

The tour begins when we meet you close to the Cruise ship, our tour vehicles are just a few minutes walk from the gangway.  At the end of the tour you will be dropped back at the ship 45 to 60 minutes prior to the ship sailing.

We start the tour with a visit to Baldwin Street - the steepest street in the world, where you have the opportunity to walk up it if you are feeling energetic. Then to Otago University - an architectural masterpiece, next to Dunedin Railway Station - this is one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand, both the interior and exterior will amaze you.

Following the city sights we then travel to the Otago Peninsula as we embark on a journey that will bring you closer to nature than you could ever imagine.

First stop is at Larnach Castle to see the wonderful gardens, views and birdlife. Your guide will introduce many of the native plants to you as you tour the extensive grounds. Then we go inside the Castle to view the formal rooms of this, the only Castle in New Zealand. Lunch is then taken at The Country Hotel.

After lunch we will explore the most scenic areas of the Peninsula including the tidal inlets where many species of waders and waterfowl can be seen amongst an inspiring backdrop. We travel along the narrow gravel roads and give you the chance to take magical photographs. Some of the birds travel thousands of kilometers to enjoy the abundant food present in these inlets.

The highlight for many is a visit to the Yellow-Eyed Penguin reserve where you will get up close to the Yellow-Eyed Penguin, the tour lasting for 1.5 hours. Then to the only mainland breeding colony of the Royal Albatross at the tip of the peninsula where we hope to see these wonderful birds fly. We join the Albatross Center's guided tour [from mid November onwards]. This 1 hour tour takes you to the Richdale Observatory to enjoy viewing of the restricted nesting area.  

We then return you to the cruise ship.

Please note, for tours before the 24th November each season there is a reduction of $40.00pp as we are unable to go on the Royal Albatross Colony guided tour due to nesting restrictions.

Duration 8.5 hours
Starts 0830hrs
Ends 1700s


You will see
Otago University
Baldwin Street
Dunedin City
Dunedin Railway Station
Yellow-eyed Penguins
Fur Seals
Waders and Wildfowl
Otago Peninsular
Royal Albatross Colony
Larnach Castle and gardens

What's Included
Comfortable Transport
Experienced Guide
Entry to the Yellow-eyed penguins
Entry to Larnach Castle
Use of Binoculars
Use of Wildlife books


General Info
This tour is a small group tour using quality minibuses. limited walking required on, gentle inclines and some steps. Warm clothing is recommended as the weather in this region can be variable

Meals
Light refreshments are included in this tour.  Lunch is included

Conditions
This tour requires a minimum of 2 persons to operate. The group size will not exceed 10 persons

For larger groups please contact us for details

Please see our Shore Trips Booking Terms & Conditions