• Dunedin - For those joining from Dunedin, the tour passes by some of the city’s most iconic buildings before heading to the Otago Peninsula. This 30-minute segment includes pick-up times. This part of the journey is not available for those joining from the Larnach Castle pick-up, as the Castle is located on the Otago Peninsula.
• Otago Peninsula - Enjoy an in-depth tour of the geology, human history, botany, and zoology of the Otago Peninsula. This tour, crafted by Lyndon Perriman, a former wildlife ranger with 30 years of experience on the Otago Peninsula, is perfect for those eager to learn about the environment. Known as New Zealand’s wildlife capital, the Otago Peninsula offers abundant wildlife and ever-changing scenery. Departing from Dunedin, guests are whisked away in our vehicles to explore the stunning wild side of the Otago Peninsula, featuring breathtaking coastal views, remarkable wildlife, and thriving marine environments. The tour also delves into stories of significant sites used by Māori long before European arrival. During this journey, guests will encounter various wading bird species and coastal seabirds.
• Taiaroa Head - Located at the very end of the Otago Peninsula, Pukekura (Taiaroa Head) is a site of immense significance to Māori and an important wildlife reserve. Guides lead visitors to cliff viewing spots to observe abundant wildlife. Home to 10,000 seabirds during the summer, Pukekura hosts giant albatrosses, often seen flying overhead as they return to nearby nesting sites (not visible). Gulls, terns, shags, other seabirds, seals, and sea lions are frequent visitors to these shores.
• Taiaroa Head - Here, guests join others for the Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience, offering close-up views of the world’s smallest penguin as they emerge from the sea at dusk to feed their chicks or rest. Often described by guests as their best wildlife experience in New Zealand, this tour provides the privilege of being amidst the largest penguin colony on the Otago Peninsula as penguins engage in their nightly activities.

Ranked among TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Best Experiences in New Zealand 2022.

PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED (no flash)

Most tours are led by conservation experts and biologists. At our reserve, guests enjoy extremely close views of blue penguins (often just 1-2 meters away), with fur seals regularly seen (10-30 meters away) and occasional sightings of sea lions on the sandy beach (10-50 meters away).

• Otago Peninsula - The return trip to Dunedin City is either via Portobello Road or Castlewood Road if drop-offs are required at Larnach Castle.

• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Other

For those eager to explore and appreciate the distinct ecosystems, wildlife, culture, geology, and botany of the Otago Peninsula, this tour is a perfect choice.

Participants will encounter a variety of wildlife species throughout the journey (Note: subject to seasonal changes). At Pukekura, there is a great opportunity to observe seals up close and albatross soaring above. Later, the tour includes the Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience, where visitors can witness the world’s smallest penguin emerging from the sea and walking just meters away. Note: This experience accommodates up to 75 participants.

PHOTOGRAPHY IS PERMITTED (no flash allowed)

Viator refunds of 30% are available if fewer than 5 penguins are seen! (This is lower than booking directly through our website, where a 50% refund is offered.)

If this site shows no availability, please check our website for more options.

As a Charitable Trust, our mission is to maintain our reserve and safeguard the Otago Peninsula’s largest penguin colony.

Ranked among TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Best Experiences in New Zealand 2023.

• We have a minimum age requirement of 18 to participate on this tour
• Visitors need to be able to walk 300m unaided and manage stairs (about 60 stairs inbuilt along our walkway leading to our viewing platform). Tour and vehicles are not suitable for very young children.
• Bring warm clothes we are outside for much of the tour, it can get very cold after dark.
• Note we can’t have umbrellas on the penguin viewing platform as eye risk to others
• MINIMUM AGE OF 18 TO PARTICIPATE this is not a tour for children

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.