Otago Peninsula Scenery & Little Blue Penguins Evening Tour

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4 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Experience the enchanting Otago Peninsula on this 4.5-hour evening tour, where the highlight is witnessing the return of the Little Blue Penguins after a day at sea. Departing from the Octagon, you'll travel along the picturesque Highcliff Road and Hooper's Inlet, with opportunities to spot local wading birds and albatrosses. Enjoy some leisure time before the penguin viewing, perhaps grabbing a hot drink or browsing the souvenir shop. As the sun sets, prepare for a unique wildlife experience as the smallest penguins make their way back to shore.

What's Included

1.5-hour guided evening viewing of the Little Blue Penguin return at sunset
Air-conditioned vehicle
Please note there is no food included, you have to have dinner before the departure or bring some snacks

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Outside Dunedin Visitor Centre at the Octagon

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Otago Peninsula

    Begin your tour at the Octagon and enjoy a scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula via Highcliff Road, where breathtaking views open out over the ocean and harbour. Continue along a picturesque off-road route around Hooper’s Inlet, where you may encounter a variety of wading birds. Depending on the season and tide, these can include black swans, paradise shelducks, royal spoonbills, pied stilts, oyster catchers, white-faced herons, plovers, and more. This section of the journey offers a wonderful combination of dramatic coastal scenery and rich birdlife in their natural habitat.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Taiaroa Head

    You will arrive at Taiaroa Head approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled tour time, giving you an opportunity to explore the area and take in the spectacular coastal scenery. If the wind conditions are favourable, you may even see albatross gliding effortlessly overhead. Taiaroa Head is home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony of these magnificent seabirds. While the guided albatross tour is not included, sightings are very common, as this is their nesting area and they are often seen soaring above the headland.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    oin a 1.5-hour immersive experience to learn all about the world’s smallest penguins — the little blue penguins. The experience begins with a 30-minute informative talk, where you’ll discover fascinating insights into their behaviour, habitat, and daily life. Afterwards, you’ll walk down to Pilot’s Beach to await their return. At sunset, these adorable creatures come ashore after a day of fishing and waddle up to their nesting areas. You’ll be able to observe the penguins from very close range, making this a truly special and memorable encounter. Penguin viewing is guaranteed. Photography is permitted, however flash is strictly not allowed to protect the birds.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Otago Peninsula

    After this memorable experience, you will be driven back to the city via Portobello Road, enjoying more beautiful harbour views along the way. Your driver-guide will drop you off at your centrally located accommodation.

    50 minutes • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Fantail Tours Limited

Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Involves Animals

Cancellation Policy

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

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