Highlights:

  • Travel along the Otago Peninsula high road with picture-postcard views
  • Visit the Royal Albatross Centre
  • Visit a private conservation to view Yellow Eyed penguins

Bird lovers will be able to spot wading birds as our minibus takes us on a journey around the scenic inlets and wetland eco systems of the Otago Peninsula. Travelling along the picturesque high road, we will have wonderful views down to the harbour and along the coast along the way, passing through quaint communities and rural farms.

We’ll stop at a remote beach, where a short walk will reward with dramatic views of the rugged coastal cliffs and offshore islands, before we continue to Taiaroa Head, home to the Royal Albatross Centre. Here, there is a steep walkway which leads us to a private viewing observatory, for a special look at the northern Royal albatross breeding colony. Hopefully here will be an opportunity to see these majestic birds glide past and feed the chicks at their nesting sites.

Our final call will be at the Yellow-eyed Penguin conservation reserve. Visit the on-site rehab centre before entering the reserve, where there are trails through native bushland to different viewing hides scattered around the reserve. We hope to watch as the world’s rarest penguin returns ashore and interacts around it’s nest. Throughout the tour your guide will also discuss the conservation work being done to help save this special penguin species.

Finally, we take the leisurely drive back along the coast to Dunedin.

What's Included:

Please note: All Freedom Day descriptions represent a typical itinerary and may not operate exactly as described. Local operators may vary from time to time.


Otago Peninsula Encounters & Albatross Tour is featured in the following itineraries:
Magnificent New Zealand
The Very Best of New Zealand
New Zealand by Rail, Road and Sea
Spectacular New Zealand