Otago, New Zealand
The Otago Peninsula is a 20-kilometre-long volcanic headland. It is known for its rare yellow-eyed penguins, royal albatross breeding colony, and historic Larnach Castle.
4.8 from 53 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare wildlife cruises, small-group land tours, and entry tickets.
Top ratedWith this tour, you will enjoy a small-group experience with personalised attention while discovering the beauty of Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You’ll also...
Most bookedHop aboard our sturdy vessel for a one-hour Wildlife Cruise, departing from Wellers Rock Wharf on the Otago Peninsula. You'll cruise out of the Otago Harbour, beyond...
Best valueSee up to 200 blue penguins returning from sea in the evening! (Generally more penguins are seen over the spring/summer than our autumn or winter months, but we...
Explore
Discover the main areas and wildlife reserves.
3 spotsWildlife & AlbatrossesThe rugged tip of the peninsula known for rare seabirds.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsHarbourside & CentralThe sheltered inner side featuring historic sites and quiet villages.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsPacific Ocean CoastExplore the exposed, rugged outer edge with sweeping dunes and beaches.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
The only mainland place in the world to see breeding northern royal albatrosses.
Taiaroa Head sits at the very tip of the peninsula.
Plan your visit
Allow a half to a full day. Driving the loop takes around 45 minutes each way.
Summer months from December to February are best. This is when albatross chicks and penguin colonies are active.
Self-driving is popular. You can also take the Route 18 bus for $2 to $3 NZD.
The peninsula is free to explore. Attraction entry fees are $50 to $90 NZD.
Formed by an ancient volcano 10 to 13 million years ago, this 20-kilometre stretch of land borders the Otago Harbour. It is recognized as New Zealand's wildlife capital.
Visitors come to see the world's only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross. It is also home to the endangered yellow-eyed penguin and little blue penguins.
Read our Transport & Driving guide for transport details. Wildlife Viewing Rules explains the local care code.
We list starting prices from major booking platforms.
We highlight how long tours take so you can plan your day.
All transport and entry details are checked against local data.
From Viator
53 reviews of the guided tour & albatross on Viator
Easy to find pick up point. Well organised boarding. Great commentary with other staff pointing out wild life. Saw a great variety including albatross and seals. Very enjoyable
Amazing experience. Staff were friendly, the skipper was very knowledgeable and had an easy slow voice to listen to. We were lucky enough to see penguins, dolphins, seals, albatross and even a whale. Would highly recommend .
We feel so privileged to have seen this number of penguins return to land. It was so interesting to learn about them and the area we were in. The guides were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic, which added to the experience for us. I hope we can return one day
A welcome arrival, informative talk on the penguins and how many we would hope to see. The night was a little chilly but down on the viewing platform the wind blew at us. No worries as what’s a bit of cold compared to seeing around 220 beautiful blue penguins come toddling out of the sea. Great experience,highly recommend. Just dress appropriately and you’ll love being so close to blue penguins .
It was a lot of activity for one day. Teresa showed us all the fun highlights - local grocery and steepest road and stopped at all the beautiful view points along the way. The albatross chicks were fuzzy- sitting on their nests waiting for the adult birds to bring them food.
A fabulous experience, definitely worth seeing these amazing birds. Would recommend to young and old
I got to go free, so I can’t say anything about the price, but I thought it was great! Saw fur seals, sea lions, yellow eyed penguins, stilts, bar tailed godwits, shearwaters and albatross! The tour guides were great, very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
This was an amazing tour with a very knowledgeable and experienced guide who pointed out numerous species of birds and animals. The highlight was spotting 4 yellow eyed penguins- there are only about 300 in the world. A truly memorable and special experience
Picked up on time right at the bottom of our ship. Our guide Ross was very knowledgeable , friendly and on time. Service was great and we all had a very enjoyable day.
Travel tips
Wildlife Tour PricesFind out what it costs to see penguins and albatrosses in Dunedin.Read 
Transport & DrivingHow to get to the Otago Peninsula by car, bus, or guided tour.Read 
Best visit timeFind the best seasons and times of day to see Otago Peninsula wildlife.Read 
Packing GuideEssential clothing and gear for the unpredictable Southern Ocean weather.Read Self-Drive vs ToursCompare Otago Peninsula road trips and guided wildlife eco-tours.Read Wildlife Viewing RulesLearn the strict rules for photographing and viewing native wildlife.Read Entry fees for guided tours at the Royal Albatross Centre cost approximately $50 to $90 NZD. The peninsula itself is free.
Summer is the best time. From December to February, albatross chicks and penguin colonies are most active.
It is difficult. Most reliable penguin viewing happens on private conservation land, which requires paid tours.
Start at Larnach Castle. Drive the harbourside road to Portobello, then end your day watching wildlife at Taiaroa Head.
The local names for the peninsula are Muaūpoko and Ōtākou.
You can take Dunedin's Orbus Route 18. Alternatively, you can book an organized eco-tourism mini-bus tour from the city.
Secure your tickets in advance, especially for evening penguin viewings.
