Dunedin Wildlife - discover the unique wildlife of the Dunedin area; penguins, the royal abatross, seals, and more
Penguins on the Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand
A seal on the Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand

Dunedin Wildlife

Otago Peninsula and Dunedin's southern coastal beaches are home to a variety of marine wildlife. As well as various seabirds and waders living along the coast, Taiaroa Head is home to a colony of Northern Royal Albatrosses, a sea bird with an impressive three metre (120 inch) wingspan.

The Peninsula is also home to colonies of Little Blue Penguins, the smallest penguins in the world, as well as being an important breeding habitat for the endangered Yellow Eye Penguin.

New Zealand Fur Seals regularly inhabit the beaches, and sea lions and sea elephants often come ashore, especially at night. Hooker’s Sea Lions, Leopard Seals and Southern Sea Elephants are known to frequent the beaches.

There are various walks, tours and cruises around the peninsula in which to experience this unique place, with proceeds often going towards the upkeep of the conservation reserves.


Featured Wildlife Activities

Awa Tour

Awa Tour

Maori - Dunedin - Starting from $180.00 per person

Traverse the beautiful Waikouaiti River on our waka ama (outrigger) or waka unua (double hull) with our experienced and knowledgeable guides. Learn about our local ecological restoration projects and give back to the whenua (land) by choosing and planting a native tree.
Tour numbers are limited so that we can personalize your tour.

The tour length is four hours and includes a light lunch and tea & coffee at our sunny premises. More...

Otago Peninsula Scenic, City Highlights and Wildlife Tour

Otago Peninsula Scenic, City Highlights and Wildlife Tour

Ports of Call Tour - Dunedin - Starting from $200.00 per person

Experience the beauty of Dunedin in a small group, designed to have the most personalized attention. Join a fantastic 5 hour tour of Dunedin city highlights, spectacular scenery and unique wildlife. You will experience gorgeous and memorable scenery of Otago Peninsula with amazing beaches, bays. Your knowledgeable guide will show you the most breathtaking views and take you closer to nature and surrounding wildlife.
The tour will be enriched by one hour wildlife boat cruise at Taiaroa Head.... More...

7-Day South Island Photography Tour from Queenstown to Christchurch

7-Day South Island Photography Tour from Queenstown to Christchurch

Photography Tour - Queenstown - Starting from $4495.00 per person

Join Richard Young and Dave Buckton on a 7-day tour showcasing some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife and most distinctive coastal landscapes. New Zealand’s underrated East Coast is full of surprises that include fossilised forests, curious boulders, outstanding coastal scenery and a huge diversity of rare wildlife: penguins, sea lions, fur seals and albatross. 

Starting in Queenstown, the tour the travels through the Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park, with opportunities to... More...


Catlins Coastal Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

Catlins Coastal Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

Helicopter Tour - Queenstown - Starting from $12185.00 per person

The Catlins Coastal Helicopter tour takes you for a 6-hour unique wildlife experience on the remote Southern coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
Your private helicopter charter for up to 6 guests will have you flying south over beautiful Lake Wakatipu past the Hector Mountains and over the Southland plains, where you will see lots of sheep and cattle dotting the fertile farmland below before you meet the Southern Coast of New Zealand and the Catlins Conservation area.
Not only do you... More...

Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit

Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit

Ports of Call Tour - Dunedin - Starting from $199.00 per person

While you’re in port in Dunedin, explore the history and landscapes of the Otago Peninsula on this 7.5-hour tour. Travel through Dunedin as a guide points out local landmarks including Baldwin Street and the historic railway station. Stroll among the flowerbeds of the pretty Larnach Castle gardens, and upgrade to include entry to Larnach Castle — where New Zealand’s Victorian history comes to life. Then, head along the Otago Peninsula — home to native albatross, fur seals, penguins, and sea... More...


Hadley CloseHadley Close - Apartment.

Set 5 km from Forsyth Barr Stadium and 5 km from Toitu Otago Settlers Museum in Dunedin, Hadley Close offers...

Private Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and SceneryPrivate Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and Scenery - Private Tour - Dunedin. Starting from $750.00 per person.

Enjoy Dunedin on a private tour, tailored just for your group of up to 6 passengers. A knowledgeable driver - guide...

 

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