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

Peninsula Cruise/Bus from Dunedin - half day Half-day Tour - Dunedin - Starting from NZ $89.00 per person Cruise the length of the beautiful Otago Harbour before embarking on an exploration of Taiaroa Head's spectacular wildlife and a scenic Otago Peninsula bus tour. An unforgettable experience awaits; get up close to the wealth of wildlife and be fascinated and exhilarated by the dramatic views of Otago Peninsula and the South Pacific Ocean. Experience unrivalled viewing of the exciting and diverse wildlife that makes its home on Otago Peninsula's spectacular Taiaroa Head. Visit the world's... More...

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...

Southern Scenic Private Full Day Tour - 12 hours Day Tour - Queenstown - Starting from $1950.00 per person A 12 hour day opens up a whole list of options for you. We can reach far and wide in the comfort of your personal private vehicle. This is a fantastic choice for travellers who fly in and out of Queenstown but would like to experience more of New Zealand beyond the main cities and towns. Be picked up from your accommodation by your experienced local driver-guide in a late model private vehicle. Have your tour tailored around you and your interests - See and do the things you'll enjoy and... More...

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...

Castle and Wildlife Cruise - Half Day Sightseeing Cruise - Dunedin - Starting from NZ $125.00 per person An unforgettable experience awaits, the highlight of your Dunedin visit! Enjoy a fully guided tour of New Zealand's only castle, Larnach Castle, built in 1871, followed by a Wildlife cruise on NZ's most picturesque harbour and peninsula with Monarch Wildlife Cruises. Be fascinated and exhilarated with the wealth of wildlife, dramatic views, so close, so natural - the only way to see it all - Otago Peninsula, Otago Harbour, Taiaroa Head with three time New Zealand Tourism Award winners... More...

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