Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross
Active
7h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visit the habitat of the world's rarest penguin. Walk through a private nature reserve on this guided tour for a chance to see the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin, Little Blue Penguins and NZ Fur seals in the wild. Specially designed hides allow for close viewing of Yellow Eyed Penguins in their nesting habitat *please note the penguins are not kept in captivity in the reserve and they may not always be visible from the hides. A visit to the penguin rehabilitation hospital is also included in this tour.
This tour also visits the Royal Albatross Colony for a guided tour of the nesting area.
Lookouts, photo stops and full commentary provided throughout. Also included is a brief tour of Dunedin's main city sights.
Available options
Iconic Wildlife Tour
What's included
Entry fees to Royal Albatross guided tour
Entry fees to The OPERA (Yellow Eyed Penguin guided tour)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
A chance to see Penguins, NZ Furseals and other wildlife in a private nature reserve. Access is by small group tour with a specialist wildlife guide only. Wildlife are free to come and go to and from the sea. The rare Yellow Eyed Penguin nests here but they are very shy and it is not always possible to see them. You will get a close up look at Little Blue Penguins nesting on the reserve. The walking is easy, less than 1 km, but there are a number of steps in and out of the reserve area. reasonable level of mobility is required for this tour.
2
Stop 2
On this tour we include a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre. It is free entry to the info gallery, cafe and gift shop. Some people opt to do the Albatross Tour add-on (*additional fee applies) where you will go on a special 1 hour guided tour of the nesting area. Viewing is from behind glass but the view itself, seeing the nesting area up close, and informative guide make for an unforgettable experience.
3
Dunedin's wildlife are mostly found on the Otago Peninsula. This is a stunning piece of land that juts out from the mainland, almost like an island. We take you to the far reaches of the Peninsula, with the chance of spotting a variety of bird life. We always take the High Road for spectacular views and lookouts, and the Low Road for the scenic harbor-side drive.
4
Stop 4
Another must stop and see destination on all of our tours. The quirky Baldwin Street never fails to turn heads. It really does hold the record for steepest street in the World. But sometimes the only way to convince you is to take you there!
5
Likely the most photographed building in all of NZ, Dunedin's grand Railway Station is a must see. We always take the time to stop here to look inside at the beautiful mosaic floor and lavishly decorated interior.
What's not included
Lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
17 reviews
5★
14
4★
1
3★
2
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.7
15 reviews
5★
14
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Children must be accompanied by an adult
This tour involves short walks on unsealed tracks and there are a number of easy steps to negotiate in the reserve. Please bring suitable footwear.
Wildlife are free to come and go as they please. While we make every effort to maximise the opportunities to see wildlife, we cannot guarrantee exactly what you will see on the day
Not recommended for people with mobility aids
Meeting point
City based passengers meet us at the main entrance to Dunedin Railway Station. Pickup time will be 30 minutes after scheduled departure time from Port Chalmers (i.e. 9:30am). Please be ready 10 minutes prior.
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• If your ship is delayed we will wait for you as long as possible. If you are lost please ask one of the I-Site staff in the terminal or call us direct on +0064 3 472 7776
• This tour will return to the ship's wharf at least 1 hour prior to ship's departure
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port
About Port Chalmers
Port Chalmers is a historic port town on the Otago Peninsula in New Zealand's South Island. Known for its charming Victorian architecture, rich maritime history, and stunning coastal scenery, it offers a peaceful yet culturally vibrant experience just a short drive from Dunedin.
Top Attractions
Port Chalmers Historic Walk
This self-guided walk takes you through the town's historic sites, including Victorian architecture, maritime history, and significant landmarks.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula offers stunning coastal scenery, wildlife viewing, and hiking opportunities. It's home to the world's only mainland royal albatross colony.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free to explore, attractions may have entry fees
Port Chalmers Maritime Museum
This small museum showcases the town's rich maritime history, with exhibits on shipping, whaling, and local heritage.
Museum
30-60 minutes
Free or donation-based
Must-Try Local Dishes
Whitebait Fritters
A traditional New Zealand dish made with whitebait, a small type of fish, mixed with egg and cooked in a fritter.
Appetizer
Contains fish and eggs
Seafood Chowder
A hearty soup made with a variety of local seafood, such as fish, mussels, and crab, in a creamy broth.
Soup
Contains seafood and dairy
Lamb Rack
A tender rack of lamb, often served with a mint sauce or red wine reduction, a classic New Zealand dish.
Main Course
Contains lamb
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Wildlife Viewing
Beachcombing
Picnicking
Waterfront Dining
Exploring Historic Sites
Visiting Museums
Best Time to Visit
Summer (December to February)
Summer is the best time to visit Port Chalmers, offering warm temperatures and long daylight hours. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the coastal areas.
15-20°C
59-68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Port Chalmers is a very safe town with low crime rates. However, it's always important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious when walking alone at night
- • Stay informed about weather conditions
Getting there
By air
- Dunedin International Airport • 25 km from Port Chalmers
By bus
Dunedin Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are available for travel between Port Chalmers and Dunedin, but within the town, walking is the best option.
Taxis
Available • Apps: No specific apps, but taxis can be booked by phone
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Town Center
Waterfront
Day trips
Dunedin
20 km from Port Chalmers • Half day to full day
Dunedin is a vibrant university city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a variety of cultural attractions.
Moeraki Boulders
50 km from Port Chalmers • Half day
The Moeraki Boulders are large, spherical boulders found on a stretch of Koekohe Beach. They are a unique geological feature and a popular tourist attraction.
Festivals
Port Chalmers Music Festival • Annual, typically held in February
Otago Peninsula Festival of the Arts • Annual, typically held in November
Pro tips
- Visit the Port Chalmers Maritime Museum for a deeper understanding of the town's history
- Explore the Otago Peninsula for stunning coastal scenery and wildlife viewing
- Enjoy a meal at a waterfront restaurant for beautiful views and fresh seafood
- Pick up a map of the historic walk from the local information center
- Check the opening hours of attractions and museums before visiting
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
