Clearwater Private Penguin & Wildlife Tour from Port Otago (5hrs)

Port Chalmers , New Zealand

Clearwater Private Penguin & Wildlife Tour from Port Otago (5hrs)

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(7 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Rated as one of the top 10 experiences in NZ in 2025 by Tripadvisor!

The Clearwater family farm is home to more wildlife per square meter than anywhere in Dunedin.

A chance to see yellow-eyed penguins, NZ sealions, NZ fur seals & pups, albatross, and a wide variety of sea & wading birds, in their natural habitat.

The Clearwater family have been the caretakers of the pristine land a wild & untamed, dramatic environment that we are lucky enough to share with some of NZ's rarest species.

Not accessible to the public, our working farm envelops one of the most beautiful coastal headlands & beaches in NZ.

Your private tour will be guided by an experienced & knowledgeable local guide. Commentary on the tour also includes local history & Dunedin city highlights.

Our comfortable 4WD vehicles are all air conditioned & we provide quality Nikon binoculars & wind & rain proof jackets.

We recommend a 15-minute stop to purchase coffee, food or snacks as there are no food stops along the way.

Available options

Clearwater Private Penguin & Wildlife Tour from Port Otago (5hrs)

What's included

There are toilet facilities at the farm.

Complimentary water & cookies

Complimentary Warm & Waterproof Jackets

Complimentary High-Quality Binoculars

All our vehicles are Air-conditioned and are fulltime 4WD.

Detailed itinerary

The journey to the Clearwater family’s farm at Cape Saunders takes you through the remote backcountry & tidal inlets of the Otago Peninsula where you will see a variety of wetland & wading birds amid breath-taking scenery.

Arrive at Cape Saunders through our working farm & experience a colony of NZ fur seals with pups & a variety of sea birds from two stunning viewing locations overlooking the wild & rugged Pacific Ocean.

We then journey through our native conservation reserve to a private beach & the vital breeding grounds for rare, yellow-eyed penguins & NZ sea lions.

Witness this special place from several viewing hides & secluded locations while exploring one of NZ’s most beautiful untouched natural beaches.

After embarking on a spectacular wildlife experience & witnessing unforgettable vistas & breathtaking coastal beach & shore environments we complete the journey back to your pickup location.

Optional: 15 min stop at Port Chalmers Village to purchase coffee, food or snacks

Stop 2 Pass by

The spectacular Dunedin Railway Station – The most photographed building in New Zealand!

What's not included

There is no food included on this tour & no food stops on the way. Guests are welcome to purchase coffee, food or snacks at Port Chalmers village straight after your pick up from the cruise terminal.

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.9

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Level of fitness: There are some hills to walk up and down. There are also several sets of steps and stairs therefore the terrain visited is not suitable for persons with walking disabilities and wheelchairs. Small children might have difficulty keeping up on the trails - we recommend bringing a front back or carrier for small children.

Clothing: Our tours are an outdoor activity in a land where maritime weather prevails, the weather can change very quickly, regardless of the season. Always bring warm and waterproof clothes.

Footwear: Walking shoes/boots with good tread are recommended and necessary if conditions are wet or muddy.

Food: Tours are 4 hours in duration, so guests are welcome to bring pre-packed food and drink as there are no opportunities to stop for food during our tours.

Children: Small children might have difficulty keeping up on the trails - we recommend bringing a front back or carrier for small children. We have toddler car seats and booster seats available for small children. For safety reasons children are not able to sit on an adult's lap.

Medicines: Personal medicines etc. should be carried if required on all tours. Any medical condition which could potentially be a problem should be communicated to your guide at the start of a tour.

Photography: There will be some amazing photo opportunities during our tours. Bring your best camera!

Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues

Meeting point

Once you disembark your ship it is only a 100 meter walk to our meeting point at the Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal. Please check in to the I-Site information desk upon your arrival into the terminal. Your private guide will be there displaying a Clearwater Wildlife Tours sign and logo.

Important notes

Health restrictions:
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues.

Level of difficulty:
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Level of fitness:
There are some small hills to walk up and down. There are also several sets of steps and stairs therefore the terrain visited is not suitable for persons with walking disabilities and wheelchairs. Small children might have difficulty keeping up on the trails - we recommend bringing a front back or carrier for children 3 and under.
Clothing: Our tours are an outdoor activity in a land where maritime weather prevails, the weather can change very quickly, regardless of the season. Always bring warm and waterproof clothes.

Footwear:
Walking shoes/boots with good tread are recommended and necessary if conditions are wet or muddy.

Food:
Tours are 4 hours in duration, so guests are welcome to bring pre-packed food and drink as there are no opportunities to stop for food during our tours. However, food is not allowed out of the van in the wildlife viewing areas.

Children:
Small children might have difficulty keeping up on the trails - we recommend bringing a front back or carrier for children 3 and under. Travelers must bring their own car seats for infants and small children. For safety reasons children are not able to sit on an adult's lap.

Medicines:
Personal medicines etc. should be carried if required on all tours. Any medical condition which could potentially be a problem should be communicated to your guide at the start of a tour.

Photography:
There will be some amazing photo opportunities during our tours, but we do not allow close up flash photography of wildlife as this may startle or injure them. Please ensure that you are familiar with your camera options or ask one of our friendly team for advice.

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