Your Twilight Wildlife Experience starts with a scenic bus journey from Dunedin city and travels out along Otago Peninsula, the remains of a 10 million year old volcano.
As we travel toward the Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head we pass beautiful coastal areas inhabited by a wide variety of birds including White-faced Herons, Pied Stilts, Black Swans, Variable and Pied Oystercatchers, Royal Spoonbills, and Little Shags (Cormorants).
Depending on our schedule we may also include short visits to Otakau Marae (historic Maori occupied site) and Wellers Rock (historic whaling and sealing station).
At the Albatross Centre you have two options. You can join a one hour tour of the Albatross colony (unavailable between 16th September and 24th November) that includes a short film screening and then exclusive viewing of the Albatross nesting area from an observatory. Alternatively, you stay with our guide for a short tour of the nearby cliff-tops overlooking the Southern Ocean where Royal albatross can be observed flying around the headland when the conditions are right.
From the cliffs we may also see Spotted Shags (Cormorants), Stewart Island Shags, Gannets, Gulls, New Zealand Fur Seals, Hooker Sea Lions, and on very rare occasions whales and dolphins.
From the Royal Albatross Centre we will then take you on a short journey back along the peninsula to our private coastal area to view the rare Yellow-eyed Penguins as they return home in the evening from their busy day at sea. Male fur seals are also in the bay, sunning themselves on the rocks, just meters from where we watch the penguins returning home.
You may also see Little Blue Penguins and rare New Zealand Sea Lions on the beach.
At the end of your tour we travel back to Dunedin, enjoying the evening light and wonderful views of the city across Otago Harbour.
On return to Dunedin city we are happy to return you to your accommodation.
Season:
Our Tour operates from 15th November through to 31st March.
Departure Times:
| Pickup Time Dunedin City | Pickup Time Portobello | |
| 15th November to 14th Feb | 3.45pm | 4-30 pm |
| 15th Feb to 31st March | 3-15 pm | 4-00 pm |
Tour Duration is approx 5 hrs.
Max group size of 9 people plus guide
Please Note:
We will not be operating on the 25th of December or the 31st of December
Pickups are from your accommodation (by arrangement) or the Dunedin I-Site and can take up to 15 minutes extra from times shown.
You should bring:
Clothing suitable for changeable weather (hot, cold, rain, sunshine, or wind). A good waterproof jacket is recommended.
Suitable footwear for walking over farmland and unsealed tracks.
A smile and lots of questions!
You might want to bring:
A camera or video-camera; best to use film with a speed of 200 ASA or faster as we do not allow flash photography at the penguin viewing area. Digital cameras usually adjust well to low light levels.
Food or money for food.
Binoculars (see below).
We will provide:
Binoculars, enough to share amongst the group.
A friendly and smiling guide with lots of answers.