Peninsula Encounters and Wildlife Cruise in Dunedin

Explore the wildest parts of the Otago Peninsula by land and sea.

Travel over the high road with postcard views of the harbour and coast. You'll travel past quaint communities and rural farms. Spot wading birds as your mini-bus explores around the inlets and the wetland eco-systems.

Your tour will visit a remote Otago Peninsula beach. A short walk from the mini-bus will provide dramatic views of rugged coastal cliffs, offshore islands and perhaps some huge sea lions.

The trip continues to Wellers Rock Wharf, for a one-hour Wildlife Cruise. You'll travel out of the harbour, around Taiaroa Head, and out to sea. Watch royal albatross glide across the water and return to their breeding colony. Beneath a historic lighthouse is a colony of playful furseals. You'll spot other rare seabirds and maybe blue penguins or other marine mammals.

The final stop is at a Yellow-eyed Penguin conservation reserve. Visit the on-site rehab centre before entering the reserve. You'll take trails through native bushland, walking through tunnels and trenches to different viewing hides scattered around the reserve. Guests can hope to watch as the world's rarest penguin returns ashore and interacts around its nest.

Throughout the tour your guide will also discuss the conservation work being done to help save this special penguin species. The tour ends with a relaxed drive, following the harbour, back to Dunedin.