Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour & Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
If you are a visitor that truly wants to see and understand the unique ecosystems, wildlife, culture, geology and botany of the Otago Peninsula then join this tour.
We see a variety of wildlife species along the way (Note: seasonal).
At Pukekura we have a good chance to see seals nearby & albatross flying overhead.
Later we join our Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience tour, see the world's smallest penguin emerging from the sea and walking past us just metres away. Note: Others join us for this experience (max 75)
PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALLOWED (no flash)
We will offer viator refunds of 30% if we see less than 5 penguins ! (Lower than booking direct through our own website where we can offer refunds of 50%)
If no availability on this site, check our own website for additional availability.
As a Charitable Trust our aim is to look after our reserve and protect the Otago Peninsula's largest penguin colony.
Voted in the top 10 TripAdvisor's Best Experiences in New Zealand 2023.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We have a minimum age requirement of 18 to participate on this tour
Visitors need to be able to walk 300m unaided and manage stairs (about 60 stairs inbuilt along our walkway leading to our viewing platform). Tour and vehicles are not suitable for very young children.
Bring warm clothes we are outside for much of the tour, it can get very cold after dark.
Note we can't have umbrellas on the penguin viewing platform as eye risk to others
MINIMUM AGE OF 18 TO PARTICIPATE this is not a tour for children
What To Expect
Dunedin
For those joining us from Dunedin we pass by some of the most famous buildings in the city before heading out onto the Otago Peninsula. This 30 minutes does include pick-up times. This part of the journey isn't available for those joining our bus from the Larnach Castle pick-up because the Castle is situated out on the Otago Peninsula.
Otago Peninsula
An In-Depth tour of the geology, human history, botany and zoology of the Otago Peninsula. A tour designed by Lyndon Perriman, former wildlife ranger who spent 30 years working on the Otago Peninsula. Known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, the Otago Peninsula has a wealth of wildlife and ever-changing scenery around each corner. Departing Dunedin be whisked away in one of our vehicles heading for the spectacular wild side of the Otago Peninsula. See incredible wild coastal views, stunning wildlife and highly productive marine environments. This is a tour designed for those that have a thirst for knowledge of the environment. We also explore and weave stories pertaining to some of the most significant sites used by Māori who were here centuries before European arrival. On this part of our journey we encounter a range of wading bird species and some coastal sea bird species.
Options
Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour & Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience
Pickup included
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
192 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely phenomenal trip! Everyone should do it.
Christine L,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was by far the best tour we did while in New Zealand. We booked this tour about a week beforehand and were very pleasantly surprised by the breadth of knowledge that our guide Sian had throughout the experience. Upon arrival, we found out that it would be a smaller tour group (my partner, myself and another gentleman) which was great. This gave the tour a more private experience feel. In addition, Sian was nothing short of excellent in her knowledge and ability to explain the history and culture of the region. We had time to bird watch with binoculars! We saw heaps of penguins in the evening and learnt about the history of them in the area and how they’re being managed by a great conservation effort. Throughout the drive, Sian gave plenty of opportunities of us to take photographs of the stunning views or animals and even offered to take photographs of us if we wanted. The wildlife culture and history of the area was perfectly displayed by Sian and the rest of the team at the penguin centre. We would absolutely do this again in a heartbeat and would recommend this tour to all of our friends and family. This is arguably one of the best tours we had gone on during our time in NZ. PS, they should focus more on sea lions they seem super cool and we (the tourists) would love to learn more from Sian about these beautiful creatures.
Loved this event
TheGoBird,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thought this tour might be a repeat since we'd been to the Albatross Centre. The two events had no overlap except for the gift shop and restrooms. We loved seeing the little penguins come ashore! (Wish I could give this more than five stars!)
Worth Every Penny
BlackFire71,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was picked up from my hotel on time. Jono made several nature stops along the way that enhanced the experience. The gift shop had many affordable keepsakes. I was blessed enough to see 55 Little Blue Penguins waddle their way up the hill to their nests.
Excellent and educational trip
648yasminh,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent experience, Jonathon was very knowledgeable and kind! Learnt a lot about birds and penguins
Stunning 5-star tour
suginaggg,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guide is knowledgeable about birds, blue penguins, and Dunedin. It was an amazing tour. We passed through some of Dunedin’s must-see places with well-explained details, then stopped by some picturesque viewpoints and bird-watching spots before seeing blue penguins. Surely, we could meet cute little penguins. Thank you!
Magical tour of the Dunedin Peninsular and the Pukekura Penguins.
636chiay,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We absolutely enjoyed the tour. We took the in depth tour which gives us a tour of the Dunedin penisular before we got to Pukekura where the penguins are. Sian who led the tour was deeply passionate about the land and the ecosystem that we travelled through. By the time we reached Pukekura, it was hard not to fall in love with the land how the community has protected it. At Pukekura, the platforms were built to create a bridge that allows us to be in the magical midst of tension and celebration the penguins coming home to their nest while keeping the penguins safe and unbothered by our presence. We even had a few very close encounters of the penguins walking right past us. MAGICAL! Kudos to the team who make this amazing experience possible!
May Visit
Marisa C,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great option to explore the Otago Peninsula even as a Solo Traveller. Friendly and informative Tour Guide. Im grateful that I went on this tour in May, which allowed for an uncrowded experience. I loved learning about Korora/Blue Penguins and be able to witness them so close. Very well organized tour.
A delightful bird...
Matthew G,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A delightful bird watching tour. The blue penguins were amazing and fun to watch as they came ashore. The staff were friendly and informative.
A Must-Book Tour
clayryan,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience all around, from the tour across the scenic peninsula to seeing a variety of local native birds. Driver was super informative, generous about stopping at scenic spots for pictures, pointing out birds and other items we would surely miss on our own, and giving interesting background about the history and ecosystem of the area. The visitor's center was nice, and we even saw a number of albatross flying overhead. Of course ending with the Blue Penguins coming ashore at dusk was a highlight, ample viewing opportunity and fascinating to see their habits.
Best tour guide ever!
Lori J,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was amazing. She was patient with our questions, extremely knowledgeable and did an amazing job of explaining nature, the country, and the wildlife.
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