Clearwater Wildlife - Small Guided Tours (10 max) Otago Peninsula
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Fewer People - More Wildlife!
The Clearwater Family Farm is home to more wildlife per square meter than anywhere in Dunedin.
Our tours offer the best chance to see Yellow-eyed penguins, NZ sea lions, NZ fur seals, albatross plus a wide variety of birdlife, in their natural habitat.
Your professionally guided tour of no more than 10 people will take you to our private beach & conservation reserves through our working farm at Cape Saunders on the Otago Peninsula.
A wild and untamed, dramatic environment that we are lucky enough to share with some of New Zealand's rarest species.
Our aim is to give you a truly authentic wildlife experience and leave you with memories that will last for a lifetime.
The Clearwater family has deep roots here and is devoted to preserving and enhancing its pristine beauty.
Become a part of our shared commitment to protect its natural wildlife habitats.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
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: This tour requires a moderate level of fitness. There are some hills to walk up and down and the beach walk also includes walking on sand and uneven ground. There are also several sets of steps and stairs therefore the terrain visited is not suitable for persons with walking disabilities.
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. For those that are unprepared we provide wind and rain proof jackets.
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. 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 so bring your best camera.
Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
Cruise Ship Passengers - Please advise us of the name of the cruise ship you are arriving on.
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Complimentary wind & rain proof jackets
Complimentary High Quality Binoculars
There are toilet facilities at the farm and at our meeting point in the Octagon.
Air-conditioned vehicle
We have complimentary water & cookies on board
There are no food stops along the way. Guests are welcome to bring a packed lunch or snacks.
Our tour is not suitable for children under 5 years of age
What To Expect
Otago Peninsula
The journey to Cape Saunders takes you through the beautiful backcountry and inlets of the Otago Peninsula where you will see a variety of wetland and wading birds amid breath-taking scenery. Arrive at Cape Saunders farm and experience a uniquely secluded breeding colony of NZ fur seals and a variety of sea birds from two stunning viewing locations overlooking the wild and rugged Pacific Ocean. We then journey to our native conservation reserve where our knowledgeable and experienced staff will guide you to vital breeding grounds for yellow-eyed penguins and New Zealand sea lions. Witness this special place from several viewing hides and secluded locations while exploring one of NZ’s most beautiful untouched natural beaches. After embarking on a spectacular wildlife experience and witnessing unforgettable vistas and breathtaking coastal beach and shore environments we complete the journey back to your pick up location.
Options
Clearwater Wildlife - Small Guided Tours (10 max) Otago Peninsula
Reviews
383 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
4 Exhilitsting Hours
Lewis S,
May 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00We were fortunate enough to hit the wildlife jackpot, observing no less than a half dozen yellow penguins emerging from the ocean. Add a couple of seal pups and lots of sea lions on the beach. Even if we had not I still would have given this tour 5 stars. The ride and scenery were breathtaking, well off normally travelled routes. Our guide, Eric, was outstanding.
Must to be done
Suzana Z,
May 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00I cannot express in words what a nice my guide Lisa was (is), how many interesting historical data she provided about Otego peninsula during our drive, explained all about birds we saw (and she managed to spot them even being really very far away), stopped anywhere I wanted to take a photo or see something. And then we entered most beautiful estate with sheeps all around, everything well maintained but natural, with paths leading to the beaches where wild sea animals are freely living their lives. Some furry seals sleeping, some moms teaching cubs to swim in small pools on the rocks, some moms nursing their cubs.... I saw several generations of furry seals that afternoon; I should not write too much because it is nice to discover something on the spot and also nice to hear it directly from the guide. I found this tour more than interesting, it completely overwhelmed me. Apart from the wildlife itself, the fact that somebody is investing so much efforts to preserve the habitat for wild animals and enable them living next door, taking care of how not to disturb them and watch after them gives me hope that everybody can do more than we usually do to help nature/wild animals to keep living without obstructions and without taking their habitats away from them. Beautiful tour, everybody should see it; beautiful landscape, beaches, birds, seals, sea lions, pinguins, sheeps…..all in one day……amazing experience.
This tour was amazing!
Margo W,
Apr 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00Kelly was an amazing guide. The nature and seals that we saw was beautiful. She was knowledgeable and entertaining. I’m so glad I took this excursion!
Penguins! Sea lions! Seals!
Stephanie H,
Apr 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing. Knowledgeable guide. Beautiful scenery. Interesting and fun. Well worth it! We saw penguins coming to show, popping out of the water and walking across the beach. Napping sea lions and frolicking seals. It was all there.
Beautiful scenery, great day
Lori C,
Apr 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00I loved this tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and had a great eye for wildlife. Would recommend 100%
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Operated by Clearwater Wildlife Tours