Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Fewer People - More Wildlife!
The Clearwater Family's Farm is home to more wildlife per square meter than anywhere in Dunedin.
The intimate small group tours offer the chance to see Yellow-eyed penguins, NZ sea lions, NZ fur seals, albatross plus a wide variety of birdlife, in the wild.
Your professionally guided tour of no more than 10 people will take you to the private beach & wildlife 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.
The 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
There are toilet facilities at the farm and at our meeting point in the Octagon.
Complimentary High Quality Binoculars
Complimentary wind & rain proof jackets
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
Voted in the Top 10 of Things to Do in NZ for 2025! 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 Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula
Reviews
418 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great excursion in a spectacular country
Warren Z,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Lisa was great.Beautiful stops at overlooks along the way to the Clearwater’s sheep farm.The visit was a lot of fun and interesting.Met some very friendly babies that came right up to me like a pet dog. Went to a place where we saw tons of seals and then on to a beach to see sea lions interacting with each other on the sandy beach. I highly recommend this excursion,it was a highlight of our cruise.
Exceptional bird and animal viewing on private property in a small group
Marcus V,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Small van, great condition, scary roads with a confident driver. Beautiful reserve with plenty of animals and birds Windy and cold day
Breath taking
262osvaldoc,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awasome trip..weather...guide...Adrian !!! .the penguins...the birds.. seals... Sealwolfs.... TODO MUY HERMOSO
Beautiful vistas. Fabulous guide with excellent knowledge and friendly. Great for viewing wildlife. Quit exerting.
c0ueye,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This was a wonderful experience and the scenery was spectacular! We saw many birds, seals, sea lions, penguins and the odd sheep. Easy pick up. Wonderful guide. The only reason i gave a 4 is to warn that it is quite physical with stairs and steep inclines. Necessary to see the wildlife but there is no easier way.
Memorable!!!
elizabethmW53HV,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a very memorable experience! Rachel went above and beyond to accommodate us and was filled with interesting history and information about the region. Her family’s farm is absolutely breathtaking and our time with Adrienne, watching the sea lions and penguins was amusing and educational. The small group allowed for a uniquely intimate experience. This tour is worth every penny!
Small group trip worth the money!
Passport55891664075,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Lisa was super friendly and informative and made sure everyone was able to get a great experience. She was super at spotting birds and making sure we all got to see them along the way. The highlight was catching the penguins coming in to shore in the evening- just what we hoped for!
Amazing tour!!!
hannahlilyh,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I went last night with Paula, who was amazing and hilarious. We had a wonderful time!!! It was an amazing experience seeing that the Hoiho penguins and the seals were soooooooo cute. We were also given milk to feed the lambs :’) so grateful for this experience!
Clearwater Wildlife Tour - A Truly Special Experience
jennydZ3281QP,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined a Clearwater Wildlife Tour this week, and just like the one I did last year, it was absolutely amazing. I was just as excited and impressed this time around, and it reminded me why I loved it so much the first time. If you’re passionate about wildlife, I can’t recommend this tour enough. What really stood out to me is how respectful the experience is. The animals are never disturbed, and we’re not intruding on their habitat. It’s a privilege to observe them as they go about their lives. Breeding, playing, and feeling safe in their environment. Our guide, Paula, was fantastic. She’s incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and had us all laughing throughout the day. She even remembered everyone’s names, which made the experience feel personal and welcoming. I especially appreciated how she made sure we all got to see the Yellow-eyed Penguins (YEPs). A real highlight! Her genuine care and investment to the animals and Clearwater is very wholesome. My photos are not the greatest, I only had my phone, I enjoyed the wildlife too much and didnt take too many pics! It’s easy to see why this tour has earned a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award and is listed among the top experiences in New Zealand. It truly lives up to the reputation. Whether you're a local, or travelling from afar, You will not be disappointed.
Super tour! Highly recommended!
gerlindep2025,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experienced guide Paula equipped us with binoculars and warm jackets. At our first stop we could pet and feed lambs. We then hiked to a remote viewpoint where we could observe various birds and sea lions. The next stop was a non-public beach where we could spot many birds, sea lions and even penguins! It was very impressive and the tour is highly recommended!
Wildlife and PENGUINS!
bethgB7309SB,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yes, I heartily recommend this tour. Ben, our guide was knowledgeable and answered questions fully. Wildlife and especially penguins were amazing. Conservation efforts should definitely be made to save these endangered penguin.
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Operated by Clearwater Wildlife Tours