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 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.
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
Options
Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula
Reviews
465 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing trip.
P8635HSsimons,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. Guide was brilliant. Lots of birds, sea lions, fur seals and of course penguins 🐧🐧🐧. A must do for all ages
Amazing wildlife
kortnil720,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! The ladies who were our guides were the best ! So kind, personable, funny , and passionate. We had an AMAZING wildlife viewing baby sea lions and mommas everywhere and penguins all in there natural habitat. Very convenient pick up options from town. Highly recommend !
OMG,..GREAT TOUR..🙌🏻👍🏻👏🏻..!!
Tennisgirl2013,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00OMG,..GREAT TOUR..! Saw up close & with their binoculars many different birds, albatross, fur seals, seal lions, lots of sheep & luckily (as it doesn’t always happen) a family of penguins (mama, papa & baby…SO CUTE)..!! Tom was our excellent guide & driver for our small group of 9. I highly recommend this tour,..even if you don’t see penguins, you won’t be disappointed. The scenery & Clearwater Estate peninsula is absolutely gorgeous… 🙌🏻😎🚐💨
Exceptional wildlife, private beach
Culture03751528418,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A breathtaking, action-packed tour. Easy to book, clear joining instructions and convenient pick up point in central Dunedin. Comfortable tour bus equipped with binoculars for us all. Our guide Ferg was a friendly and entertaining wildlife expert happy to answer all our questions on animal behaviour. Clearwater’s private beach access with multiple hides gave us unparalleled safe proximity to watch hoiho (rare yellow eyed penguins) swimming in and walking back to nesting areas, also saw sea lions, fur seals (even an elephant seal), royal albatross and many more birds. Best four hours you’ll ever spend wildlife watching.
Highly recommend this tour! Superb!
lisaudwin,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely experience! Tom took good care of us and made sure we got the best and safest view of the wildlife including a nesting yellow eyed penguin with chick!
An Experience Not to be Missed
Lisa P,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Despite being one of two ships in port that day, there were only 6 of us on the tour. That made it very personal although it would likely be so even if "full" as they max out at 10 pax. The ability to see wild animals in their natural habitat, especially the yellow eyed penguin we were lucky to see was as promised and fabulous! Our guide Tom was knowledgeable and very personable and we immediately felt at ease with him. We learned a lot and had a ton of fun in the process. I'd highly recommend this tour!
Best part of our trip!
Roxy W,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The best part of our trip was this excursion! Loved seeing the seals in their natural habitat. The views are spectacular! Our driver was very knowledgeable and friendly. We were able to see a yellow eyed penguin waaayyyy off in the distance on the beach. The sea lions laying on the beautiful beach were fun to see, whipping sand onthemselves to keep cool. Lots of birds to see also. I love beaches and oceans!
Dunedin's Best Wildlife Adventure
Tami O,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Kelly, our guide, was an amazing source of knowledge about the wildlife we saw, including a plethora of birds (pointing out an elusive albatross), fur seals, elephant seals and, best of all, the rarest of all penguins, the yellow eyed penguin. We loved walking on the beaches and in the bush to get close to these creatures living in their natural habitats. Some fellow cruise ship passengers went out on catamaran or at vs but I prefer exploration on foot. It just feels more intimate and respectful of God's beautiful creatures.
This was a great...
Gerald U,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience and a wonderful tour! We were thrilled with everything from start to finish.
You will LOVE this experience!!!!
555kikic,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From the moment we got to the meeting point everything was so well handled and such a wonderful experience. Our guide and Driver Kelli was so very knowledgeable (not to mention a great driver) and made sure we saw every sea lion (including newly born), fur seals, birds of every type, sheep and the most fantastic views!!!! The fact that this is a family farm makes it even more special that all this was shared with us and that our fare helps with all their conservation efforts!!!!! One of our favorite trips ever!!!!!
From NZ$225.00
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Operated by Clearwater Wildlife Tours