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 our private farm 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 secluded breeding colony of NZ fur seals and a variety of albatross & sea birds from two stunning viewing locations overlooking the wild and rugged Pacific Ocean. We then journey to our private 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
676 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
10/10 recommend!
Sophie C,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Adrian was fantastic. He gave us additional time on the Peninsula, provided informative and interesting information.
Incredible wildlife tour
Katie P,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00All our expectations were surpasses on this tour. We experienced some incredible wildlife (many birds, fur seals, sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins). What really made the tour though was our guide Kelly, she is so knowledgable and can feel her passion for the amazing wildlife. She also took us through the interesting history of Dunedin and New Zealand, we couldn’t have hoped for a better guide. Would 100% recommend.
Outstanding Otago Experience
judyr961,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kelly was an outstanding tour guide. Her knowledge and enthusiasm made for a very worthwhile experience. It was really nice to be at a private farm so we didn’t have anyone else on the beach or at the viewing stands. 9 people on the tour was the perfect size. Kelly went over and above to make sure we had the chance to see all the varieties of birds on our journey to the Farm. While on the property she made sure we had every opportunity to see Fur Seals, Sea Lions and Albatross. The yellow eyed penguins were very exciting to see.
Brilliant
yvonnehY2432MJ,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing tour and Quinn our tour guide was amazing with his knowledge and friendliness. We were lucky to see the penguins and so grateful for all the work being done to take care of them. Think we got to see most of the birds and of course the seals and seal lions. Thank you
Great tour!
fabdog,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great afternoon with Quinn. Pickup in city center then out to the peninsula. Lots of commentary on the types of birds we were seeing as we headed out. Then on to the farm. We saw tons of seals, sea lions, and 4 yellow eyed penguins. Come prepared for a fair bit of walking and up and down (good shoes a must) and be ready for the wind. The company has several hides that you can view wildlife from. Then back to town for dropoff. Quinn was knowledgeable and passionate about the area and the wildlife.
DO THIS TOUR!
Kstratos,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous experience. Quinn, our guide was passionate and informative. As we drove through the beautiful countryside, he gave just the right amount of info. His passion for his country and its wildlife was evident in all he did. He explained that the tour would be on private land--a seaside generational farm leading down to a wonderful beach, cared for by a family also passionate about the environment. We saw not one, not two but EIGHT yellow-eyed penguins and so much more. Words of advice: do this tour!
Otago Peninsula is beautiful but don’t bet your money on seeing penguins
Karen G,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great small group tour on private property. Unfortunately we did not get to see the penguins which are only able to be seen at certain times of the day and year. That was disappointing, but we did get up close to the sea lions and we learned a lot from our tour guide.
Fantastic
Culture19370810975,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic Experience, guide and transport
A must do wildlife tour
JUDY N,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a great tour to do while in Dunedin. Our guide Quinn had a wealth of knowledge about the birds and wildlife on the peninsular. We drove past inlets and spotted many types of birds on our way up to the farm. It was a clear afternoon and we saw seals from the lookout cabin and later when we descended to the beach we saw sea lions. Unfortunately a low cloud came in from the sea and the area became a bit foggy for a while. We climbed back up to a viewing cabin to hopefully spot a yellow eyed penguin and were lucky to see one on the hillside. The scenery is beautiful, the wildlife is special and it was an amazing afternoon. Thank you Quinn.
Well worth the time and cost
thomg999,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience. Wealth of information, spectacular scenery, and amazing wildlife. Quinn (sp?) our tour guide was knowledgeable, professional, and a fantastic host.
From NZ$225.00
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Operated by Clearwater Wildlife Tours