Otago Peninsula Scenery & Little Blue Penguins Evening Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Experience the enchanting Otago Peninsula on this 4.5-hour evening tour, where the highlight is witnessing the return of the Little Blue Penguins after a day at sea. Departing from the Octagon, you'll travel along the picturesque Highcliff Road and Hooper's Inlet, with opportunities to spot local wading birds and albatrosses. Enjoy some leisure time before the penguin viewing, perhaps grabbing a hot drink or browsing the souvenir shop. As the sun sets, prepare for a unique wildlife experience as the smallest penguins make their way back to shore.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Otago Peninsula

Begin your tour at the Octagon and enjoy a scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula via Highcliff Road, where breathtaking views open out over the ocean and harbour. Continue along a picturesque off-road route around Hooper’s Inlet, where you may encounter a variety of wading birds. Depending on the season and tide, these can include black swans, paradise shelducks, royal spoonbills, pied stilts, oyster catchers, white-faced herons, plovers, and more. This section of the journey offers a wonderful combination of dramatic coastal scenery and rich birdlife in their natural habitat.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Taiaroa Head

You will arrive at Taiaroa Head approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled tour time, giving you an opportunity to explore the area and take in the spectacular coastal scenery. If the wind conditions are favourable, you may even see albatross gliding effortlessly overhead. Taiaroa Head is home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony of these magnificent seabirds. While the guided albatross tour is not included, sightings are very common, as this is their nesting area and they are often seen soaring above the headland.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

1.5-hour guided evening viewing of the Little Blue Penguin return at sunset

Air-conditioned vehicle

Please note there is no food included, you have to have dinner before the departure or bring some snacks

Options