Otago Peninsula Scenery & Little Blue Penguins Evening Tour
Overview
Available languages
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
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.
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.
Options
Otago Peninsula Scenery & Little Blue Penguins Evening Tour
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing tour and very...
Jessica N,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour and very considerate tour guide! She was very considerate and accommodating with the weather. It was great to see so much wildlife and landscapes along the peninsula. Asta had so much knowledge about the history of Dunedin and it was great to hear/learn. Highly recommend
I spent my first night in...
Valeria F,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I spent my first night in Dunedin doing the small penguin viewing and it was amazing! Asta was a great guide and when she learned how much I loved birds, she took the time to stop on the way and allow me to identify and photograph the different birds we saw. I liked that I was able to photograph the penguins as they came up as well. The group you arrive with is small but once you get to the viewing center you are with other groups but they make sure to rotate around the viewing platform so everyone can see different areas which the penguins come up.
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Operated by Fantail Tours Limited