Otago Peninsula Scenery & Little Blue Penguins Evening Tour

5.0 (4 reviews) 4 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

4 reviews

5.0

Little Blue Penguins — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Hooper's inlet scenery — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Small Group Involves Animals Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 4 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 10 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Fantail Tours Limited

Ages: Adults (2–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Entrance fees: 1.5-hour guided evening viewing of the Little Blue Penguin return at sunset
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Not included: Please note there is no food included, you have to have dinner before the departure or bring some snacks

Itinerary

Otago Peninsula

1 h 30 min

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

30 min

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.
Pukekura

1 h 30 min

oin a 1.5-hour immersive experience to learn all about the world’s smallest penguins — the little blue penguins.

The experience begins with a 30-minute informative talk, where you’ll discover fascinating insights into their behaviour, habitat, and daily life. Afterwards, you’ll walk down to Pilot’s Beach to await their return. At sunset, these adorable creatures come ashore after a day of fishing and waddle up to their nesting areas.

You’ll be able to observe the penguins from very close range, making this a truly special and memorable encounter. Penguin viewing is guaranteed. Photography is permitted, however flash is strictly not allowed to protect the birds.
Otago Peninsula

50 min Admission included

After this memorable experience, you will be driven back to the city via Portobello Road, enjoying more beautiful harbour views along the way.

Your driver-guide will drop you off at your centrally located accommodation.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Outside Dunedin Visitor Centre at the Octagon

End point

Outside Dunedin Visitor Centre at the Octagon

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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

Options

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