Clearwater Small Group, Max 10

Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula

★ 4.9 709 reviews

from $133.34 per person

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Duration: 4 hours
Group: Small group, maximum 10 travellers
Meeting point: The Octagon, Dunedin
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Clearwater Wildlife Tours

Overview

Ten travellers, one guide, and roughly four hours on the Otago Peninsula: that is the shape of this tour. Clearwater Wildlife Tours runs it from a meeting point outside the Dunedin i-Site Visitor Information Centre at 50 The Octagon, from where the group travels out to the peninsula by air-conditioned vehicle.

Once at the farm, the group walks to well placed viewing areas for New Zealand fur seals, sea lions and the yellow eyed penguin. Reviewers repeatedly mention sea lions up close, along with albatross, coastal birds and, on good days, yellow eyed penguins. Penguins are elusive, and a few reviewers saw only one or none, but most describe the seal and sea lion viewing as the core of the day. The tour ends back at the Octagon.

The cap of 10 travellers suits people who want a quieter, more personal wildlife experience rather than a big coach outing. One reviewer and his wife, both in their sixties, noted the walking and staircases were manageable. It is not suitable for children under 5 and is not wheelchair accessible.

Where this tour sits among 5 tours in Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tours listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Wildlife Tour Plus Cruise Combo$130.51
Farm Beach Access, 4WD$131
Clearwater Small Group, Max 10 (this tour)$133.34
Scenery and OPERA Conservation$187.25
Penguin Tour With Pickup$189

What's Included

Included

Complimentary High Quality Binoculars
Complimentary wind & rain proof jackets
Air-conditioned vehicle

Not Included

Snacks
Tour is not suitable for children under 5 years of age

Itinerary

Meet at the OctagonMeet directly outside the Dunedin i-Site Visitor Information Centre at 50 The Octagon, Central Dunedin. Arrive 10 minutes before the start time and allow time for parking; the white branded vehicle arrives only a few minutes prior.
Drive to the peninsulaThe air-conditioned vehicle travels out to the Otago Peninsula.
Otago Peninsula wildlife viewingThe tour spends its time on the peninsula (4 hours total tour duration, admission free), walking to viewing areas for fur seals, sea lions, yellow eyed penguins and coastal birds. There is roughly 1.5 km of walking over uneven natural terrain.
Return to the OctagonThe activity ends back at the original meeting point in central Dunedin.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day easier, from footwear to food, because the tour runs in changeable maritime weather with no food stops.

$133.34from, per person

4 hoursduration

4.9across 709 guest reviews

10guests at most

Clothing and layers. Otago weather changes fast in any season, so bring warm and waterproof clothes. Wind and rain proof jackets are provided free if you are caught out.
Footwear and fitness. Walking shoes or boots with good tread are recommended, and necessary in wet or muddy conditions. Expect around 1.5 km of walking on uneven terrain including sand, hills, steps and stairs. Multiple reviewers, including travellers in their sixties, found the walking and stairs manageable.
Food and drink. There are no food stops on the tour, so bring a packed lunch or snacks if you want them. Complimentary water and cookies are on board. Toilet facilities exist at the farm and at the Octagon meeting point.
Group feel. The maximum is 10 travellers. One traveller noted only five couples on their departure, and another said the small group size made them feel included.
Wildlife viewing kit. High quality binoculars are provided free. Bring your best camera: the photo opportunities are a highlight, and reviewers mention amazing views of wildlife and the coastline.
Penguin expectations. Yellow eyed penguins are among the species you may see, but they are elusive. Some reviewers saw only one or none, while another group spotted several. Seals, sea lions, albatross and coastal birds are the more dependable sightings, and reviewers say the tour is rewarding even without penguins.

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Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for children under 5, or for travellers with significant mobility impairments, back problems or serious medical conditions. Penguins are never a sure thing, and some reviewers saw just one or none at all. The experience requires good weather conditions to run; if it is cancelled for poor weather, a different date or a full refund is offered. There are no food stops, so anyone wanting more than water and cookies should carry their own.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Meet And Does It End In The Same Place?

The meeting point is directly outside the Dunedin i-Site Visitor Information Centre at 50 The Octagon in Central Dunedin. The white branded vehicle arrives only a few minutes before the start time, so arrive 10 minutes early and allow time for parking. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is Pickup From My Hotel Included?

The tour has a single meeting point at the Octagon, which is near public transportation. Check the booking page for hotel pickup before assuming door-to-door service.

What Is Included In The Price?

Binoculars, wind and rain proof jackets, an air-conditioned vehicle, and complimentary water and cookies are all included. Food is not included, and there are no food stops, so bring your own packed lunch or snacks.

Can Children Join, And Is It Suitable For People With Limited Mobility?

Children under 5 are not permitted, small children might struggle to keep up on the trails, and children cannot sit on an adult's lap. The tour involves roughly 1.5 km of walking over uneven natural terrain with sand, hills, steps and stairs, and it is not wheelchair accessible. Travellers with back problems, heart conditions or significant mobility issues should avoid it and can contact the operator before booking.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time in the local time zone for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Cruise passengers should advise their ship's name and read the cruise cancellation policy on the operator's website.

What Should I Bring?

Warm and waterproof clothing, whatever the season, plus walking shoes or boots with good tread. Bring any personal medicines you need and tell the guide about relevant medical conditions at the start. A camera is worthwhile given the photo opportunities, and binoculars are supplied if you do not have your own.