Albatross Centre Tour With Pickup

From Dunedin Royal Albatross Centre Otago Peninsula Tour

★ 4.7 39 reviews

from $178 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 6 hours
Meeting point: Confirmed after booking
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Overview

This six-hour outing from Fantail Tours Limited pairs a quick spin through Dunedin's city sights with a guided visit to the Royal Albatross Centre at the far end of the Otago Peninsula. You get the world's steepest street and photo viewpoints in town, a stroll through the botanical gardens, then a scenic drive along Highcliff Road before the albatross colony itself. The hour-long albatross tour starts with a short introduction, then a walk up a gentle slope to a viewing platform overlooking the breeding colony of one of the world's largest seabirds.

Cruise passengers are met at the Port Chalmers terminal from 9:00 AM for a 9:30 AM departure, while everyone else meets at 9:00 AM at The Octagon outside the Dunedin Visitor Centre. Pick-up and drop-off from central Dunedin is included when organised at the time of booking, and there are two meeting points depending on the option selected. The return lands you back at the meeting point by 3:30 PM or 4:00 PM, leaving the rest of the afternoon free.

It suits travellers who want city and peninsula in one day without driving themselves. A guide, bottled water and the albatross tour are included; lunch is not, with only a quick stop to grab a sandwich or snack along the way.

Port Chalmers wharf on Otago Harbour with hillside houses behind.

What's Included

Included

6-hour day trip from Dunedin to the Otago Peninsula
1-hour guided tour of The Royal Albatross Centre
Tour guide
Bottled water
Pick-up and drop-off from central Dunedin (if organized at the time of booking)

Not Included

Lunch

Itinerary

Meet your guideCruise passengers are met in the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal waiting area between doors 1 and 2 from 9:00 AM, departing at 9:30 AM. Non-cruise passengers meet at 9:00 AM at The Octagon, outside the Dunedin Visitor Centre.
Dunedin city sightseeingA scenic drive with photo stops takes in city highlights including the world's steepest street and viewpoints, plus a stroll through the botanical gardens.
Otago Peninsula high roadTravel along Highcliff Road with several stops to take in the peninsula landscapes.
Royal Albatross CentreA 1-hour guided tour of the centre, with a short introduction and a walk up a gentle slope to a viewing platform over the Royal Albatross breeding colony.
Quick lunch stopTime for food is limited; the guide stops so you can buy a quick sandwich or snack. Lunch is at your own expense.
Low road returnThe drive back follows a low road with a different perspective of the harbour, arriving at the meeting point by 3:30 PM or 4:00 PM.

GuideIncluded

PickupIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most from this day, drawn from what travellers have said afterwards.

Shoes and layers. Bring comfortable shoes and a windbreaker. Expect short walks, including the gentle slope up to the albatross viewing platform.
Food is rushed. There is limited time for lunch and it is not included. The guide stops for a quick sandwich or snack purchase, so eat a decent breakfast or bring something with you.
Guides make the day. Reviewers often praise their guides by name for being knowledgeable, considerate and flexible, with one saying the group was taken on different roads for a variety of scenery.
Wildlife beyond albatross. The albatross is the centrepiece, and several reviewers describe seeing the birds up close as the highlight. One group also opted for a wildlife scenic drive around the peninsula and spotted a lot of birds on the way.
Runs in any weather. One reviewer reported cloudy and misty conditions on their trip but still found it enjoyable.
English only. The tour runs in English, and at least one reviewer found this limiting with only basic English. If language is a concern, factor that in before booking.

Ready To GoCheck availability →

Common issues. The tour is English only, which one reviewer with limited English found a real drawback. Lunch is excluded and the stop is brief, so there is no leisurely meal. The walk up the slope to the albatross platform may challenge anyone with mobility difficulties, though a mobility scooter may be available to reserve if requested in advance. The operator also reserves the right to adjust the itinerary and its order for road closures, late or early ship arrivals and other circumstances beyond their control, which matters for cruise passengers on tight timings.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Pick-up and drop-off from central Dunedin is included if organised at the time of booking. There are two meeting points depending on the option selected. Cruise passengers are met at the Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal, while other travellers meet at The Octagon outside the Dunedin Visitor Centre.

What Is Included In The Price?

The six-hour day trip, a 1-hour guided tour of The Royal Albatross Centre, a tour guide, bottled water, and pick-up and drop-off from central Dunedin when organised at booking. Lunch is not included.

Will There Be Time For Lunch?

Only a little. Time for lunch is limited and the guide will stop for a quick sandwich or snack purchase along the way. Bring something with you if you want more than that.

Is The Walk To The Albatross Viewing Platform Difficult?

It is a short walk up a gentle slope to the viewing platform. For anyone who has difficulty with the slope, there may be a mobility scooter available to reserve, and you should request it in advance.

Is The Tour Suitable If I Don't Speak Much English?

The tour runs in English only. One reviewer found this a drawback with limited English, so consider it carefully before booking if that applies to you.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.