Iconic Full-Day Wildlife Tour

Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross

★ 4.8 37 reviews

from $224.13 per person

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Duration: 7 hours
Group: Small group, maximum 20 travellers
Meeting point: Port Chalmers Cruise Terminal
Cancellation: This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.
Run by: Iconic Tours NZ Ltd

Overview

This seven-hour day trip from Port Chalmers pairs Dunedin's city sights with the two headline wildlife experiences of the Otago Peninsula: a guided visit to see yellow eyed penguins at The OPERA, the Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance, and a guided tour at the Royal Albatross Centre. Both entry fees are included in the tour price, and pickup and drop-off at the cruise port is provided. Travellers meet inside the Visitor Building on the ship's wharf.

The day is not only about birds. The itinerary also takes in the Otago Peninsula itself, Baldwin Street, billed as the world's steepest street, and the Dunedin Railway Station, with around four hours spent on the peninsula. Cruise passengers need to supply their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time when booking, since the return is timed around the ship.

Groups run to a maximum of 20 travellers and a minimum of two per booking is required. The tour suits cruise visitors who want penguins, albatross and a taste of Dunedin in one organised day, with short walks on unsealed tracks and some steps in the reserve, so moderate fitness and sturdy footwear are needed.

Where this tour sits among 8 tours in Cruise-Ship Shore Excursions And Combos listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Private Cruise Plus Bus Tour$68.09
Small-Group Shore Excursion$90.22
Larnach Castle and Cruise, 5 Hours$99.30
Larnach Castle Shore Excursion$110.65
Small Group, Larnach Garden Entry$139.02
Albatross Centre Tour With Pickup$178
City Highlights Plus Albatross$190.08
Iconic Full-Day Wildlife Tour (this tour)$224.13

What's Included

Included

Entry fees to The OPERA (Yellow Eyed Penguin guided tour)
Entry fees to Royal Albatross guided tour
Cruise port pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Cruise port pickupMeet inside the Visitor Building on the ship's wharf at Port Chalmers. Cruise passengers must provide ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at booking.
The OPERA penguin reserveA guided tour at the Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance lasting 1.5 hours, with the admission ticket included. Short walks on unsealed tracks and some steps are involved.
Royal Albatross CentreA 1 hour guided tour at the Royal Albatross Centre, with entry included in the tour price.
Otago PeninsulaAround 4 hours of the day is spent on the Otago Peninsula, taking in the coastal scenery.
Baldwin StreetA 30 minute stop at Baldwin Street, billed as the world's steepest street.
Dunedin Railway Station and returnA 20 minute stop at the Dunedin Railway Station, before the return drive to the cruise port at Port Chalmers.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from footwear to what wildlife actually turns up.

$224.13from, per person

7 hoursduration

4.8across 37 guest reviews

20guests at most

Footwear and tracks. The reserve involves short walks on unsealed tracks and a number of easy steps, so wear suitable footwear. Several reviewers also describe a moderate amount of walking spread across the day.
Wildlife is wild. The operator states plainly that wildlife comes and goes as it pleases and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Reviewers' experiences vary widely: some saw nesting albatross with chicks and penguins in the wild, while others on unlucky days counted very few birds.
Season matters. One reviewer found far fewer penguins visible than expected at the wrong time of year, and felt that fact was not addressed before booking. What you see can depend heavily on conditions and timing on the day.
Pace and stops. The tour packs a lot into one day, and reviewers describe it as well organised but occasionally a little rushed at the city stops. Photo stops are made, and some reviewers said the guide added extras when the group was small.
Group size. The maximum is 20 travellers, with a minimum of 2 per booking. Several reviews mention ending up in very small groups on the day.
Fitness and mobility. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, not recommended for people with mobility aids or back problems, and travellers should have moderate physical fitness. One reviewer noted a steep path at the albatross centre that was not what they expected.

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Common issues. The main complaints are about wildlife numbers rather than the operation: reviewers at the wrong time of year saw only one or a few penguins, sometimes in the rehabilitation hospital rather than the wild, when they had expected more. One reviewer also found the walk to the albatross viewing area steeper than expected. The tour is not wheelchair accessible or recommended for mobility aids or back problems. Weather can cloud the views or, in the worst case, cancel the tour altogether, with a different date or full refund offered. A minimum number of travellers is required, and if it is not met you are offered a different date, a different experience or a full refund. One reviewer found the non-wildlife stops fine but nothing spectacular, and several noted the day can feel a little rushed at times.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Entry fees for the guided yellow eyed penguin tour at The OPERA and the guided Royal Albatross tour are both included, along with pickup and drop-off at the cruise port. Food and drink are not listed as included, so plan to bring your own.

Where Does The Tour Pick Up?

Pickup and drop-off are at the cruise port. Meet inside the Visitor Building on the ship's wharf. Check the booking page for hotel pickup if you are not arriving by cruise ship.

Is This Tour Suitable For People With Limited Mobility?

No. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, not recommended for people with mobility aids or back problems, and a moderate level of physical fitness is needed. The reserve has short unsealed tracks and steps, and a reviewer noted a steep path at the albatross centre.

Can Children Join The Tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult. Infant seats are available. A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.

What Should I Bring And Wear?

Bring suitable footwear for the unsealed tracks and steps in the reserve. Dunedin weather can turn wet, and one reviewer had a rainy day that spoiled the experience, so weather-appropriate clothing is wise. Bring any food and drink you want for the seven-hour day.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad Or The Tour Cancels?

The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor weather you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of travellers is not met, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.