Sunset Penguins, Entry Included

Otago Peninsula Scenery & Little Blue Penguins Evening Tour

4 reviews

from $161.71 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: 4 hours 30 minutes
Group: Small group, maximum 10 travellers
Meeting point: The Octagon, Dunedin
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Fantail Tours Limited

Overview

This tour runs four and a half hours from central Dunedin, ending with a guided viewing of Little Blue Penguins coming ashore at sunset. Fantail Tours Limited operates it, with the meeting point outside the Dunedin Visitor Centre at the Octagon, 50 The Octagon. The penguin viewing entrance is included in the ticket, so there is nothing extra to pay at the gate.

The drive out follows the peninsula itself, with a stop at Taiaroa Head before the penguin viewing at Pukekura. One reviewer called the drive interesting, and another described seeing plenty of wildlife and landscapes along the peninsula. A third reviewer, a keen birder, reported being able to photograph birds en route and penguins as they came ashore.

The group is capped at 10 travellers, and one reviewer reported the guide adjusting stops to the interests of those on board. It suits people with moderate fitness who are comfortable with an evening finish. Dinner is not included, so eat before departure or bring snacks.

Where this tour sits among 6 tours in Penguin Viewing Tours listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Pukekura Penguins Standalone Visit$34.04
Rehabilitation Centre and Reserve Walk$42
Small-Group Wildlife and Penguin Tour$42.56
Pukekura Combo, 5 Hours$93.62
Sunset Penguins, Entry Included (this tour)$161.71
Albatross Centre Free Time, Penguins$164

What's Included

Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance fee - 1.5-hour guided evening viewing of the Little Blue Penguin return at sunset

Not Included

Dinner

Itinerary

Meet at the OctagonMeet outside the Dunedin Visitor Centre at the Octagon, 50 The Octagon, central Dunedin.
Otago Peninsula driveA scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Taiaroa Head stopA stop at Taiaroa Head for 30 minutes.
Penguin viewingA guided evening viewing of the Little Blue Penguin return at sunset, lasting 1.5 hours, with the entrance fee covered.
Otago PeninsulaA final 50 minutes on the peninsula.
Return to the OctagonThe tour ends back at the original meeting point in central Dunedin.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most from this evening.

$161.71from, per person

4 hours 30 minutesduration

5.0across 4 guest reviews

10guests at most

Eat beforehand. No food is provided. Have dinner before departure or bring snacks, since the tour runs four and a half hours into the evening.
Camera ready. One reviewer said they could photograph penguins as they came ashore and stop for bird photos along the drive. Bring a camera.
Small vehicle group. The tour has a maximum of 10 travellers. One reviewer noted that at the viewing centre you join other groups, though the platform is rotated so everyone sees the areas where penguins come up.
Moderate fitness. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions should not book.
Weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and one reviewer praised the guide for being accommodating with conditions. Poor weather can mean the tour is cancelled, with a different date or a full refund offered.
Getting there. The meeting point is outside the Dunedin Visitor Centre at the Octagon, near public transportation. Infant seats are available for families travelling with babies.

Ready To GoCheck availability →

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires moderate fitness, which rules out some travellers. Weather can cause cancellation, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered. A minimum number of travellers is required, and if it is not met you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. No dinner is included, so plan to eat before the evening departure.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle and the entrance fee for the guided evening viewing of the Little Blue Penguin return at sunset are both included. The tour lasts 4.5 hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Is Dinner Or Food Provided?

No. No food is included. Have dinner before departure or bring snacks.

Where Does The Tour Meet?

Outside the Dunedin Visitor Centre at the Octagon, 50 The Octagon, central Dunedin. The tour ends back at the same point. Check the booking page for hotel pickup if you need transport to the meeting point.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

Infant seats are available, so families with babies can join. However the tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate physical fitness level.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours no refund is given and changes are not accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or low numbers, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Bring snacks if you have not eaten dinner. A camera is worthwhile, as one reviewer photographed both birds along the drive and penguins coming ashore.