Albatross Classic + Monarch Wildlife Cruise + The OPERA! (formerly Penguin Place)

Duration

Albatross Classic Tour (1 hour)
Monarch Wildlife Cruise (1 hour)
The OPERA Wildlife & Penguin Tour (1.5 hours)

About

Drive yourself along the beautiful Otago Peninsula and combine a Royal Albatross Centre tour, a Monarch Wildlife Cruise and a Penguin Tour at the Opera.

Royal Albatross Centre
Join an Albatross Classic Tour at the Royal Albatross Centre - home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross, watch these magnificent monarchs of the ocean at their nests from within the Pukekura (Taiaroa Head) nature reserve.

Monarch Wildlife Cruise
Afterwards, join a wildlife cruise aboard the Monarch around Taiaroa Head to see what can’t be seen from land – different species of albatross at sea, fur seals and other marine mammals and birds are often sighted.

The OPERA (formerly Penguin Place)
Join The OPERA for an interpretive tour of their working conservation reserve to protect the rare Yellow Eyed Penguin.

Viewing

The Royal Albatross breeding cycle lasts almost one year, so we see some form of albatross almost every month. Ask us for viewing based on your date of visit.

October is difficult to guarantee albatross sightings as chicks depart the headland in September and new season nests are built in late October.

During tours in October, we hope to see some new season adults either on the ground, in the air or both, but there is a small chance we may not see any.

Where to find us

Royal Albatross Centre is located at the tip of the Otago Peninsula at 1259 Harington Point Road, a 50 minute scenic drive from the Dunedin city.
Monarch Wildlife Cruises departure point is located at Wellers Rock at 813 Harington Point Road, 3kms before the Royal Albatross Centre.
The OPERA (formerly Penguin Place) is located between us and Monarch at 45 Pakihau Road.

Things to Know

• This is a self drive package. Itinerary is provided once booking has been made - itinerary may vary if availability is limited.
• Please check in 15 minutes prior to each tour.
• Photography is allowed on tours, but no flash. Viewing of the albatross inside the nature reserve is behind a double glazed, one way glass system to reduce disturbance to the albatross and wildlife.
• The weather at Taiaroa Head can prevail, please bring warm and if possible, waterproof clothing.
• Albatross Centre Cafe is open all day, make sure you allow time to enjoy a delicious meal and beverage.